Ashlee Sopher

I design and deliver engaging training that helps colleagues build skills, meet compliance needs, and grow professionally. I work closely with L&D, HR, and internal experts to create tailored learning solutions, advise on delivery methods, and keep materials fresh and relevant. I also build strong relationships across the business to promote learning initiatives and support talent development.

• Designed and delivered impactful training programmes that improved learning outcomes.
• Coached 15 colleagues from the leisure sector to successfully achieve their ILM Level 3 Award, helping to develop future leaders, retain talent, and provide employees with opportunities to grow through learning and new experiences.
• Championed diversity and inclusion through targeted learning initiatives.
• Enhanced learner experience by integrating modern technologies into training delivery.
• Designed and delivered a one-day workshop for Health Advisory Assessment Service on Navigating Difficult Conversations and Crisis Support, equipping phone agents with the confidence and practical tools to support customers in crisis, including those displaying suicidal ideation. The training contributed to improved employee wellbeing, reduced stress-related absences, and enhanced service delivery.

As a HR Admin, I supported colleagues across the full employee lifecycle — handling queries, GDPR requests, absence management, and producing employment references. I kept HR materials up to date, supported engagement activities, and worked with our Middle East team during busy periods. Keen to progress within the business, I took the initiative to design a monthly team newsletter, featuring different team members and sharing successes and news. This led to me taking on the role of Engagement Officer, where I managed team comms, created newsletters, and supported training for new starters.

• Arranged training sessions for new starters to promote professional development for staff.
• Facilitated open communication channels for employees to support engagement.

As a PPM Coordinator, I was responsible for scheduling and managing planned preventative maintenance across commercial catering sites, ensuring equipment was serviced efficiently and in line with compliance standards. I worked closely with engineers, suppliers, and clients to keep operations running smoothly, using my organisational skills to track progress, update records, and respond to issues quickly.

• Streamlined maintenance scheduling to reduce delays and minimise equipment downtime.
• Built strong relationships with engineers and suppliers to resolve issues quickly and maintain service standards.

As a Control Centre Operative, I managed the day-to-day logistics of the West Midlands Cycle Hire scheme, supporting a fleet of over 1,500 bikes and eBikes across Birmingham, Wolverhampton, and Coventry. I coordinated drivers and mobile operatives, monitored incidents, and maintained regular contact with on-street teams to ensure smooth operations. I was proud to be the original operative for the scheme’s launch in February 2021, playing a key role in its successful rollout on behalf of Transport for West Midlands and WMCA. I worked closely with partners, used incident management systems to track performance, and helped balance bike distribution to meet customer demand.

• Played a key role in launching the West Midlands Cycle Hire scheme, helping set up operations and systems ahead of its public rollout.
• Helped keep the service running smoothly by coordinating teams, managing incidents, and balancing bike distribution across the region.
• Built strong working relationships with partners and on-street teams to improve communication and day-to-day efficiency.

Graduated drama school in 2015 with a BA in Acting. Gained experience across short films, fringe theatre, and Theatre in Education (TIE). Strengths in comedy and educational theatre, regularly performing in schools and leading workshops with students. Additional experience in hospitality, retail, warehouse operations, and promotional events, contributing valuable transferable skills. Work in performance and facilitation closely aligns with current responsibilities in learning and development. (See cover letter for more details.)

• 2019 – Workshops and performances in French secondary schools, Halem Theater tour
• 2018 – UK & Ireland tour in Oliver Twist, M&M Theatrical Productions
• 2017 – Drama Coordinator and Camp Counsellor, Camp America Programme, Plantation Farm Camp, California
• 2016 – Lead role in Macbeth Gone Mental, Camden Fringe Festival
• 2016 – Performance in Paper in My Pants, Edinburgh Fringe Festival