Vanessa Catherine Garside

Driven and compassionate Funeral Director with extensive experience in coordinating funeral arrangements and providing support to bereaved families. Skilled in managing complex administrative procedures while ensuring a respectful and dignified service. Committed to delivering exceptional customer service and maintaining professionalism in all interactions.

Funeral Director - Dolven Funeral Services - Biddulph, Stoke on Trent

(2016-07)

• Oversee daily activities, phone inquiries, initial call responses.
• Administered funeral diary for alternate branch to enhance scheduling efficiency.
• Facilitating interment of ashes and managing masonry orders.
• Counsel families on available options, ensuring compassionate and respectful experiences.
• Provided compassionate support and guidance to bereaved families during planning stages and post-funeral periods.
• Arranged visitation and services for family and friends of deceased to attend and pay their final respects.
• Directed all aspects of funeral ceremonies, including officiating at funeral services at the family's request.
• Liaised with clients and families to establish service requirements.
• Organised transport logistics for funerals, arranging the hearse and family car's to and from service locations.
• Demonstrated care, compassion and empathy in gathering and requesting information, providing detailed timelines of service events.
• Established pre-planning services, assisting individuals in arranging their own funeral plans to alleviate future family burden.
• Itemised funeral costs for families of deceased, collected payments and provided invoices for proof of transaction.
• Managed comprehensive funeral services, coordinating arrangements in accordance with family wishes and religious practices.
• Assisted clients and mourners by responding to enquiries and requests with empathy and understanding.
• Dutifully respected unique needs of clients, recognising and delivering religious, cultural and family requirements.
• Established professional relationships with cemetery directors, church officials and vendors to build trust and rapport.
• Facilitated issuance of obituaries and related documents.
• Helped bereaved individuals select caskets or urns after ascertaining funeral requirements.
• Aided clients by making informed decisions by advising customers on various aspects of funeral services and legal requirements.

Corporate Account Manager - Holdcroft Honda - Stoke on Trent

(2006-07 - 2010-05)

• Oversaw portfolio of key accounts, fostering long-term relationships through strategic communication.
• Addressed client concerns swiftly, maintaining elevated satisfaction and loyalty levels.
• Provided exceptional service to clients and future business opportunities.
• Enhanced customer satisfaction through engaging and responsive service.
• Consistently exceeded sales targets, propelling revenue growth.
• Engaged potential customers through cold calling to enhance lead database effectively.
• Procured vehicles from factory in line with specifications and coordinated prompt deliveries.

Retail Sales Associate / Branch Manager - Oasis

(2000-08 - 2006-06)

• Directed daily operations of branch, supervising staff performance and ensuring customer service excellence.
• Facilitated regular staff meetings to convey targets, performance expectations, and company updates.
• Facilitated regular training sessions for staff, emphasising compliance, product knowledge, and customer handling skills.
• Cultivated positive working environment, enhancing teamwork and employee satisfaction.
• Compiled and delivered reports on branch performance, trends, and forecasts to senior management.
• Directed recruitment, training, and development of staff to optimise branch productivity.
• Provided leadership and delegated responsibilities to facilitate completion of all required store tasks.
• Stored stock safely and securely to maintain quality of goods.
• Handled cash transactions and prepared bank deposits, ensuring financial accuracy.
• Assessed clothing upon delivery, accepting only fault-free and fit for sale products.
• Utilised shop stock rotation systems to reflect seasonal and local trading patterns.
• Conducted regular stock takes to minimise loss and accurately track inventory.
• Monitored shop floor activity, ensuring visual merchandising standards were maintained.

Waiting Staff Member / Restaurant Supervisor - George Hotel - Stoke on Trent

(1989-11 - 2000-07)

• Delivered food and beverages promptly, ensuring dietary requirements were met.
• Set tables with pristine cutlery, crockery, and glassware for each sitting.
• Greeted guests warmly upon arrival to foster an inviting atmosphere.
• Monitored designated tables regularly replenish drinks and address requests.
• Supported event setup by organizing tables and decorations per specifications.
• Finalized daily opening and closing checklists to maintain dining room standards.
• Ensured hygienic environment through thorough cleaning of tables and menus.
• Collaborated with venue staff to enhance smooth operations during events.

GCSEs - Secondary School - Clough Hall School (1990)