Catherine Schulz

Self-employed, Catherine has built up this specialised, local provider of group outdoor sports, which focuses on the health and fitness of women who are pregnant or are already mothers. LAUFMAMALAUF will help you to stay fit during pregnancy and/or to regain your pre-pregnancy fitness at a level which suits you and your body. Our aim is to provide a safe, challenging, fun and social sporting arena for all interested women.

This role had a twin focus: firstly the delivery of development programmes for management, sales and after sales staff in the Volkswagen retail network during a time of significant growth for the brand. Second, and prior to the launch of new models, large scale product information events were organised: these showcased all relevant product information and a drive experience and were available to network staff across the country.

This position drew on experience from Europe and assisted in the roll-out of development programmes for sales and management in the Australian retail market. An increasing focus on new product events for retail staff ensured that these began to receive more time and budgetary input, enabling the team to further professionalise this area.

This role acted as intermediary between Head Office in Wolfsburg and Volkswagen distributors in the UK and the Republic of Ireland. Key areas included network development, retail staff development and quality management.

The International Training Centre was in its infancy, set up to discuss, agree and develop a cross-European development programme for retail staff in Volkswagen dealerships. This position gave me exposure to a multitude of different approaches to retail development and required negotiation skills, flexibility and resilience.