Catherine Smale
Taunton,Somerset
Summary
Creative and hard-working individual with years of experience in the retail and hospitality industries, seeking a change of pace to explore new challenges. Recognised for a keen eye for detail and motivated to deliver friendly and memorable customer experiences. Excels in collaboration with others, but also thrives when working independently. Eager to apply diverse skill set and customer-centric approach in a new role that allows for personal and professional growth. Experienced professional with focus on team leadership and customer service. Adept at managing daily operations, resolving issues, and ensuring smooth workflow. Strong communication skills and ability to motivate staff, driving productivity and customer satisfaction.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Manager
Plants Galore (Joyners Ltd)
Exeter
01.2026 - Current
- Worked closely alongside the store's General Manager to drive sales.
- Trained new employees on company policies, customer service excellence, and sales techniques.
- Monitored inventory levels, placing orders for stock replenishment to prevent shortages.
- Cultivated work environment focused on personal responsibility, continuous improvement and delivering high-quality results.
- Resolved escalated customer complaints by offering practical solutions and maintaining professionalism.
- Oversaw daily operations, including opening and closing procedures, to maintain store standards.
Cafe Barista
Dough
Taunton
11.2023 - Current
- Entrusted to handle daily operations while manager is away.
- Personalised customer interactions, remembering regulars' orders and preferences, and fostering welcoming and friendly local café atmosphere.
- Demonstrated expertise in latte art, enhancing presentation of beverages, and contributing to overall positive customer experience.
- Maintained clean and organised workspaces, enabling coworkers to easily locate resources and products.
Floor Manager
Discover Chocolate
Taunton
08.2020 - 09.2023
- Supported production process, ensuring that products were manufactured efficiently and to high standard.
- Involved with setting up equipment, monitoring production lines, performing quality checks on products, packing and shipping orders.
- Guaranteed that production targets were met, whilst preserving stock levels.
Customer Assistant
Otter Garden Centres
Taunton
05.2022 - 03.2023
- Trusted by management to handle cash, closing tills at end of working day.
- Provided excellent customer service by upholding thorough knowledge of products and promotions.
- Used acquired skills to provide advice to customers.
- Built friendly rapport and sense of loyalty with customers.
- Training one to two new employees at a time to meet industry standards.
Bartender
Pitcher & Piano
Taunton
11.2019 - 08.2020
- Handled cash transactions and operated point-of-sale systems with accuracy.
- Adhered to strict hygiene and cleanliness standards, maintaining spotless bar area at all times.
- Customised drink orders based on customer preferences, demonstrating versatility and expertise.
- Kept bar stocked and organised for easy access and quick service to customers.
Shift Leader
The Winchester Arms
Taunton
08.2019 - 11.2019
- Managed opening and closing of stores, managing matters including cash counting.
- Checked staff stayed in line with company procedures and safety regulations by closing monitoring operations throughout shifts.
- Maintained workplace safety by observing occupational and environmental health requirements.
- Directed customer service efforts, resolving complaints and ensuring satisfaction.
Optical Assistant
Specsavers
Bristol
03.2019 - 07.2019
- Managed appointments, efficiently scheduling and reminding clients of upcoming visits to optimise clinic flow.
- Accurately processed customer payments and orders.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of latest eyewear trends and optical technology to advise customers.
- Repaired and adjusted glasses frames, providing personalised service to meet individual client needs.
Bar Associate
Wetherspoon
Taunton & Bristol
03.2018 - 03.2019
- Processed cash, credit card and voucher payments using POS terminals.
- Handled cleaning chemicals in line with safe use guidance.
- Measured and mixed ingredients following precise recipes to maintain consistent flavour and texture.
- Optimised customer experience, serving each guest with sincere, positive and enthusiastic attitude.
Team Member
McDonalds
Taunton
02.2017 - 03.2018
- Maximised customer satisfaction by quickly addressing and resolving complaints with food or service.
- Worked hard to learn all required tasks quickly to maximise performance.
- Kept customer and food preparation areas clean and well-organised to maintain appearance and quality standards.
Education
Bachelor of Science -
UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST OF ENGLAND (UWE)
Bristol07.2023
RICHARD HUISH COLLEGE
TauntonTHE CASTLE SCHOOL
TauntonSkills
- Customer service
- Cash handling
- Initiative-taking
- Strategic planning
- Willingness to learn
- POS system expertise
- Time management
- Team leadership
- Communication skills
- Customer loyalty building
- Attention to detail
Certification
- Level 2 Introduction to Floristry.
- Level 2 Food Safety in Manufacturing.
- Level 3 Paediatric First Aid (RQF).
Hobbies and interests
- Photography
- Horticulture & Gardening
- Floristry
- Cycling
- DIY
Timeline
Assistant Manager
Plants Galore (Joyners Ltd)
01.2026 - Current
Cafe Barista
Dough
11.2023 - Current
Customer Assistant
Otter Garden Centres
05.2022 - 03.2023
Floor Manager
Discover Chocolate
08.2020 - 09.2023
Bartender
Pitcher & Piano
11.2019 - 08.2020
Shift Leader
The Winchester Arms
08.2019 - 11.2019
Optical Assistant
Specsavers
03.2019 - 07.2019
Bar Associate
Wetherspoon
03.2018 - 03.2019
Team Member
McDonalds
02.2017 - 03.2018
Bachelor of Science -
UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST OF ENGLAND (UWE)
RICHARD HUISH COLLEGE
THE CASTLE SCHOOL