Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Community Service
Timeline
Tara King

Tara King

Summary

Tara King is an accomplished Customer Experience Director with over 20 years of expertise in CX strategy and implementation, CRM/data management, customer retention, learning and development, and business transformation. Proficient across diverse industries including automotive, retail, and manufacturing, Tara is acknowledged for consistently surpassing sales objectives and driving business growth.

As the Director of Customer Experience for Gibraltar Building Accessories Division, Tara developed and implemented a comprehensive CX strategy and roadmap to increase customer satisfaction and loyalty. Tara also designed a Voice of the Customer program to capture customer insights and feedback and implemented robust tracking and monitoring systems to measure the impact of CX initiatives, ensuring their effectiveness and alignment with organizational goals. Her leadership has resulted in significant achievements, including a 78% reduction in CSR order entry errors, saving $400k, and a 43% decrease in retail fines, saving $2 million over two years.

During her 20 years with Volvo Cars USA, Tara held multiple senior roles where she led network-driven transformations, developed best practices for retailer profitability, collaborated on curriculum development, and managed vendor relationships to optimize customer satisfaction and loyalty efforts. Her strategic thinking and dedication are demonstrated by a 20% increase in retail volume and a 30% growth in aftersales business.

Tara excels in fostering seamless customer interactions and improving customer relationships through comprehensive CX strategies. Her engaging and pleasant personality has been instrumental in establishing strong relationships with key stakeholders and enhancing collaboration towards shared goals of improved customer experiences.

Tara's commitment to excellence is underscored by her Management Certification from the Yale School of Management and advanced education from The Ritz-Carlton Leadership Center and Sotheby's Institute of Art. In 2023, Tara was named one of CIO Review’s Top 10 Customer Experience Leaders.

Outside of her professional life, Tara enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. She is also an active community volunteer, contributing to local charities and making a positive impact beyond the workplace.

Overview

26
26
years of professional experience

Work History

Director of Customer Experience

Gibraltar Industries
01.2022 - Current
  • Developed and implemented a comprehensive CX strategy and roadmap to increase customer satisfaction and loyalty
  • Developed a Voice of the Customer program to capture customer insights and feedback
  • Implemented robust tracking and monitoring systems to measure the impact of CX initiatives, ensuring their effectiveness and alignment with organizational goals
  • Collaborated with cross-functional partners to identify pain points, root causes, and solutions, and develop business cases for initiatives
  • Developed opportunities to improve customer experience and build customer
  • Drove customer experience design to support the end-to-end experience for all channels and customer segments
  • Defined and facilitated customer advocacy steering committee cadence
  • Participated in cross-functional teams for key VOC projects and help guide the initiatives to achieve the desired outcomes
  • Ensured performance standards are being met and all customers receive the best possible experience across all touchpoints
  • Created and facilitated training for all employees
  • Managed the strategic relationship with customers and sales leaders
  • Created and implemented efficient processes to track and manage service levels, improvement programs, and customer escalations and resolutions
  • Developed skills and acumen of Customer Service Managers and teams
  • Designed and implemented upsell and cross-sell programs in partnership with sales leaders.
  • Developed and executed data-driven initiatives for continuous improvement in customer experience metrics.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify and address key areas of improvement in the customer journey.
  • Streamlined processes to reduce response times, thereby increasing overall customer satisfaction rates.
  • Conducted thorough analysis of customer feedback, identifying trends and opportunities for enhancement of services offered.
  • Established strong relationships with key stakeholders, fostering collaboration towards shared goals of improved customer experiences.
  • Designed and implemented comprehensive training programs for staff to enhance their skills in handling diverse customer needs.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by implementing innovative strategies in customer experience management.
  • Monitored performance metrics such as customer experience surveys to increase customer satisfaction scores [Number]%.
  • Conducted market research to identify new opportunities and target markets.

Senior Manager Customer Experience

Volvo Cars USA
01.2020 - 01.2022
  • Led network-driven transformation of customer satisfaction and loyalty initiatives to best-in-class SSI, CSI, and IQS
  • Managed development of best practices that focus on improved systems and processes to enhance retailer profitability, productivity, and efficiency within the Sales, Service, and Parts departments
  • Collaborated with the Training manager on curriculum development for internal and Retailer personnel
  • Worked closely with the global, Volvo Cars USA management team, and regional teams to support market needs and achieve targeted results
  • Analyzed data to find opportunities for improvement
  • Conducted market research to develop and implement customer satisfaction programs
  • Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions, and make decisions
  • Developed and launched the National Customer Experience program, through a retail network
  • Management of vendor relationships to optimize the developmental and analytical resources directed towards improving customer satisfaction and owner loyalty efforts.
  • Led cross-functional teams to achieve project milestones and deliver high-quality results.
  • Improved team performance by providing comprehensive training and fostering a collaborative work environment.
  • Managed large-scale projects and introduced new systems, tools, and processes to achieve challenging objectives.
  • Implemented and developed operational standards, policies and procedures.
  • Utilized data-driven insights to make informed decisions that resulted in higher returns on investments.
  • Reviewed and analyzed reports, records and directives to obtain data required for planning department activities.
  • Consolidated vendors and renegotiated contracts to optimize costs.
  • Assisted in organizing and overseeing assignments to drive operational excellence.

Senior Market Manager

Volvo Cars USA
01.2016 - 01.2020
  • Managed and prioritized market team activities to align wholesale, retail, and aftersales objectives
  • Liaised between senior management and Volvo retailers to implement effective changes and revitalize market growth
  • Achieved monthly sales targets consistently by pursuing new business every day
  • Increased retail volume by 20% in 3 years
  • Built brand awareness in the local market and increased penetration with proactive strategies
  • Grew aftersales business by 30% and was #1 in the Region through strategic planning and implementation.
  • Implemented cost-saving measures, resulting in improved bottom-line results for the organization.
  • Developed data-driven strategies for improving overall company growth and profitability.
  • Spearheaded successful product launches, generating significant revenue growth for the company.
  • Increased market share by implementing strategic marketing initiatives and conducting in-depth market analysis.
  • Coached sales team members in effective selling strategies and closing techniques.
  • Achieved monthly sales targets consistently by pursuing new business.
  • Launched successful digital marketing campaigns that achieved goals for increased website traffic.
  • Optimized email campaigns to increase open and click-through rates.
  • Improved website visibility through development and implementation of SEO strategies.

Senior Manager Commercial Training Manager

Volvo Cars USA
01.2011 - 01.2016
  • Led strategic planning, development, and implementation of retailer processes, customer and product knowledge, and skill-based training for all dealer personnel and internal corporate personnel
  • Managed implementation of remote training strategies, including virtual classroom learning and web-based training for training topics
  • Monitored and measured quality training and development plans ensuring all projects were delivered accurately on time, according to budget
  • Partnered with regional teams in reviewing training needs.
  • Led cross-functional teams to achieve project milestones and deliver high-quality results.
  • Provided strong leadership to enhance team productivity and morale.
  • Implemented and developed operational standards, policies and procedures.
  • Achieved operational excellence by streamlining processes and implementing best practices.
  • Increased customer satisfaction with timely project deliveries and seamless communication.
  • Reviewed and analyzed reports, records and directives to obtain data required for planning department activities.
  • Championed process improvement initiatives that led to significant cost savings without compromising on quality standards.
  • Spearheaded change management efforts for seamless adoption of new systems or processes among employees.
  • Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
  • Used industry expertise, customer service skills and analytical nature to resolve customer concerns and promote loyalty.
  • Developed and implemented comprehensive training program to increase employee productivity and morale.
  • Communicated all learning and performance objectives, schedules, and training assessments to upper management.
  • Evaluated the effectiveness of training programs using various assessment tools, providing valuable feedback for continuous improvement initiatives.

Market Manager

Volvo Cars USA
01.2007 - 01.2012
  • Managed retailer and market team performance against annual business plan objectives and took corrective action to improve performance, resulting in being recognized for overall Top Market performance in 2011
  • Generated a 10% year-over-year increase in new car sales through effective networking and marketing strategies to grow new business
  • Drove marketing efforts by orchestrating market advertising campaigns
  • Built brand awareness in the local market and increased penetration with proactive strategies.
  • Increased market share by identifying and capitalizing on emerging market trends.
  • Streamlined internal processes, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing costs.
  • Achieved sales goals and service targets by cultivating and securing new customer relationships.
  • Drove customer satisfaction improvements through the implementation of effective feedback mechanisms and prompt issue resolution.

Operational Process Manager

Volvo Cars USA
01.1999 - 01.2007
  • Developed and implemented performance improvement strategies and plans to promote continuous improvement.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify areas of improvement, leading to increased efficiency across departments.
  • Ensured compliance with industry standards by establishing guidelines, monitoring progress, and addressing deviations promptly.

Education

Volvo Cars Executive Leadership Program -

Yale University, New Haven, CT
01.2021

Customer Experience Design -

Sotheby's Institutes of Art
01.2020

Professional development completed in Marketing -

Georgia Gwinnett College
01.2012

Skills

  • Customer Experience
  • CRM/Data Management
  • Market Research & Analysis
  • Process Improvement
  • Sales & Marketing
  • Business Development
  • Strategic Thinking
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Problem-Solving
  • Excellent Communication
  • Relationship Building
  • Team building
  • Training and Development
  • Continuous Improvement

Community Service

  • Volvo Cars USA, 2019-01-01, 2020-12-31, Diversity and Inclusion - Women's Business Resource Group Lead
  • Hosea Helps, 2018-01-01, 2018-12-31, Feed the hungry event
  • Big Brother Big Sister North Carolina, 2008-01-01, 2012-12-31, Big sister to young girls

Timeline

Director of Customer Experience - Gibraltar Industries
01.2022 - Current
Senior Manager Customer Experience - Volvo Cars USA
01.2020 - 01.2022
Senior Market Manager - Volvo Cars USA
01.2016 - 01.2020
Senior Manager Commercial Training Manager - Volvo Cars USA
01.2011 - 01.2016
Market Manager - Volvo Cars USA
01.2007 - 01.2012
Operational Process Manager - Volvo Cars USA
01.1999 - 01.2007
Yale University - Volvo Cars Executive Leadership Program,
Sotheby's Institutes of Art - Customer Experience Design,
Georgia Gwinnett College - Professional development completed in Marketing,
Tara King