Vitalija Russell

People and Operations Manager with 10+ years' leadership experience across employee management, recruitment, workforce planning and business operations. Currently managing a team of 24 employees within a high-security operational environment, with responsibility for recruitment, employee relations, workplace investigations, attendance management, Return to Work interviews, payroll verification, workforce planning and confidential employee records. Experienced in supporting employee processes from recruitment through to attendance and performance management, working closely with senior management and maintaining accurate operational documentation.

Strong Microsoft

Office and administrative skills, with a proven ability to manage confidential information, prioritise competing demands and resolve issues professionally. Now seeking to build on this experience in an HR Operations/People Operations environment, bringing strong people-management experience together with a genuine interest in developing a career within HR.

SHIFT MANAGER - Loomis UK - Edinburgh

(2025-02)

Lead and support a team of 24 employees within a high-security cash management operation.

• Conduct recruitment interviews and contribute to candidate selection processes.
• Conduct workplace investigations and fact-finding meetings in accordance with company procedures.
• Carry out Return to Work interviews and support attendance-management processes.
• Coach and support employees through day-to-day guidance, performance discussions and operational issues.
• Review employee hours, overtime and payroll information to ensure accuracy before submission.
• Plan workforce requirements, allocate resources and prepare weekly staff rotas, including shift cover.
• Maintain accurate operational documentation and confidential employee information.
• Work closely with the Operations Manager and other departments to resolve employee and operational issues.
• Ensure compliance with company procedures, security requirements and Health & Safety standards.
• Manage competing operational priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and confidentiality.

ASSISTANT MANAGER - Toytown

(2021-04 - 2024-10)

Supported the Store Manager with day-to-day operations, team leadership and employee development.

• Led, trained and developed team members, providing performance feedback and coaching.
• Prepared staff schedules and managed shift coverage and resource requirements.
• Managed timesheets, payroll-related information, cash reconciliation and financial administration.
• Analysed weekly performance data and KPIs and developed action plans for improvement.
• Resolved employee, operational and customer issues professionally and efficiently.
• Managed the operation in the Store Manager's absence, taking responsibility for operational decisions.
• Increased store sales by 11% through improved stock management, customer satisfaction and staff training.

DEPARTMENT MANAGER – TEAM SPORT - Decathlon

(2020-09 - 2021-02)

Managed a department team, providing coaching, performance feedback and development.

• Conducted performance reviews and led team meetings to establish targets and review progress.
• Analysed weekly KPI data and identified opportunities for operational improvement.
• Undertook Duty Manager responsibilities and resolved escalated operational issues.

ASSISTANT MANAGER - Barnardo's

(2017-06 - 2020-08)

Supported day-to-day operations, financial administration and team leadership.

• Led and trained a team of volunteers and monitored weekly KPIs.
• Managed the operation in the Store Manager's absence, taking responsibility for staffing and operational decisions.

SUPERVISOR / MANAGER ON DUTY - Zizzi – Azzurri Group

(2016-07 - 2017-03)

Supervised daily operations, employees and customer service.

• Trained new employees and managed cash reconciliation, stock ordering and discrepancies.
• Acted as Manager on Duty during the General Manager's absence.
• Maintained Health & Safety standards and operational procedures.

SALES & MARKETING SUPERVISOR - ACGM Ltd – Subway

(2016-01 - 2016-05)

Managed sales and marketing initiatives, conducted market research and led a small team against company targets.

TEAM LEADER - ACGM Ltd – Subway

(2014-07 - 2016-01)

Led daily operations, trained employees, managed cash handling and supported inventory and supplier coordination.

PRODUCTION LINE SUPERVISOR - Red Rock Partnership Ltd – Burton's Biscuits

(2012-03 - 2014-05)

Supervised production activities, supported operational targets and trained employees on safety and procedures.

BA (Hons) - Marketing Management - Edinburgh Napier University (2011 - 2015)