Debbe Robinson-Black

I am a responsible, hardworking, and ambitious individual who performs well both as part of a team and when working independently using my own initiative. I take pride in delivering strong customer service, with a polite and attentive approach to understanding and meeting customer needs. I have excellent organisational skills, which support effective teamwork and contribute to a positive and productive working environment.

I am also highly skilled in time management, able to remain focused and determined when working under pressure while consistently meeting deadlines. As a natural communicator, I build positive relationships easily and work well with a wide range of people. I also hold a full driving licence and have access to a car, offering flexibility and reliability.

Store Manager at Kids Around Cheshire Oaks (2025-01 – Present)

As the store manager at Kids Around, Cheshire Oaks, I am responsible for overseeing all aspects of store operations within a children's fashion retail environment. I take full ownership of store performance, driving sales, profitability, and delivering a high standard of customer service aligned with brand expectations. I lead, train, and motivate the team to achieve individual and store targets, by creating a positive and customer-focused atmosphere.

My role includes managing day-to-day operations such as staff scheduling, stock control, visual merchandising, and ensure the store is presented to the highest standards at all times. I maintain strong product knowledge to support customers effectively and maximise sales opportunities. I am also responsible for handling customer queries and resolving any issues professionally, ensuring a premium shopping experience.

In addition, I monitor sales performance and KPIs, using data to identify trends and implement strategies to improve results. I ensure compliance with company policies, including health and safety, security, and operational procedures. I work closely with senior management to deliver business objectives, while maintaining efficient cost control and stock management to support overall store success.

In a highly competitive and target-driven retail environment, I consistently ensure that both sales and financial expectations are met and often exceeded. I work proactively to drive performance in a challenging customer market, focusing on maximising every sales opportunity while maintaining strong levels of customer service. Through effective team leadership, clear communication of targets, and regular performance monitoring, I guarantee that the store remains on track to achieving its financial goals.

I also adapt quickly to changing customer behavior and market conditions, using commercial awareness and initiative to motivate the team and deliver strong results, even when working towards demanding targets.

Store Manager at The Fragrance Shop (2017-01 – 2021-06)

While working as a Store Manager at The Fragrance Shop, Cheshire Oaks and Chester I led all aspects of store performance within one of the UK's largest independent fragrance retailers, known for its passion and innovation within the industry. I was responsible for overall store results, taking full ownership of profitability, commercial performance, and customer satisfaction. I focused on delivering and maintaining exceptional customer service through a motivational leadership style, coaching, developing, and inspiring a team of consultants and an Assistant Manager, who acted as my deputy in my absence.

I reported to the Area Manager whilst developing and implementing local initiatives to improve store performance and contribute to wider business objectives. I managed and empowered the team through effective training, delegation, and performance management, ensuring a welcoming and customer-focused environment. I handled complex customer queries, ensuring timely and satisfactory resolutions, and maintained strong communication with Head Office and senior management, acting as a key link in cascading information to the team.

I ensured all products were presented to the highest standards, following company guidelines, with accurate pricing, coding, and point-of-sale materials. I actively promoted the store within the local shopping centre to drive footfall and sales. I maintained strict control over operating costs, minimised shrinkage, and ensured full compliance with security, health and safety, and company procedures.

Additionally, I oversaw recruitment, training, performance reviews, and disciplinary processes, maintaining high standards of professionalism and team discipline. I demonstrated strong commercial awareness by analysing sales data and KPIs to support planning, forecasting, and continuous improvement. I also ensured optimal stock levels and maintained commercial standards in line with company expectations, carrying out all responsibilities in a timely, efficient, and cost-effective manner.

Staff Member at Compass Vauxhalls (2014-01 – 2017-12)

I began working at Vauxhall Motors when moving to Ellesmere Port. My main responsibilities included cash handling, stock control, and monitoring portion sizes to ensure accurate stock levels within my work area. I was regularly assigned across different satellite stations as a floater, due to my ability to adapt quickly and carry out a wide range of duties.

I consistently maintained a clean, organised, and hygienic workspace, ensuring compliance with all health and safety regulations as well as internal procedures. I left the role due to redundancy.

Assistant Manager at Central Coffee Limited Costa (2010-01 – 2014-05)

As an Assistant Manager at Costa Coffee, I was responsible for supporting the Store Manager in running the café smoothly while delivering excellent customer service. My role involved supervising staff during shifts, training and motivating team members, ensuring high standards of drink preparation and cleanliness, and handling customer queries or complaints professionally. I focused on maximizing profitability through internal sales while effectively controlling costs and bringing the Costa brand to life through people, products, and the environment.

I also managed stock, monitored sales performance, and ensured health and safety guidelines were followed, while building strong relationships with customers, colleagues, the Operations Manager, directors, and other store managers. Additionally, I engaged in external networking with Centre management, local press, and competitors. I oversaw daily operations such as opening and closing the store, managing cash, and maintaining a positive, fast-paced working environment that met company standards.

A key part of my role was staying aware of competitor activity and responding accordingly, analysing KPIs and store performance, communicating effectively with the team, and taking action to drive improvements and strengthen controls. I was also responsible for the security of company funds and property, ensuring all administrative and security procedures were followed by the team, and using information proactively to take preventative action.

Christmas Temp, Part-time Staff, Assistant Manager, Store Manager (maternity cover) at The Fragrance Shop (2005-10 – 2010-04)

I started working within the Fragrance Shop as a Christmas temp October-December 2005, 2006, and 2007. I was then asked to work part time when a member of staff left the company in April 2008, and was promoted to Assistant Manager in November 2008, and covered as Store Manager for maternity cover from April 2009 to April 2010.

• Stock control and rotation
• Cash handling
• Good customer service
• Staff rotas
• Following instructions for the smooth running of the store as sent by head office through daily retail bulletins

Registered Childminder at Self-employed (2005-01 – 2010-12)

As a Registered Childminder, I minded children under the age of 8 years as set by Ofsted. I hold a current CRB check.

• Minding children under the age of 8 years as set by Ofsted
• Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering
• Level 2 Award in Healthier Food and Special Diets
• Safe Guarding Children Level 1 and 2
• Cache Level 3 Diploma in Home-Based Childcare
• First Aid for Pediatrics

Staff Member at UK Coldrooms Limited (1997-01 – 2005-12)

Work duties included Health and Safety of colleagues working on site, procurement, toolbox talks when new method statements and risk assessments are issued, the day-to-day running of the office, answering queries from companies regarding work being carried out on sites around the country.

GCSE – Abbot Beyne School Winshill

Level 3 Diploma in Health, Safety, Security and Employment Standards – Burton College (2007-12)

Level 2 Certificate in Nail Technology – Burton College (2007-12)

Edexcel Level 3 BTEC National Certificate in Construction – Burton College (2004-12)

Level 2 Certificate in Makeup and Manicure – Burton College (2006-12)

City and Guilds Level 1 and 2 in Hospitality and Catering – South Devon College of Arts and Technology (1991-12)