Craig Lawes
Ampthill,Bedfordshire
Summary
Dynamic professional with expertise in post-Brexit logistics and the used car industry, complemented by a deep understanding of the health supplement market. Demonstrates adaptability and quick learning in high-energy work environments, consistently delivering results under tight deadlines. Proficient in computer applications, including the Microsoft Office suite, with a strong grasp of production processes and finishing techniques. Skilled in maintaining branding consistency and applying sustainable design principles through comprehensive material knowledge. Committed to leveraging skills for innovative solutions and continuous improvement in future roles.
Creative Furniture Designer specialising in professional & office based products, using innovative design techniques to create visually-stunning furniture. Proficient in SketchUp design software, working accurately and efficiently to consistently achieve client briefs to deadline and within budget.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
2
2
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Furniture designer
DeeBee Foams
Pulloxhill, Bedfordshire
01.2022 - Current
- Designed and produced luxury foam-based furniture for high-end office and public spaces.
- Ensured product quality met client expectations, both in UK and internationally.
- Produced bespoke items exceeding industry standards, alongside mass production of smaller pieces.
- Networked with clients to establish new opportunities and maintain relationships.
- Streamlined creative processes by embracing advanced technology solutions.
- Utilised equipment including band knife and angling knife, adhering to safety procedures for blade changes and maintenance
- Liaised effectively with suppliers, ensuring timely delivery of needed materials for projects.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously whilst maintaining attention to detail and meeting deadlines.
- Fostered harmonious relationships with clients through regular communication regarding progress updates and any design changes required.
Customer Service Advisor
Autoglass
Bedford, Bedford
07.2021 - 11.2021
- Handled customer calls regarding windscreen and car glass issues, efficiently booking appointments.
- Resolved client problems while upselling additional services to enhance customer satisfaction.
- Coordinated with teams to swiftly address complex client concerns in high-pressure situations.
- Resolved pressing customer issues, ensured repeat business.
- Managed complex customer issues to successful resolution.
- Logged customer complaints accurately, expedited corrective actions effectively.
- Improved customer satisfaction by promptly addressing queries and complaints.
- Assisted customers in product selection to help boost sales by 15%
- Guided customers through troubleshooting process with patience and clarity.
Warehouse Operative
Lifeplus Europe
Bedford, Bedford
08.2018 - 06.2021
- Streamlined selection of brochures, picking, packing, and loading health supplement orders for European delivery.
- Managed express duties for shipments to U.A.E, United States, and EU via DHL.
- Developed system to mitigate Brexit-related disruptions on delivery processes.
- Utilised EORI numbers, terms of trade, IOSS numbers, and customs invoices efficiently.
- Adapted to changes in customs regulations since Brexit implementation in January.
- Participated in staff forum meetings to discuss business and employee concerns with management.
- Managed disposal of waste materials, maintained clean working environment.
- Loaded and unloaded delivery vehicles, ensured safe transport of goods.
- Collaborated on stock checking routines, provided accurate inventory updates.
- Maintained safety regulations by enforcing strict adherence to company policies.
- Ensured high standards of cleanliness by regularly sanitising warehouse equipment.
- Replenished shelves as needed, helped maintain adequate stock levels at all times.
- Performed general maintenance tasks around the warehouse, ensured a safe work environment.
Pre-sales Administrator
British Car Auctions
Bedford, Bedford
01.2018 - 07.2018
- Managed 2 accounts for vendors auctioning used vehicles, executing document processing for ready sale alongside vehicle data entry into computer system efficiently and systematically
- Improved record keeping system with attention to detail and thoroughness.
- Sorted incoming mail promptly, reducing clutter and improving organisation in workplace.
- Processed expense reports, resulting in accurate financial records maintained consistently.
- Organised important company meetings, leading to improved communication across departments.
- Assisted senior administrators to effectively coordinate large-scale events.
- Enhanced team productivity for better project completion rates through effective schedule management.
- Facilitated internal communications with clear and concise memos and bulletins.
- Resolved minor technical issues swiftly avoiding unnecessary delays in workflow.
- Contributed towards positive work environment by maintaining cleanliness and orderliness in shared spaces.
- Streamlined office operations by implementing efficient administrative procedures.
- Coordinated travel arrangements for executives, contributing towards seamless business trips without disruption.
- Assumed responsibility of receptionist duties whilst necessary staff were on holiday.
Car parts evaluator & sales
RS Cars
Greenfield, Central Bedfordshire
04.2017 - 01.2018
- Sourced and prepared classic car parts for sale.
- Photographed and valued various car parts, managing invoicing and payment processes.
- Acted as primary contact via phone, demonstrating strong customer service skills.
- Carried out day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Quickly learned and applied new skills to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
- Worked flexible hours, covering nights, weekends and bank holidays.
- Offered friendly, efficient customer service and handled challenging situations with ease.
- Increased customer satisfaction by resolving issues.
- Displayed energy and enthusiasm in fast-paced environment.
Junior Chef
The Anchor
Aspley Guise, Central Bedfordshire
08.2016 - 04.2017
- Prepared salads, starters, and specials, showcasing culinary creativity.
- Conducted stock checks and managed ingredient ordering to ensure availability.
- Adhered to health and safety regulations to maintain kitchen standards.
- Expedited orders during peak hours, ensuring timely service delivery.
- Mastered various cooking methods, broadening culinary skill set.
- Pioneered new dish ideas to boost restaurant's menu diversity.
- Assisted in training of new staff to enhance team efficiency.
- Collaborated closely with senior chefs for menu development.
- Decorated dishes meticulously for attractive plating.
- Tackled any arising issues promptly, ensuring smooth kitchen operations.
Administrator & Marketing
HayMax
Ampthill, Central Bedfordshire
01.2014 - 05.2016
- Facilitated business growth by transitioning to larger-scale logistics for increased order capacity.
- Utilised Excel and Access for data management and analysis to support operational decisions.
- Provided feedback on product development to enhance offerings and meet market demand.
- Processed phone orders from across Europe, ensuring efficient customer service delivery.
- Answered inbound phone calls, resulting in excellent customer service provided to clients.
- Assumed responsibility of receptionist duties whilst necessary staff were on holiday.
- Increased efficiency of document retrieval with well-organised filing system.
- Coordinated travel arrangements for executives, contributing towards seamless business trips without disruption.
- Enhanced team productivity for better project completion rates through effective schedule management.
Client Representative
SMP Acquisitions
Luton, Luton
12.2011 - 10.2013
- Sold personalised stationery on behalf of charities, including Wildlife Trust.
- Executed one-to-one sales and bulk orders for large companies.
- Developed comprehensive understanding of sales techniques through self-employed experience.
- Supported sales team in achieving targets by upselling relevant products and services.
- Streamlined customer service procedures to enhance efficiency.
- Identified client needs with precision, enhancing product recommendation accuracy.
- Built strong relationships with clients, leading to increased loyalty.
- Upheld high standards of communication and professionalism whilst interacting with clients.
- Handled sensitive information discreetly; upheld strict confidentiality norms.
- Served as first point of contact for client queries, offering immediate assistance.
Customer Assistant
Tesco
Flitwick, Central Bedfordshire
01.2009 - 11.2011
- Maintained a clean, organised workspace for the efficient operation of checkout area.
- Handled cash transactions accurately, enhancing trust between business and clientele.
- Improved customer relations by promptly addressing queries and concerns.
- Operated till systems smoothly, streamlining check-out process for customers.
- Monitored inventory levels routinely to avoid stock-outs or overstocking issues.
- Stocked shelves regularly for easy access to products by customers.
- Managed high-pressure situations with ease, ensuring customer satisfaction during peak hours.
- Provided excellent customer service to ensure repeat business.
- Upheld company policies whilst interacting with customers to maintain brand reputation.
- Cross-sold related products at point of purchase boosting overall sales volumes.
Hand Finisher
Classic Finishers
Ampthill, Central Bedfordshire
04.2008 - 12.2008
- Utilised fine hand tools for precise detailing on luxury items.
- Perfected surface imperfections through painstaking retouching processes.
- Collaborated closely with designers to understand their vision and requirements.
- Trimmed excess material, resulting in neat and tidy finished products.
- Prepared pieces for final assembly to ensure flawless finish.
- Used heat treatments on specific materials for desired effects.
- Applied protective coatings to prolong product longevity and aesthetic appeal.
Education
A-Levels - Applied Business, Economics, Geography
Redborne Community College
Ampthill 08.2005 - 05.2007
Skills
- Post-Brexit logistics
- Used car industry expertise
- Health supplement market knowledge
- Adaptability and quick learning
- Computer proficiency
- Microsoft Office suite
- High-energy work environments
- Deadline-oriented performance
- Consistent results delivery
- Production process understanding
- Finishing techniques mastery
- Branding consistency strategies
- Sustainable design principles
- Material knowledge
Custom
Volunteered for a sports charity while fully recuperating from a spinal tumour.
Timeline
Furniture designer
DeeBee Foams
01.2022 - Current
Customer Service Advisor
Autoglass
07.2021 - 11.2021
Warehouse Operative
Lifeplus Europe
08.2018 - 06.2021
Pre-sales Administrator
British Car Auctions
01.2018 - 07.2018
Car parts evaluator & sales
RS Cars
04.2017 - 01.2018
Junior Chef
The Anchor
08.2016 - 04.2017
Administrator & Marketing
HayMax
01.2014 - 05.2016
Client Representative
SMP Acquisitions
12.2011 - 10.2013
Customer Assistant
Tesco
01.2009 - 11.2011
Hand Finisher
Classic Finishers
04.2008 - 12.2008
A-Levels - Applied Business, Economics, Geography
Redborne Community College
08.2005 - 05.2007
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