Claire Wills

Hardworking, motivated and adaptable retail professional with proven experience progressing from volunteer to Assistant Manager within a busy British Heart Foundation charity retail environment. Experienced in supporting day-to-day store operations, supervising and training volunteers, customer service, cash handling, Gift Aid, donation processing and visual merchandising. Creative and organised, with a strong eye for presentation and a proven record of achieving recognition for outstanding window displays, including area and regional awards and second place within the town.

Confident working independently or as part of a team, with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn new skills. Experienced as a temporary Assistant Manager before progressing to a permanent Assistant Manager position. Up to date with Health & Safety and Fire Safety training, with basic IT skills and a good understanding of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI).

Assistant Manager at British Heart Foundation (2023-01 – Present)

• Support the day-to-day running of a busy charity retail store.
• Assist with team management and the supervision of volunteers.
• Help recruit, train and support volunteers to ensure they are confident in their roles.
• Carry out key holder responsibilities and support the safe and efficient operation of the store.
• Handle cash and assist with banking procedures.
• Process Gift Aid and ensure donations are handled and prepared appropriately.
• Price and sort donated goods for sale.
• Maintain high standards of shop presentation and visual merchandising.
• Contribute creative ideas for window displays and in-store presentation.
• Work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Support excellent customer service and help contribute to store performance.
• Maintain awareness of Health & Safety and Fire Safety requirements.
• Recognised for creative excellence in visual merchandising, winning area and regional window display awards and achieving second place within the town.

Paid Assistant at British Heart Foundation (2019-01 – 2022-12)

• Supported the daily operation of a busy charity retail store.
• Provided friendly and professional customer service.
• Sorted, priced and prepared donated goods for sale.
• Assisted with Gift Aid and cash handling procedures.
• Supported volunteers and worked effectively as part of the wider store team.
• Helped maintain attractive and well-organised shop displays.
• Developed strong knowledge of charity retail procedures and store operations.
• Took on additional responsibilities and developed the skills required to progress into management.

Volunteer at British Heart Foundation (2018-01 – 2019-12)

• Supported staff with the day-to-day running of the shop.
• Sorted and prepared donated goods for sale.
• Assisted customers and maintained high standards of shop presentation.
• Developed retail, customer service and teamwork skills.
• Demonstrated reliability, commitment and a willingness to learn, leading to progression into paid employment.

Cleaner at Boots (2018-01 – 2019-12)

• Maintained high standards of cleanliness and presentation.
• Worked efficiently and independently to complete cleaning duties.
• Followed workplace Health & Safety procedures.
• Demonstrated reliability, attention to detail and good time management.

Level 2 Customer Service

Level 2 Retail Skills