Andree Bender
Cape Town
Summary
Experienced Fashion Design Assistant and Office Manager with over 5 years in the fashion industry and 25 years in business administration. Versatile and detail-oriented, with a deep understanding of the industry and the ability to handle tasks efficiently. Strong client relations and exceptional communication skills facilitate effective collaboration with team members and clients. Thrives under pressure and excels at meeting tight deadlines for successful project completion.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Designer Assisting and Office Manager
Cindy Bam Couture
01.2020 - Current
- Assisting designer to conceptualise and develop new product lines, client readymade fittings, custom-made consultations and high-profile collaborations, by preparing mood boards, fabric samples, sketches, and presentation materials, based on client preferences, brand and event requirements or dress codes for weddings (bride and guests), formal events and photoshoots
- Assisting designer in client custom consultations and personally attending to readymade fittings for bridal and evening wear
- Conduct research on current fashion trends and client preferences to assist the designer with decisions and marketing strategies
- Assisting in sourcing materials and fabric shopping
- Assisting with basic needs in pattern draughting and production
- Assisting in organising and coordinating events such as fashion shows, photoshoots, promotional events, expos, networking opportunities and sales, handling logistics such as bookings, travel arrangements, and model fittings
- Acting as the primary point of contact for queries, updates, and requests through phone, email, in-person meetings and social media messages from new, existing and high-profile clients
- Managing calendars, organising and scheduling meetings, fittings, and appointments for clients, including managing travel arrangements and personal schedule for the designer
- Building strong relationships with repeat clients by maintaining clear communication and ensuring their expectations are consistently met
- Skilled at resolving client concerns and making necessary adjustments to meet their expectations
- Effectively handling multiple client projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery and client satisfaction
- Managing garment returns, exchanges, and repairs with suppliers while coordinating sample deliveries through courier services
- Organising and supervising samples for photoshoots, fittings, and client presentations, ensuring that garments are properly labeled, stored, and transported
- Maintaining clear communication between design teams, production staff, and external partners by communicating design adjustments based on client feedback to ensure seamless execution of projects
- Managing reseller relationships by addressing inquiries related to orders, inventory, pricing, adjusted inventory levels, product launches, sales performance, and coordinated marketing strategies
- Providing resellers with product samples, catalogs, and promotional materials
- Handling order processing and ensuring timely delivery of products
- Assisting in negotiating contracts and terms with reseller partners, contributing to the brand’s retail expansion
- Ensuring that all day-to-day operational aspects of the studio are managed effectively by preparing the environment for a high-end client experience
- Creating and managing social media accounts such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Youtube and Pinterest
- Assisting in producing engaging videos and graphics for posts, stories and reels to enhance customer engagement and product awareness engaging content, across various channels, utilising tools like Canva, Splice, and Lightroom
- This included publishing content such as behind-the-scenes footage, product launches, and runway looks to boost brand visibility
- Managing influencer collaborations and sponsored posts to ensure alignment with the brand's aesthetic and goals, while also organising photo shoots and providing styling assistance for social media visuals and branding campaigns
- Building & executing social media strategy through competitive research, and appropriate audience identification
- Analysing social media performance metrics and engagement data to enhance content strategies, such as paid ads, and identify growth opportunities
- Create, list, maintain and manage the company's Google Business profile
- Creating custom Google forms, location on Google Maps, monitor Google reviews and running Google ads
- Developing, customising, uploading, and managing the e-commerce Shopify website, along with creating content and photographing products
- Additionally, connecting online appointments to the Outlook Calendar and utilizing keywords for optimized search functionality
- Client quotations, invoicing, statements and payments
- Following up on pending client inquiries, orders, projects and payments to ensure timely completion of the project on hand
- Filing and tracking purchase orders, invoices, and contracts, while reconciling receipts and expenses to ensure all costs are accounted for and within budget
- Managing the inventory of materials, including fabrics and trims, while ensuring timely restocking and shipment tracking for production needs
- Overseeing courier bookings, inventory tracking, and supply restocking
- Additionally, documenting meeting minutes, tracking assigned tasks, and following up on action items
- Assisting with costing and budgeting, including petty cash management and purchasing office consumables and production materials
- Writing and post job descriptions
- Reviewing resumes, conducting interviews, and screening potential employees
- Assisting in the process for new hires, including paperwork, arranging training, and orientation
- Request and issue employment contracts and job offer letters
- Compile payroll on a small scale, ensuring that employees are paid accurately and on time
- Monitor employee attendance, leaves, and vacation balances
- Safeguard confidential employee information, such as salaries, personal data, and disciplinary records
Co-founder and Office Manager
AV Light Steel
01.2011 - 01.2019
- Answering phone calls, emails, handling correspondence and managing social media accounts
- Scheduling meetings, appointments, and managing calendars
- Handling travel arrangements and accommodations for staff
- Processing invoices, purchase orders, and tracking and managing budgets for office expenses, including tracking and reconciling receipts
- Maintaining organised filing systems for documents, records, and Assisting in preparing reports, presentations, and other documents
- Managing office supplies inventory and placing orders as needed and maintaining relationships with vendor’s service providers for office-related needs
- Coordinating maintenance of office equipment and handling any repairs or issues
- Overseeing payroll, benefits, and HR-related tasks such as onboarding and employee records
- Ensuring compliance with office policies, procedures, and health and safety regulations
- Assisting in onboarding new employees, including paperwork and training coordination
- Supervising administrative staff and delegating tasks to ensure timely completion
- Facilitating communication between departments and addressing administrative issues as they arise
Co-founder and Office Manager
Legal Wheels cc
01.2004 - 01.2010
- Answering and handling manager’s phone calls and emails, including responding as needed
- Managing the manager’s calendar by making travel arrangements, maintaining a travel log, and accompanying the manager on business trips, meetings, and events
- Planning and coordinating meetings, including taking notes and preparing meeting minutes
- Conducting research or gathering information as requested
- Assisting with the preparation of tenders and proposals
- Assisting clients by completing forms for the Licensing Department on their behalf
Assistant to Office Manager
Totpak
01.2001 - 01.2003
- Assisting with day-to-day administrative tasks such as filing, data entry, and record-keeping
- Maintaining office supplies by monitoring inventory and ordering items when necessary
- Assisting with event planning and organising office functions or meetings
- Providing general support to visitors and acting as a liaison between management and staff
Education
Fashion Design - Basic Pattern Design
Bloemfontein Fashion Academy
01.2000
High School Diploma - Grade 12
C&N Sekondêre Meisieskool Oranje (High School)
01.1998
Skills
- Strong client relations skills
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to perform efficiently under pressure to meet tight deadlines
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Proficient in office admin, inventory, staff, product launches, sales
- Proficient in Shopify, Excel, Word, Publisher, Outlook, Sage, and Google Docs (including Google Forms)
- Proficient in creating and managing social media accounts such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Youtube and Pinterest
- Proficient in Canva, Splice, and Lightroom
Languages
Afrikaans (Home language)
English (Fluent in speaking, reading and writing)
Personal Information
Title: Designer Assistingant and Office Manager
References
Available upon request.
Timeline
Designer Assisting and Office Manager
Cindy Bam Couture
01.2020 - Current
Co-founder and Office Manager
AV Light Steel
01.2011 - 01.2019
Co-founder and Office Manager
Legal Wheels cc
01.2004 - 01.2010
Assistant to Office Manager
Totpak
01.2001 - 01.2003
High School Diploma - Grade 12
C&N Sekondêre Meisieskool Oranje (High School)
Fashion Design - Basic Pattern Design
Bloemfontein Fashion Academy
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