Heather Watts

An experienced professional with a long career in the Ministry of Defence and customer-facing roles, now tailored for retail. Strengths include staying calm under pressure, solving problems, communicating well with customers and colleagues, and managing risks. Experienced in managing teams, handling recruitment, and driving customer satisfaction.

Customer-focused, calm in stressful situations, and skilled at building strong relationships with customers and team members. Aims to exceed customer expectations and encourage repeat business and ideally suited for retail roles.

Higher Executive Manager - Sustainability Specialist and Risk Policy Manager - Ministry of Defence - Corsham

(2018-06 - 2026-04)

• Helps create and deliver project plans
• Identifies and manages risks that could delay projects
• Works with internal and external colleagues to raise awareness and gain support
• Adjusts communication style depending on the audience

Communications Officer / Risk Manager - Ministry of Defence - Bath

(2016-06 - 2018-07)

• Ensured risks to strategic goals were identified and controlled
• Researched major project developments
• Wrote communication updates
• Delivered workshops to managers
• Supervised two apprentice graduates

Army Project Support to Operations - Ministry of Defence - Warminster

(2011-12 - 2016-06)

• Worked on a technical engineering database during the Afghanistan conflict
• Supported Camp Bastion operations
• Identified major incidents involving engineering parts and vehicles
• Stayed calm when dealing with stressed or worried users

Human Resources Officer (Recruitment) - Ministry of Defence - Bath

(2008-09 - 2011-12)

• Managed recruitment campaigns from start to finish
• Guided applicants and managers through the hiring process

Building Society Branch Manager - Bath Investment Building Society - Bath

(2005-12 - 2008-06)

• Managed a branch with two staff
• Oversaw daily operations and financial tasks
• Solved customer and account issues
• Led the team through two successful audits
• Planned product distribution and analysed the market
• Managed budgets and monitored revenue
• Drove customer satisfaction and sales, skills directly transferable to retail management

BA (Honours) - Government and Politics - Birmingham Polytechnic (1986-04)