Chris Ramage

I started at Kitchens International working for one branch as their Project Administrator. Due to quickly adapting to this new role, I was asked to help at other Showrooms where I eventually became the PA for multiple Showrooms and Project Managers. My responsibilities during this role involved the following:

• Ordering items for the project from multiple suppliers, including remedials after the installation stage.
• Organising tradesmen and deliveries at the correct times to support the installation of the kitchen projects.
• Processing trade invoices, and providing prices for labor on the projects.
• Attending site visits for pre- and post-installation surveys.
• Coordinating installation schedules and relaying information to clients on timing of installs.
• Creating Installation drawings and renders on the design software

I took the job at Homebase which offered me the chance to make commission every month and allowed me to use my previous Kitchen and Bathroom experience to achieve more sales. During this period I had to learn about the products quickly and adapt to the new systems to prepare me for peak period starting in January. I had to manage my time well to fit in as much business as possible, while creating quality spaces that suit customers' needs.

I spoke to my former manager and due to my previous performance was fortunate to become reemployed by B&Q. During the Covid19 restrictions the company had begun kitchen and bathroom installations, this was a very busy period and allowed me to hone my time management and customer service skills. Throughout this period of employment at B&Q I had consistently been top sales advisor and received excellent customer feedback on my performance.

Utilising my HND skills and my experience in designing kitchens and bathrooms in my B&Q role I applied to join Howdens, where I could challenge myself in a more intense sales environment. This job allowed me to visit joiners and end users at their properties and create a more personalised customer experience whilst selling Kitchens. I worked on managing leads in a fast pace environment, where I had to employ time management skills to create positive sales periods. Unfortunately the Covid19 pandemic hit just as I was establishing myself as a valued member of the team and due to the financial impact I was made redundant.

was employed as a Paint and Flooring customer Advisor part time and stayed in this Department to supplement my studies. During this time I worked within a team, collaborating with colleagues to assist customers, problem solve and implement new projects and changes.

In August 2018 I moved to the Kitchens and Bathroom department as a Showroom Advisor designing and selling within this area. During this time I learned about sitting and listening to clients, creating their dream Kitchens and Bathrooms, and meeting their needs and expectations. I moved to full time after Christmas in 2018 when I was offered more hours by my manager, which suited me as I really enjoyed the job and was willing to learn more to help me develop further.