Meara Dougherty

The Product House, the largest supplier of luxury spa brands in the Middle East, works in partnership with many of the leading spas and international hotel chains in the area.

Key Responsibilities
Operations:
> Develop and maintain SOP’s for purchasing and logistics, warehousing and accounts to ensure efficient interdepartmental co-ordination.
> Direct report for Office support team (8) including drivers, reception, purchasing assistants and accountant.
> Oversee sales team and trainers (4)
> Overseeing license renewals (trade licenses Free Zone and LLC, Visas, importer codes, tenancy contracts etc.) including acquisitions of new trade licenses and requirements related to varying activities thereof.
> Supplier liaison including contracts.
> Product Registration (10 brands) and continual research in legislation changes both locally and within the ME.
> Acquisition of required approvals and licensing for newly developed sectors of the business. Eg: a training school.
> Preparation of quarterly and annual business reviews. (sales vs expenditures analysis)
> Preparation of sales targets, supplier order forecasts and budgeting for approval by the MD
> Recruitment of additional team members required as well as annual performance reviews for office support team.
Business Development
> Assisting in developing future strategies to develop additional sectors of the business in order to grow the company and increase company revenue.
> Build relations with key decision makers on a corporate level to ensure brand alignment for future projects and current spas in the region.
> New business acquisition for new spa openings as well as increasing menu / brand share in our current client portfolio.
> Developing effective sales, marketing and training support strategies to provide clients the collaboration required to thrive in a competitive market.
> Growing our retail sector for luxury skincare with high-end retailers in the region.

Brands
> Growth and maintenance of peripheral brands.
> Developing effecting strategies for introduction of new brands to the region.
> Negotiating distributer contracts with suppliers.
> Developing treatment menus, opening orders, training of treatments and implementation of marketing support plans in new openings with new brands.

Jumeirah Hotels and resorts are an innovative luxurious hotel group ranked amongst the hospitality industry. (www.jumeirah.com)

>Have completed one year as spa therapist trained on all treatments on the menu including various massages and body treatments, hammam, organic facials, light superficial chemical peels, mesotherapy (microneedling method), Velasmooth Pro and cavitation.
> Worked with monthly budgets of between 1.8 to 2.5 million AED and achieved of the highest retail and treatment turnovers consecutively.
> Worked according to LQA standards with the expectations of scores above 89%.
> Experience with mystery shoppers and World Spa Awards adjudicators .
> Assisted in the absence of lead therapist to ensure treatment rooms are clean and maintained.
> Cross trainer in reservations and reception to better understand the logistics and operations of the front desk and the maximizing of bookings.
> Cross referrals and the promotion of Talise wellness clinic.

Awesym Skin and Body is an independent skincare salon with its main focus on aesthetic skincare treatments. (www.awesymskin.co.za)

> Completed 6 months training and performing aesthetic skincare treatments including superficial chemical peels ( acne, photoageing and pigmentation) and collagen induction (Derma roller)
> Performed standard facials, manicures, pedicures, waxing and massage.
> Front desk responsibilities including initial and follow up bookings and client payments.
> Directly involved in marketing events to promote the salon and attract new business due to being part of the opening team.

Sorbet is a franchised group of salons that is well established and currently the largest in the country with branches nationwide. (www.sorbet.co.za)

> Completed 2 years where I was solely responsible for front of house operations including booking appointments, guest payments, record cards, guest feedback and complaints.
> Administration duties including daily cash up, stock control and inventory, stock orders, generating weekly and monthly reports.
> Support role to the therapists and link between therapists and guests.
> Responsible for the development of administration procedures and protocols.
> PA to the owner of the business for business and personal related errands.
> Back up therapist when operations required it.

( Company Liquidated )

I Care for My Body was an aesthetic and cosmetic surgery clinic that provided skincare and slimming treatments.

>Upon completion of my initial training and induction the company went into liquidation.
> My training period included Ultra Shape (fat reduction/non invasive liposuction), Accent (body sculpting and skin tightening), assisting aesthetic docters where required, stock control and inventory and preparation for the opening of the new branch I would be operating out of.

The Spas of Distinction collection is one of the most renowned spa groups in the country where each of the spas under the umbrella brand has its own unique feel. (www.spasofdistinction.co.za)

>Part of the opening team for Soulstice Day Spa.
>Performed spa treatments including massage, body treatments, facials, IPL, microdermabrasion, Oxyjet facial machine, manicures and pedicures.
> Assisted guests with the use of spa facilities which included flotation tank, rasul chamber and sensation showers.
> Assisted receptionists with cash up procedures, stock control and reception duties.
> Training of junior therapists.