Sophia Gray

Highly organised and proactive graduate with a passion for keeping people, projects and processes running smoothly. I enjoy bringing structure to busy environments, anticipating what needs doing next and finding practical ways to improve how work gets done. Through hospitality, volunteer leadership and operations coordination roles, I have built strong organisational, communication and problem-solving skills while supporting teams in fast-paced operational environments.

Confident using Microsoft Office, quick to learn new systems and genuinely motivated by helping others succeed, I am now looking for an Executive Assistant opportunity where I can become a trusted right hand and make a meaningful contribution from day one.

Team Member at J D Wetherspoon (2023-01 – 2024-12)

Working within one of the busiest university pubs in the UK, I developed a broad understanding of front-of-house operations while supporting hundreds of customers during high-volume trading periods. The role demanded adaptability, teamwork, sound judgement and the ability to prioritise competing demands without compromising service standards.

• Supported multiple operational areas simultaneously, prioritising changing demands while maintaining excellent customer service and team communication.
• Delivered professional customer service throughout the customer journey, confidently handling enquiries, complaints, payments and service recovery.
• Operated both traditional cash tills and electronic point-of-sale (POS) systems, accurately processing high volumes of cash and card transactions.
• Liaised with multiple departments to coordinate priorities, resolve issues quickly and ensure smooth day-to-day operations.
• Maintained organised workspaces and operational standards to support efficient day-to-day service.
• Supported opening and closing procedures, helping prepare the venue for efficient day-to-day operation.
• Demonstrated flexibility by moving seamlessly between multiple responsibilities while remaining calm under pressure.
• Anticipated operational needs throughout shifts, proactively completing tasks before being asked and supporting colleagues wherever priorities changed.
• Recognised by management as a dependable team member through excellent attendance, reliability and willingness to support additional responsibilities.
• Developed and informally introduced a more efficient service routine by combining customer orders, table clearing and food collection into a single continuous workflow, reducing unnecessary movement and improving service flow during peak trading periods.
• Frequently supported colleagues during exceptionally busy shifts, helping maintain productivity and positive team morale under pressure.
• Applied safeguarding procedures confidently and professionally by recognising vulnerable customers and escalating concerns appropriately to security staff.
• Trained new team members on bar procedures, cashier responsibilities and POS systems, helping them integrate quickly and confidently into the team.

Volunteer Operations Coordinator at Charity Supporting Young Mothers (2021-02 – 2022-03)

Supporting a charity for vulnerable young mothers, I helped coordinate the day-to-day operation of the organisation's charity shop. The role combined customer service, cash handling, volunteer coordination and operational organisation while ensuring the shop remained an effective source of fundraising.

• Coordinated the daily operation of the charity shop, overseeing customer service, stock organisation, merchandising and cash handling.
• Managed the processing of donated goods by organising, pricing and preparing stock for sale while maintaining an organised retail environment.
• Maintained accurate financial records by processing transactions, issuing change and reporting daily cash information to the charity's finance coordinator.
• Planned volunteer schedules, delegated responsibilities and monitored progress to ensure daily objectives were achieved efficiently.
• Built positive relationships with customers, donors and beneficiaries, helping encourage donations and maximise fundraising opportunities.
• Identified practical improvements to shop organisation, stock management and day-to-day workflows that improved efficiency and presentation.
• Coordinated daily priorities across volunteers, ensuring tasks were completed on time while adapting plans to changing operational needs.
• Acted as a key point of contact for volunteers, customers and donors, building positive relationships and resolving day-to-day queries.
• Helped raise more than 50,000 Thai Baht (approximately £1,100) to provide practical support for vulnerable young mothers and their children.
• Recognised as a trusted volunteer responsible for coordinating daily operations, managing cash handling and supporting volunteer organisation.
• Introduced a more structured workflow for stock preparation, merchandising and volunteer task allocation, improving efficiency throughout weekend trading.
• Successfully coordinated the sale and presentation of donated inventory through effective organisation, merchandising and customer engagement.

Wildlife Volunteer & Food Enrichment Team Leader at Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT) (2022-09 – 2022-10)

Selected as Food Enrichment Team Leader within an international volunteer programme after demonstrating reliability, initiative and organisational ability. Responsible for organising volunteers, planning daily activities and ensuring enrichment tasks were completed safely and efficiently while maintaining high animal welfare standards.

• Planned daily activities, coordinated volunteers and ensured projects were completed safely, efficiently and on schedule.
• Allocated responsibilities according to volunteer experience, monitored progress and ensured work was completed efficiently and safely.
• Assisted with the induction and guidance of new volunteers, providing practical instruction on daily routines and health and safety procedures.
• Collaborated within a multicultural team, communicating effectively with volunteers from a wide variety of countries and backgrounds.
• Supported the daily care of rescued wildlife through food preparation, behavioural enrichment and enclosure maintenance.
• Anticipated logistical challenges and adjusted plans quickly to keep daily operations running smoothly.
• Appointed Food Enrichment Team Leader in recognition of reliability, leadership ability and organisational skills.
• Introduced a rotating task allocation system that improved operational efficiency while giving volunteers experience across multiple responsibilities.
• Trusted with independent responsibilities involving vulnerable animals, demonstrating professionalism, sound judgement and attention to detail.

BSc (Hons) in Criminology with Forensic Science – University of Hull (2023-09 – 2026-07)