Name: Ciara Kelly
Role: Ecommerce Manager
What does your typical day look like?
The good thing about Bloc is that no two days look the same. Usually, my day would involve firstly checking in with my team. Go to inbox and answer any queries, then data analysis - check metrics, Sales and KPI’s. I would then have a promotion meeting with the extended Marketing team and plan out our monthly goals and campaigns. I then meet with our development team and relay and prioritise new projects and implementations and goals for the coming month ahead.
What are you currently working on?
We are currently finalising our Black Friday and Cyber Monday Campaigns. It’s our biggest Sale of the year so this involves putting together the digital marketing budget, liaising with our in-house design team on creative and content, briefing the developers and creating an operational forecast for the production and customer service team.
What inspired you to join this company in particular?
When I had my son who was a spring baby, I was searching for a suitable Blackout blind to aid his sleep pattern and mine. I came across Bloc from another mum who raved about the BlocOut blind. I purchased one for my nursery. I was so impressed by the product/quality and its complete Blackout function, and even more so that it was designed and manufactured in the UK. Ultimately, I owe Bloc for gaining those hours of sleep back and a contented baby. We all now have BlocOut’s in our bedrooms which means great sleep for the kids and me. From then I have followed the company and seen such potential and growth. I then went on to purchase Rollerblinds for my house – the fact that it is designed with a fabric changer was a selling point for me, as an interior enthusiast I am forever changing my décor and accessories so the fact that I can change my blinds so easily to match is such a bonus. I even have custom designed prints for my Rollers. I jumped at the chance to join this company.
Did you always want to work in this industry (tech)?
I studied Graphic and product design at Uni and always has a passion for website design. In that era it was all just starting off, I mean Amazon were just selling books at this stage. I knew then this was the future and wanted to be part of it. I thrive in the fast-paced world of ecommerce and having a team that can easily adapt to new ways and new markets.
What’s your favourite part about your work?
I would say problem solving. As a company we are customer focused and driven, my role is very much focused on solving and improving the problems at hand, whether its logistics or customer experience problems. It amazes me after years of business, the new problems that pop up every week. The fortunate thing about working at Bloc is all our design, marketing, manufacturing, and engineers are all onsite – this enables us to quickly feedback information to the relative sectors and adapt quickly to changes.
What would you say to other people considering a job in this industry (tech)?
I would highly recommend this industry. For me it’s probably the most exciting fast paced sector. It’s challenging yet equally rewarding. There are always new things to learn and great opportunities to improve and add to your current skill set. With new developments and technologies looming the future is unknown and that’s what makes it even more appealable.
How do you see this technology impacting on our lives?
Technology is moving at such a fast pace and will continue to do so. It has completely changed the way we as individuals interact, shop and learn. We have an abundance or amazing tools and resources at our fingertips. At Bloc we are always adapting and have the ability to utilise such advances and futureproof our business. We have some amazing projects currently running and I am excited to see these evolve – watch this space!
Who inspired you to work in this field?
I have always been inspired by my family who all work in extremely different fields. They taught me that building strong relationships with people and working hard can get you anywhere. Having always had a career in retail and the B2C sector this was a natural progression for me to join an amazing team. Our CEO is also a huge inspiration, what Cormac has achieved and how he continues to hands on drive the business certainly filters through every sector and team member at Bloc.
What do you consider to be the most important tech innovation or development in recent years?
I would have to say social media – from someone who remembers Friends reunited and Bebo I can categorically confirm this. From a business point of view this is an essential part of our marketing strategy which is continuing to evolve and gain more momentum. Social media is the platform for discovery and now.
What tech gadget could you not live without?
I would have to say my smartphone. Having started off with the Nokia 3210 I have lived through the mobile phone evolution – I still get mind blown by the capabilities and features we now have at our fingertips. From feature apps such as opening/closing my Bloc blinds, Health, photography, to tracking my kids – what more do I need. I am just somewhat glad this tracking device wasn’t about in my teenage years.
