Janice Lurie
Richardson,TX
Summary
MANAGEMENT CREATIVE STRATEGIST & PRODUCER
#Project Management #Content Development #Skills Transfer & Facilitation #Decisive and creative producer with a strategic & solutions-based mindset.
A track record of success & repeat business having lead stages of branding, content, and event production, coupled with the ability to inspire teams through project, creative & storyteller thinking, idea generation and execution. Demonstrates expertise managing budgets, stakeholder negotiation & engagement, along with communication & EQ skills mentorship.
A values-oriented individual with a proactive approach to business and a willingness to go the extra mile in delivering meaningful content and memorable experiences.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Small Business Owner & Director
Maverick Warehouse Pty Ltd
Johannesburg, South Africa
07.2011 - Current
- Strategy, Operations and Project delivery
- Overseeing and implementing communication, event and campaign strategies for a large client portfolio
- Developed and fosteried relationships with sought-after speakers, performers and creative innovators
- Developed key relationships with Multi-national Clientele, always ensuring world class delivery
- Strategic planning of creative and pitched ideas to secure attendees, event speakers and sponsors
- Cast, Produced & creatively directed all entertainment components of events, activations, teambuilds, & conferences
- Provided training and skills transfer to production teams
- Continually generated revenue through the delivery of effective brand & event marketing projects
- Create and drive strategy, revenue growth plans and service delivery through quality communication projects
- Lead on operations and performance, ensuring the company's standards were always met & improved
- Interacted directly with clients to consult, expand offered services, and build relationships
- Strong communication and relationship building skills with key partners and stakeholders.
- Promoted business via social media to generate leads and maximize brand identity.
- Designed business plan to define concept, short-term and long-term goals and strategies.
- Researched trends and current innovations to determine competition and develop competitive pricing points.
- Provided elite customer service by resolving escalated problems and calmly responding to shifting priorities.
- Participated in business events, conferences and trade shows to promote products and network with business owners and prospective clients.
- Demonstrated product presentations to prospective customers to showcase features, benefits and value.
- Interviewed and hired ideal candidates to assist with logistics and tasks of business.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
- Negotiated price and service with customers and vendors to decrease expenses and increase profit.
- Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
- Implemented business strategies, increasing revenue and effectively targeting new markets.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Trained new employees on proper protocols and customer service standards.
- Identified and qualified customer needs and negotiated and closed profitable projects with high success rate.
- Monitored daily cash discrepancies, inventory shrinkage and drive-off.
- Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
- Reduced budgetary expenditures by effectively negotiating contracts for more advantageous terms.
Production Manager / Head Of Production TheWinWinGroup
04.2008 - 10.2011
- Provided direction and support regarding communications strategy, brand management as well as event planning and coordination
- Assigned appropriately skilled employees to client productions
- Worked closely with design teams to achieve the production’s artistic vision
- Identified and provided training for employees within the production team
- Managed and expanded existing income generating strategies to ensure continued growth, across various marketing programs but always delivering to overall strategy
- Implemented new strategies for income generation in collaboration with internal stakeholders
- Oversaw content development processes and identified content partnerships to deliver high-quality and innovative content.
Production/Production/Project Manager Team Leader
Sun International
Johannesburg, South Africa
01.2008 - 01.2011
- On several key accounts: o
- Coordinated daily activity and flow of projects through multiple departments to verify on-time product delivery.
- Modeled management and organizational skills and multi-tasked and prioritized in deadline-driven environment.
- Adhered to industry practices, company standards and safety protocols in work.
- Developed project timelines for product lines from kickoff through production and online content development based on marketplace requirements.
- Worked with team of 28 professionals focused on meeting the One Sun project needs.
- Monitored project progress, identified risks and took corrective action as needed.
- Tracked project and team member performance closely to quickly intervene in mistakes or delays.
- Analyzed project performance data to identify areas of improvement.
- Developed and implemented project plans and budgets to ensure successful execution.
- Recruited and oversaw personnel to achieve performance and quality targets.
- Scheduled and facilitated meetings between project stakeholders to discuss deliverables, schedules and conflicts.
- Maintained open communication by presenting regular updates on project status to customers.
- Reported regularly to managers on project budget, progress and technical problems.
- Sourced, vetted and managed vendors needed to accomplish project goals.
- Facilitated workshops to collect project requirements and user feedback.
Retail Store Manager
Natuzzi
Dallas, TX
01.2004 - 12.2007
- Managed the first Texas based retail Natuzzi Franchise store
- Ensured the store generated a profit in the first 18 months of operation ensuring store expansion
- Exceeded sales goals and accomplished business objectives by inspiring staff and promoting target products.
- Optimized store displays and appearance via strategic merchandising.
- Offered hands-on assistance to customers, assessing needs, and maintaining current knowledge of consumer preferences.
- Managed store organization, maintenance, and purchasing functions.
- Completed routine store inventories.
- Coached employees and trained on methods for handling various aspects of sales, complicated issues, and difficult customers.
- Managed inventory control processes to restore back stock, control costs, and maintain sales floor levels to meet customer needs.
- Submitted orders for new inventory.
- Trained team members in successful strategies to meet operational and sales targets.
- Oversaw employee performance, corrected problems, and increased efficiency to maintain productivity targets.
- Maintained customer satisfaction with quick and professional handling of product returns.
- Mentored team members to enhance professional development and accountability in workplace.
- Created employee schedules to align coverage with forecasted demands.
- Established and optimized schedules to keep coverage and service in line with forecasted demands.
- Managed inventory control, cash control, and store opening and closing procedures.
- Assisted with hiring, training and mentoring new staff members.
- Completed point of sale opening and closing procedures.
- Rotated merchandise and displays to feature new products and promotions.
- Maximized sales and minimized shrinkage through excellent customer service and adherence to standard practices.
- Coached sales associates in product specifications, sales incentives, and selling techniques, significantly increasing customer satisfaction ratings.
Account Manager
Lynne Malkoff Promotions Inc
Dallas, TX
01.2004 - 01.2005
- New Business Development
- Production
- Addressed problems with accounting, billing, and service delivery to maintain and enhance client satisfaction.
- Built and strengthened long-lasting client relationships based on accurate price quotes and customer-centric terms.
- Educated clients on new products or services to increase customer engagement with brand.
- Facilitated client satisfaction and renewed customer relations to drive growth.
- Evaluated client needs and developed tailored solutions to increase positive customer ratings.
- Coordinated with internal teams to facilitate prompt delivery of client projects.
- Oversaw new business development to generate sales leads, negotiate client pricing and forecast revenue.
- Recommended brand products to customers to encourage repeat purchases and foster customer loyalty.
- Negotiated prices for products and freights to reduce cost of acquisition by achieving lower price.
- Performed effectively in self-directed work environment, managing day-to-day operations and decisions.
- Gained customer trust and confidence by demonstrating compelling, persuasive and composed professional demeanor.
- Built relationships with customers and community to promote long term business growth.
- Fielded customer complaints and facilitated negotiations, resolving issues and reaching mutual conclusions.
- Maintained current knowledge of evolving changes in marketplace.
Public Relations Assistant
Penny Stein Promotions
Johannesburg South Africa
01.2002 - 01.2004
- Premier Music Industry PR
- SA Tours for Usher; Erykha Badu; Fran Drescher; George Duke; PopStars SA
- Assisted with planning, development and implementation of company projects and programs.
- Assisted during high telephone volumes and customer escalations.
- Managed content on company website, delivering prompt updates during emergency situations.
- Developed familiarity with company services and promotions to accurately respond to customer inquiries.
- Worked closely with business partners to develop consistent messaging across platforms and departments.
- Performed tasks and projects as assigned by director of marketing.
- Created high-quality press releases, blogs and newsletters.
- Supported public relations managers with writing, researching and preparation of materials
- Engaged in professional networking to maintain strong relationships with communications and media professionals to drive partnerships and effective dissemination of mass communications.
- Produced and distributed brochures, newsletters and press kits.
- Drafted press releases detailing relevant newsworthy information and supporting brand image, and worked with news media to spread positions.
- Conducted media relations and responded to media requests for information.
Key Account Manager Advertising
The Vision Group Inc
Johannesburg South Africa
01.2001 - 01.2003
- Through-the-Line Advertising
- Development of creative and production proposals
- New Business Sales
- Client Management
- Working with designers & creative teams
- Stylist for creative projects
- Built and maintained strong client relationships to drive business growth.
- Secured high-value accounts through consultative selling, effective customer solutions, and promoting compelling business opportunities.
- Developed thorough understanding of key clients' needs and requirements to prepare customized solutions.
- Facilitated strategic meetings with key stakeholders to understand customer needs and develop action plans.
- Developed and delivered presentations to key customers to position products and services.
- Improved account management by predicting potential competitive threats and outlining proactive solutions.
- Fostered lasting relationships with customers through effective communication and quick response, resulting in long-term loyalty and expanded client base.
- Built relationships with customers and community to promote long term business growth.
- Performed effectively in self-directed work environment, managing day-to-day operations and decisions.
- Identified new business opportunities through cold calling, networking, marketing and prospective database leads.
- Fielded customer complaints and facilitated negotiations, resolving issues and reaching mutual conclusions.
- Presented professional image consistent with company's brand values.
Education
Goldman Sachs 10000 Women Programme , Business Administration and - Management
GIBS Business School (Gordon Institute of Business Science)
2013
1 Year Bridging Course - Business Administration And Management
GIBS Business School (Gordon Institute of Business Science)
Johannesburg South Africa 03.2011
No Degree - Project Management
PDI
Johannesburg South Africa 2010
Bachelor of Arts (BA) - Dramatic Arts
University of the Witwatersrand
2010
Bachelor of Arts - Light Music/Jazz
University of KwaZulu
Durban, South Africa 2001
Light Music / Jazz , Music - undefined
Technikon KwaZulu Natal
1995
Skills
- Project Management
- On-Time Project Delivery
- Planning and Execution
- Strategic Vision
- Live, Hybrid & Virtual Event Planning Producer
- Content Ideation & Creative Direction
- Customer & vendor relations
- Soft Skills Training & content development
- Actor Selection, Auditioning & Casting
- Video & Recordings Production & Direction
- Coordinating Shows
- Live Production and Sitcom Experience
- Vendor Coordination
- Exceptional Interpersonal Communication
Hobbies
My happy places are either when Horse Riding; playing Squash; Gardening or outdoors; Singing in my trio or hanging out with my kids.
Timeline
Small Business Owner & Director
Maverick Warehouse Pty Ltd
07.2011 - Current
Production Manager / Head Of Production TheWinWinGroup
04.2008 - 10.2011
Production/Production/Project Manager Team Leader
Sun International
01.2008 - 01.2011
Retail Store Manager
Natuzzi
01.2004 - 12.2007
Account Manager
Lynne Malkoff Promotions Inc
01.2004 - 01.2005
Public Relations Assistant
Penny Stein Promotions
01.2002 - 01.2004
Key Account Manager Advertising
The Vision Group Inc
01.2001 - 01.2003
Goldman Sachs 10000 Women Programme , Business Administration and - Management
GIBS Business School (Gordon Institute of Business Science)
1 Year Bridging Course - Business Administration And Management
GIBS Business School (Gordon Institute of Business Science)
No Degree - Project Management
PDI
Bachelor of Arts (BA) - Dramatic Arts
University of the Witwatersrand
Bachelor of Arts - Light Music/Jazz
University of KwaZulu
Light Music / Jazz , Music - undefined
Technikon KwaZulu Natal