melanie roberts

 

Professional Summary

 

I graduated in Psychology and philosophy from Manchester University, England and have 20 years in the media industry. For the last 10 years I have owned and run two small businesses offering training and consultancy services. Prior to that I had a variety of sales, management and buying roles

 

I am studying for an MBA through the Open University Business School (OUBS). My specialist areas are strategy (formulation, analysis and implementation) and organisational processes (including structure, systems and culture) with a special interest in how information is managed within organisations.

 

 

Professional Experience

MD at Behind the Lines: April 2004 - Present (5 years)

www.behindthelines.co.uk
Sales training, management training, business consultancy

After selling the recruitment arm of my previous business in 2002, ‘Behind the Lines' was born as a training consultancy. Running this business as a sole trader with a network of specialists in complimentary sectors gives me the freedom to study for my MBA whilst still helping clients' solve real world problems. Behind the Lines offers the most up to date business management ideas and translates them into practical business solutions.

 

MD at Sales Associates Ltd: April 1998 - April 2004 (6 years)
Recruitment and training company for the Media Industry
In 1995 I launched my own business offering recruitment and training services to the media industry. Sales Associates Ltd grew to become a recognised brand employing eight full time staff, an enviable client list and healthy profit margins. It was amongst the first companies to offer services to the online sector whilst retaining classic business systems.

The key skills I developed from my first business were to take chances but not short cuts and to experiment creatively within a set budget. My ongoing objective was to create an environment where ideas flourished and staff could develop in the directions they chose.

 

Group Advertising Manager at EMAP Images Ltd: 1996 - 1998
I was responsible for advertising sales in eight computer games magazines including Mean Machines Sega, Nintendo Magazine System and CVG.
I was promoted twice and ultimately to group manager of all titles. Our biggest titles were market leaders in the key sectors and we launched two new titles during my time there.

My key development s at EMAP were learning to negotiate the politics of a senior role and taking a more strategic approach to managing revenues and future growth.


Account Manager at Carat Business Ltd: September 1993-1995 (2 years 7 months)
Advertising agency specialising in business media sector
In 1991 I was part of a team of four who successfully launched Carat Business, an advertising agency that specialised in business to business press scheduling and buying. My role was client interface in the Northern and Scottish regions during the handover from the existing agency; TMD to the new structure; Carat Business which was part of the Carat group of companies. Carat Business was handling billings of £22.4 million (pounds sterling) by 1995

The key skills that I developed were the ability to analyse each client's needs and identify and communicate better solutions for them. I also learnt to take on any role in the organisation and to accept responsibility for every part of the value chain that the client came into contact with

Deputy Advertising Manager at Quantum Publishing Ltd 1991-1993
As the deputy ad manager on Publican I had a dream job dealing with interesting clients a fascinating sector going through huge regulatory change. I added several products to the Publican brand and we became market leaders over the long standing Morning Advertiser.
I improved my people management skills, consolidated my sales ability to sell at a more senior level and learned the key brand extension skills.

Advertising Sales at Maxwell Business Communications 1989-1991
My first job in sales was with a very motivated and exciting team working on Electronics Express recruitment advertising. We had fun and came from the back to become the leaders in a weekly market of 3 titles. In this role I learned the key to successful selling: work hard, listen well and solve problems.

 

Education

Open University Business School, 2006 - present: MBA, studies are ongoing
Postgraduate Certificate in Business Administration 2007

The University of Manchester, 1982 - 1985
BA (hons), Psychology, philosophy, sociology,

Queens School, Germany,1980 - 1982
3 A'levels: English B, Sociology B, French C.

Presentation Convent, 1975 -1980
8 O'levels: English language, English Literature, Maths, Physics, Biology, French, R.E, Geography.

 

Interests

I am a hands on mum to two daughters; Josie and Alex. I train regularly in a martial art called ‘Choi Kwang Do' and hope that the black belt I am aiming for in March 2010 will be useful to keep my girls and any future boyfriends in line. I also practice Tai chi so that I can be calm when the above doesn't go as planned.

 

LookupPage - Brand Yourself Online

http://www.behindthelines.co.uk