Alixandra Richards
Wilmslow,UK
Summary
A highly skilled professional with expertise in office and administrative management, demonstrating exceptional written and verbal communication abilities. Proficient in diary and data management, invoice processing, and financial administration, ensuring seamless operations. Adept at procurement and supplier coordination, with strong IT and database skills supporting customer and stakeholder needs. Committed to organisation and prioritisation while handling confidential information with empathy, integrity, and professionalism.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
1993
1993
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Early Years Administrator
Bright Horizons Day Nursery
Didsbury
2024.08 - 2026.03
- Sole administrator responsible for the smooth running of all administrative operations for a 165-place nursery.
- Process and reconcile invoices, manage funding and government subsidy applications, and handle debt collection.
- Maintain accurate records including attendance, incidents, and compliance documentation.
- Act as first point of contact for parents, handling enquiries from new and existing families with sensitivity and professionalism.
- Ensure effective communication across management and staff teams while maintaining confidentiality.
- Handled sensitive information discreetly, maintaining confidentiality at all times as required by protocol.
- Increased efficiency of document retrieval with a well-organised filing system.
- Improved record keeping system with attention to detail and thoroughness.
- Reason for seeking a new role: Relocating and seeking employment closer to home to achieve a better work-life balance.
Ward Clerk – Paediatric Intensive Care Unit & High Dependency Unit
Manchester Children’s Hospital (NHS)
2020.08 - 2024.08
- Provided comprehensive administrative support in a highly pressurised clinical environment.
- Managed admissions, transfers, and discharges, ensuring patient details were recorded accurately in hospital systems.
- Liaised daily with consultants, doctors, porters, and other departments to coordinate patient care.
- Supported families during distressing times, arranging accommodation through Ronald McDonald House and offering guidance with compassion.
- Maintained emotional resilience and professionalism while dealing with highly sensitive and sometimes tragic situations.
- Reason for leaving: Sought career change after several years in an emotionally demanding environment.
Purchase Officer
Creative Support
Manchester
2019.10 - 2020.08
- Managed procurement for more than 250 care homes across the UK, processing requests via phone, email, and online systems.
- Liaised with care home managers to assess requirements, place orders, and ensure timely delivery of essential supplies.
- Monitored budgets, sourced cost-effective suppliers, and maintained detailed purchase records.
- Supported service continuity during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic by ensuring urgent supply needs were always met.
- Reason for leaving: Transitioned to NHS employment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Customer Service Advisor
Vodafone UK
2019.02 - 2019.10
- Delivered high-quality customer service in a busy call centre.
- Handled queries related to billing, faults, and fraud cases.
- Took ownership of each case from start to resolution, ensuring customer satisfaction.
- Maintained compliance with DPA and internal procedures while meeting strict performance targets.
Customer Service Advisor
CIS Ltd
Manchester
2001.01 - 2012.01
- Held a series of responsible administrative and customer-facing positions involving claims handling, billing queries, account management, and record keeping.
- Built strong communication, prioritisation, and multitasking skills while managing sensitive client information.
Customer Service Advisor
Virgin Media
Manchester
2000.01 - 2001.01
Senior Insurance Office Clerk
1993.01 - 1998.01
Education
GCSEs - Maths, English Language, English Literature, Sociology
The Kingsway School
Gatley, Lancs, UKSkills
- Office and administrative management
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Diary and data management
- Invoice processing and financial administration
- Procurement and supplier coordination
- Strong IT and database skills
- Customer and stakeholder support
- Organisation and prioritisation
- Handling confidential and sensitive information
- Empathy, integrity, and professionalism
References
Available on request
Additional information
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), database systems and digital communications
- Excellent organisational and time management skills
- Calm and adaptable under pressure
- Known for empathy, integrity, and professionalism in all situations
Timeline
Early Years Administrator
Bright Horizons Day Nursery
2024.08 - 2026.03
Ward Clerk – Paediatric Intensive Care Unit & High Dependency Unit
Manchester Children’s Hospital (NHS)
2020.08 - 2024.08
Purchase Officer
Creative Support
2019.10 - 2020.08
Customer Service Advisor
Vodafone UK
2019.02 - 2019.10
Customer Service Advisor
CIS Ltd
2001.01 - 2012.01
Customer Service Advisor
Virgin Media
2000.01 - 2001.01
Senior Insurance Office Clerk
1993.01 - 1998.01
GCSEs - Maths, English Language, English Literature, Sociology
The Kingsway School