Bethan Russell

I hold a 2:1 Honours Degree in International Development with History, including a dissertation on 'The Irish Perspective of Overseas Aid', alongside my Leaving Certificate. I bring a strong background in research, administration and office work, as well as extensive experience in retail pharmacy, restaurant, duty free retail and food service roles. I have excellent interpersonal, computer and cash handling skills, along with key-holder experience and a talent for merchandising and display.

I am skilled at building positive relationships with agency staff, project colleagues, customers and suppliers, and bring a strong knowledge of development practices and policies, along with a genuine empathy and awareness of the issues facing marginalized communities.

Retail Supervisor - Meadows & Byrne

(2021-01 - 2022-12)

• Customer service, cash handling & balancing, identified needs of customers & sold them appropriate products
• Supervised and managed team of retail staff
• Offered product advice to suit individual customers, ensuring high standards of service, upselling where appropriate
• Assisted with stock management, merchandising & display

OTC sales assistant - Haven Pharmacy

(2017-01 - 2020-12)

• Customer service, cash handling & balancing, identified needs of customers & sold them appropriate products
• Offered product advice on skincare & make-up products, as well as perfumes to suit individual customers
• Nominated for Haven 'Rising Star' award due to my work ethic
• Assisted the pharmacist in the dispensary with various jobs including; gathering medicines for prescriptions, restocking shelves and deep cleaning
• Strict adherence to stock rotation

Retail assistant – The Loop Duty Free Store - Aer-Rianta International, Cork Airport - Cork Airport

(2015-01 - 2016-12)

• Customer service, cash handling & balancing, identified needs of customers & sold them appropriate products
• Offered product advice on skincare & make-up products, as well as perfumes to suit individual customers
• Provided duty free allowances information, completed security checks, advised on security packaging
• Handled credit card transaction, completed security checks, key-holder with store opening responsibility
• Merchandising & display duties adhering to display plans, stockroom & stock-checking, worked flexible shifts
• Won an award for individual, personal achievement in Cork Airport mystery shopping service audit
• Represented Cork Airport at over fifty marketing, promotional & tourism exhibitions & events

Retail sales assistant - Rococo Chocolates - Chester, UK

(2013-01 - 2015-12)

• Customer service & customer advice, allergy advice, merchandising & display, stock handling
• Goods inwards duties, stock checks, keyholder & store opening / closing responsibility, stock ordering
• Cash handling, cash balancing & cash float management, cash banking, general retail responsibilities

Waitress / client service - Porta Award Winning Restaurant - Chester, UK

(2012-01 - 2015-12)

• Guest greeting, customer service ensuring clients had an enjoyable & positive experience
• Adhered to excellence in service standards protocols & safe food handling procedures
• Food preparation & service, prepared tapas & desserts, served beverages, cash handling
• Table set-up adhering to table plans, polished cutlery & glasses, generally assisted customers

Waitress - Joseph Benjamin Restaurant - Chester, UK

(2012-01 - 2013-12)

• Client greeting & seating, making recommendations, food & beverage service while adhering to food safety & excellence in service procedures

Pharmacy retail assistant - Brookes Pharmacy - Bandon, Cork

(2011-01 - 2012-12)

• Customer service, cash handling, provided product information, adhered to pharmacy & medical advice policies
• Merchandising & store displays, assisted customers to purchase correct products to meet their needs

Waitress - Casino House - Kilbritain, Cork

(2010-01 - 2011-12)

• Customer meet & greet, seating, order taking & service, table set-up & clearing, worked flexible shifts

Waitress - Richies Bar and Bistro - Clonakilty, Cork

(2011-01 - 2011-12)

Administrative Assistant - Eden Packaging Co. - Bandon, Cork

(2008-01 - 2010-12)

• Office organisation & administration, taking phone calls & message taking, customer support, filing, invoicing

Honours Degree - International Development with History - University of Chester (2012-01 - 2015-12)

Leaving Certificate - Bandon Grammar School (2006-01 - 2012-12)