Sabrina Bala

Sabrina Bala

Distribution Coordinator (Seasonal)

Followers of Sabrina Bala593 followers
location of Sabrina BalaGreater Toronto Area, Canada

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  • Timeline

  • About me

    Marketing Communications Strategist | Communications and PR Manager at TD

  • Education

    • York University - Schulich School of Business

      -
      Certificate in Business Fundamentals

      Significant Courses: Marketing, Financial and Managerial Accounting, Management, and Strategy Implementation

    • BrainStation

      2020 - 2020
      Digital Marketing
    • York University

      2004 - 2008
      Honours Bachelor of Arts Business

      Graduated Summa Cum Laude; Member of the Dean's Honour Roll

  • Experience

    • Canadian Hickory Farms

      Aug 2008 - Jan 2009
      Distribution Coordinator (Seasonal)

      • Strategically planned the efficient distribution of $8 million worth of product to 76 seasonal kiosks across Canada over the company’s fast-paced 10-week selling season• Independently oversaw the New Store Ordering division of the Point-of- Sale (POS) system by promptly processing 80-100 orders per week from kiosks for product replenishment• Delegated orders to the appropriate warehouse contacts across Canada via phone and email by specific deadlines to ensure timely and efficient product flow• Customized forecast, inventory and sell-through reports using expert-level MS Excel skillsand constantly updated information to maintain accuracy Show less

    • ACCO Brands Canada

      Sept 2009 - Jul 2013

      • Developed and executed promotional programs for Kensington (Computer/Tablet/Smartphone Accessories) and Quartet (Presentation Tools) brands by collaborating with Product Managers and Graphic Designers to create product catalogues, sell sheets, mail-in rebates, promotional giveaways, sampling programs, new product launch kits, and web banners to support brand development• Analyzed sales and market trends and identified growth opportunities to optimize portfolio performance at Retail accounts (e.g. Staples, Target and Wal-Mart) as well as at B2B accounts (e.g. Staples Advantage and Grand&Toy)• Presented marketing objectives and strategies to sales team and train team on new product features and benefits at annual national sales meetings• Instrumental in the planning, setup and representation of ACCO Brands at key industry tradeshows, including Staples Advantage catalogue launch shows and new product summits Show less • Supported the Marketing and Sales teams by coordinating all processes and procedures to produce customer catalogue reviews, beginning with conducting pre-review strategy meetings to align customer’s strategies and objectives with those of ACCO Brands• Improved new item set-up and image request processes internally which resulted in time-savings for the Product Managers, Sales Managers, Graphic Designers, and Channel team and externally for customers’ catalogue production teams• Assembled New Product Launch Kits for national field sales team consisting of training presentations, collateral, and product samples• Ensured all customer email and phone requests for product data, images and proof pages were handled in an efficient and timely manner, becoming a go-to resource Show less

      • Associate Channel Marketing Manager for Quartet and Kensington Products

        Jan 2013 - Jul 2013
      • Assistant Channel Marketing Manager for Quartet and Kensington Products

        Jul 2011 - Jan 2013
      • Marketing Coordinator

        Sept 2009 - Jul 2011
    • Can You Do Me A Favour? Custom bakeshop encouraging you to think OUTSIDE the cake box

      Jun 2013 - Jun 2018
      Founder

      Our goal was to get you to think OUTSIDE the cake box. Why serve the usual when we can work with you to understand your vision for the event and create baked treats that are truly unique? Whether you're looking for highly detailed packaged favours, fun ready-to-serve platters, or innovative flavour combos you won't find anywhere else, we've got you covered.• Create customized favours for special occasions and events, including bridal showers and birthday parties; liaise with third party vendors on certain projects• Design marketing materials consistent with company branding, collaborating with graphic designers as needed• Manage promotional calendar, successfully exectuting promotions via social media, sampling, partnerships with organizations such as South Asian Autism Awareness Centre (SAAAC) Show less

    • Sobeys

      Dec 2013 - Apr 2016

      • Instrumental in supporting the transition to and onboarding of new processes impacting multiple internal and external partners and cross functional teams, including the launch of Air Miles in Ontario and Western Canada, the launch of getmyoffers.ca, and a mass upload system of offer creation• Collaborated with the digital team and an external developers to create and test the My Offers portion of the Sobeys app on both iOS and Android platforms• Led the execution of key email campaigns surrounding the launch of getmyoffers.ca as well as the transition to weekly emails• Administered rigorous quality assurance testing on a new offer input user interface, built by Prognos Inc.; worked with off-shore developers to scope project requirements and ensure the new interface would perform optimally and provide significant improvements for multiple teams Show less • Lead on quality control and execution of all direct to customer communications, including monthly targeted emails, four seasonal direct mailers, and four large quarterly statements• Managed relationships with external partners, including Inbox Marketer, Exchange Solutions Inc, and Transcontinental Media, working closely with them to ensure processes were streamlined and enhanced where they could be, and resulting in cost savings and timeline reductions• Created workbacks and managed timelines for all internal and external partners, ensuring all details and deadlines are effectively communicated• Designed and developed new Loyalty Monthly Recap brief for senior management team, designed 'At-a-Glance' slide to clearly highlight key metrics and Test & Learn activities from that particular month Show less

      • Marketing Specialist, Loyalty Communications

        May 2015 - Apr 2016
      • Marketing Coordinator, Loyalty Communications

        Dec 2013 - Apr 2015
    • Batter Bar Bakeshop Inc.

      Jun 2018 - Mar 2020
      Founder

      • Create an evolving menu of cookies and cupcakes that fit #thenewnostalgia brand identity I developed• Design and execute social media campaigns using Facebook Ads Manager and Instagram and Facebook analytics tools• Manage a promotional calendar and execute email marketing campaigns to foster CRM• Collaborate with social media influencers to increase brand awareness and engagement• Partner with market organizations and other vendors to execute pop-up shops across the city, such as Trinity Bellwoods Flea, Toronto Market Co., Cadillac Fairview Shops at Don Millswww.batterbar.caBatter Bar specializes in hand-crafted gourmet cupcakes and cookies, proudly made and served in the GTA. These aren't your typical baked goods though: what's old is new again, and while classics never truly go out of style, we infuse ours with modern spins and flavours for a funky fresh experience. #thenewnostalgia Show less

    • Olympus Canada Inc.

      Jul 2019 - Apr 2022
      Marketing Communications Specialist

      • Managed all Canadian internal and external corporate communications including executive memos, website updates, press releases, and newsletters. • Canadian lead and advisor to executives on communication strategy for all corporate news, including COVID-19 updates and organizational changes.• Managed the development of all Canadian marketing and sales collateral and websites using Adobe Creative Suite, working alongside Product Management team and global Olympus counterparts• Developed and implemented project briefing process within company to improve quality of project management internally• Enforced corporate email templates for all departments to standardize internal memos• Created and manage content for a company-wide Yammer page Show less

    • TD

      Apr 2022 - now

      Managing external communications and PR for Technology and Innovation functions at TD. Established communications strategies for the Software Engineering and Architecture Practices within the Platforms and Technology organization, in the Next Evolution of Work (NEW).

      • Communications and PR Manager, Technology and Innovation

        Aug 2023 - now
      • Communications Manager

        Apr 2022 - Jul 2023
  • Licenses & Certifications

    • Food Handler

      Toronto Public Health
  • Volunteer Experience

    • Head of Social Media

      Issued by Canadian Tamil Professionals Association on Feb 2021
      Canadian Tamil Professionals AssociationAssociated with Sabrina Bala
    • Vendor Partnerships Volunteer

      Issued by TEDxToronto on Oct 2019
      TEDxTorontoAssociated with Sabrina Bala