I am a highly experienced and self-motivated professional in senior support, communications, marketing and project delivery. I have helped CEOs and executive teams across multiple organisations to achieve goals and ensure operations run smoothly. Known for outstanding organisational and project-management skills, I coordinate complex initiatives across international teams, maintain discretion, and communicate confidently with Boards, executives, employees, clients and stakeholders.…

Bernadette McBride

I am a highly experienced and self-motivated professional in senior support, communications, marketing and project delivery. I have helped CEOs and executive teams across multiple organisations to achieve goals and ensure operations run smoothly. Known for outstanding organisational and project-management skills, I coordinate complex initiatives across international teams, maintain discretion, and communicate confidently with Boards, executives, employees, clients and stakeholders.…

Available to hire

I am a highly experienced and self-motivated professional in senior support, communications, marketing and project delivery. I have helped CEOs and executive teams across multiple organisations to achieve goals and ensure operations run smoothly.

Known for outstanding organisational and project-management skills, I coordinate complex initiatives across international teams, maintain discretion, and communicate confidently with Boards, executives, employees, clients and stakeholders.

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Skills

Experience Level

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Communications Workflow Manager (Contractor) at Cedar Group Agency (client Barclays Bank)
March 1, 2024 - July 1, 2025
Led end-to-end communications workflow from intake to proofreading. Implemented a robust filing system for efficient document management. Generated monthly progress reports in Workfront to track performance. Facilitated and documented three weekly communication forums, ensuring clear action points. Responded to inquiries with timely, professional communication. Collaborated with Marketing, Legal and other departments to streamline cross-functional workflows.
Executive Assistant to General Counsel and the Chief Financial Officer at Ardonagh Advisory
July 1, 2023 - November 1, 2023
Administered the purchase order process for the Legal Team, ensuring compliance and efficiency. Managed inboxes and calendars for Executive Committee members; coordinated travel and accommodation. Coordinated internal communications for the Legal Intranet and streamlined information dissemination. Arranged travel and accommodation for Executive Committee members; managed expenses and reporting. Set agendas and recorded minutes for Executive Committee meetings; supported additional administrative tasks as required.
International Management and Marketing Support Consultant (Contractor) at MarketAxess
October 1, 2020 - August 1, 2022
Organised and coordinated diverse marketing events while providing executive support to the international management team. Managed annual events, media and press calendar, coordinating preparation meetings and interviews with timely updates. Provided diary management across multiple time zones. Handled advertising processes including cross-continental meetings, tracked actions against work streams, and ensured deadlines. Collaborated with external media agencies and offices in London, New York, and Asia to streamline project coordination. Managed expenses, video conferencing, corporate entertainment, photography, and other ad hoc requests. Developed and implemented best-practice processes for conducting press interviews.
Creative Services Support (Contractor) at PwC
January 1, 2020 - May 1, 2020
Coordinated resource requests using resourcing tools and monitored deadlines with a traffic-light system. Ensured all requests were resolved within agreed deadlines. Enhanced internal communications to clearly convey resource status and updates. Collaborated with clients and other departments to identify requirements and ensure brand guideline compliance. Matched skill sets across the team to mitigate risks and increase opportunities. Proofread documents prior to final submission and managed staff holiday schedules.
Executive Assistant to the People Director (Contractor) at BUPA Manchester
February 1, 2019 - August 1, 2019
Supported the People Director and team with calendar and email management to maximise productivity. Coordinated travel and accommodation, processed expenses and purchase orders efficiently. Led internal communications process, coordinating calls, events, newsletters, and blogs. Facilitated on-site and off-site company meetings, managing all logistics.
Business Support Manager/ EA to Business Director at BASF Manchester
May 1, 2016 - October 1, 2017
Led and motivated the business support team; performed HR responsibilities including appraisals and performance management. Executed essential EA duties for the Director, managing calendars and inbox, screening and directing calls. Represented the team at board and leadership meetings. Oversaw corporate events and functions, allocated resources; organized complex business trips and events. Conducted research and managed communications for internal and external publications. Proofread and assisted the Business Director with communications for clarity.
EA to Commercial Director and Bank Separation Director at The Co-operative Group Manchester
May 1, 2014 - April 1, 2016
Provided professional administrative support, liaising with the board and stakeholders during bank separation. Maintained positive professional relationships during a highly sensitive project. Ensured contractual obligations and deadlines across work streams. Managed complex diaries for senior members and filtered/distributed correspondence. Coordinated with high-profile clients, consultants and lawyers to ensure seamless communication.
Product Delivery (Temporary Contract) at British Council Manchester
December 1, 2012 - April 1, 2014
Coordinated international education marketing exhibitions, VIP exchange visits, arts and cultural visits, and regional lead functions. Assisted in managing international scholarship schemes, organizing student placements with financial and logistical support. Played a role in fostering relationships between institutions, suppliers and service end users.
Marketing Executive at ASL Vision
June 1, 2010 - August 1, 2012
Managed all aspects of marketing and public relations, including campaigns, research, and media exposure. Identified new market sectors to promote the company and its products, expanding opportunities. Developed campaigns to raise awareness for key products; produced marketing materials for industry magazines; elevated the company profile through affiliations with charities and award schemes; identified sponsorship opportunities and created CSR initiatives.
Personal Assistant to CEO/Team Leader at Palmer and Harvey
July 1, 2007 - January 1, 2010
Provided personal assistant support to CEO and team; managed calendars and communications; organized travel; supported on-site operations and events.
Executive Assistant to Director at American Express
July 1, 2004 - July 1, 2007
Administrative support liaising with the board and key stakeholders; managed calendars, correspondence and travel logistics; maintained professional relationships.
Events Team Leader at Sussex Chamber of Commerce
September 1, 2003 - January 1, 2004
Led events team; coordinated events, stakeholder engagement and logistics.
Conference Manager at Wilton Park (Executive Agency of FCO)
December 1, 1999 - October 1, 2002
Coordinated and planned international conferences; supported lead functions; fostered relationships with institutions, suppliers and service end users.
Communications Workflow Manager at Cedar Group Agency (client: Barclays Bank)
March 1, 2024 - July 31, 2025
Managed the entirety of the communications process from raising requests through to proofreading. Created and maintained the filing system. Produced monthly reports from the Workfront system. Coordinated, attended and took minutes at three weekly communication forums. Handled queries and liaised with Marketing, Legal and the wider business.
Creative Services Support, Creative and Visual Design Team (Contractor) at PwC
January 1, 2020 - May 1, 2020
Coordinated all requests submitted to the team; used resourcing tools to align jobs; ensured deadlines; improved internal communications on resource status and operational updates; coordinated with clients and other departments to identify requirements and ensure work adhered to brand guidelines; managed staff holiday schedule and organised appropriate cover; proofreading of documents before final submission.
Executive Assistant to the People Director at BUPA
February 1, 2019 - August 31, 2019
Carried out all administrative duties to support the Director and team; managed complex calendars and email inboxes; organised travel and accommodation; handled expenses and purchase orders; spearheaded internal communications including calls, events, newsletters and blogs; set up company meetings on and off site with logistics.
Business Support Manager / EA to Business Director at BASF
May 1, 2016 - October 31, 2017
Led the business support team, including HR responsibilities; performed EA duties for the Director; managed multiple calendars and communications; represented the team in board and leadership meetings; oversaw corporate events and allocated resources; conducted vital research and managed internal/external publications; proofread company communications.
EA to Commercial Director and Bank Separation Director at The Co-operative Group
May 1, 2014 - April 30, 2016
Provided professional administrative support and liaised with the board, key stakeholders and other parties during the Bank separation process; maintained positive relationships during a sensitive transition; ensured contractual obligations were met and deadlines across work streams; managed complex diaries and coordinated with high-profile clients, consultants and lawyers.
Product Delivery (Temporary Contract) at British Council
December 1, 2012 - April 30, 2014
Coordinated international education marketing exhibitions, VIP exchange visits, arts and cultural visits; managed international scholarship schemes, student placements and related financial/logistical support; maintained relationships between institutions, suppliers and end users.
Personal Assistant to CEO / Team Leader at Palmer and Harvey
July 1, 2007 - January 31, 2010
Provided comprehensive PA support to the CEO and team; led a small team; ensured smooth day-to-day operations.

Education

Common Professional Examination (CPE) in Law at Thames Valley University
January 1, 1989 - January 1, 1992
BA (Hons) English Literature & Social Administration at Surrey University, Whitelands College
January 1, 1994 - January 1, 1996
Common Professional Examination in Law at Thames Valley University
January 11, 2030 - January 19, 2026
BA (Hons) English Literature & Social Administration at Surrey University, Whitelands College
January 11, 2030 - January 19, 2026

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Professional Services, Media & Entertainment, Financial Services, Education, Travel & Hospitality, Government

Skills

Experience Level