Edward Ball

I was the first point of contact for guests, welcoming them warmly from arrival to departure. My role involved managing check ins and check outs, answering questions, handling requests, and making sure all admin tasks ran smoothly. I focused on delivering great customer service, building positive relationships, and resolving any issues calmly and efficiently. I also pitched in with other front-of-house tasks, including supporting the food and beverage team when needed, all while staying organised, punctual, and attentive in a busy hospitality environment.

In this role, I worked as one of only two members of staff on duty overnight at a 200-room, four-star hotel in central Bristol, taking responsibility for the smooth operation of the hotel outside of normal management hours.

I delivered a high standard of guest service by managing check-ins and check-outs, raising and settling accounts, processing payments, and resolving billing discrepancies. In addition, I operated the hotel bar, prepared and delivered room service orders, and provided assistance to a diverse range of guests, including families, business travellers, tour groups, sports teams, and stag and hen parties. As the primary point of contact overnight, I was trusted to handle guest concerns, complaints, and unexpected issues promptly and professionally.

A key aspect of the role involved maintaining the safety and security of guests, staff, and property during overnight hours. This required a calm, tactful, and authoritative approach when balancing the needs of different guest groups and managing challenging situations. Working with limited on-site support, I regularly demonstrated strong problem-solving and decision-making skills. I also ensured the hotel remained secure from unauthorised individuals, drawing on previous experience of dealing with people experiencing mental health or addiction issues who may display antisocial behaviour.

Alongside operational responsibilities, I completed overnight administrative duties, including maintaining accurate records and updating daily financial figures using Excel, as well as preparing reports and templates for the following day. During my time in the role, I also supported the on-the-job training of two new starters, helping them develop the skills and confidence required to work independently on overnight shifts.

In this role, I was responsible for the day-to-day operation of a busy high street betting shop, frequently working alone and taking full accountability for the store during trading hours. My duties included opening and closing the premises, cashing up, banking, and maintaining accurate financial records, alongside operating company systems and betting terminals.

I provided a high level of customer service while calculating and processing a wide range of complex bet types, ensuring accuracy and compliance at all times. A significant part of the role involved managing customer interactions, including resolving disputes, handling challenging situations, and recognising and responding appropriately to customers experiencing gambling-related addiction issues. This required a calm, professional approach and strong awareness of responsible gambling policies and procedures.

In this role, I was responsible for the daily collection and delivery of cash floats and takings for multiple University of Bristol food outlets, a position that required a high level of trust, discretion, and accuracy. I operated a 7.5-tonne vehicle to transport stock safely and efficiently between numerous locations across the city, ensuring outlets were fully replenished and able to operate without disruption.

The role demanded excellent time management, route planning, and awareness of security procedures, particularly when handling cash and valuable stock. I worked independently for much of the day, maintaining clear records and adhering to strict operational and safety standards while representing the University in a professional manner at all sites.

In this role, I supported the day to day operation of six NCP car parks across Bristol, responding independently to a wide range of customer, security, and equipment-related issues. I provided direct assistance to customers experiencing vehicle problems, payment difficulties, or the aftermath of break-ins, handling sensitive situations with professionalism and empathy while ensuring issues were resolved efficiently.

I was also responsible for troubleshooting and reporting faults with payment machines and barrier systems, helping to minimise disruption and maintain safe, operational sites. The role required a high level of flexibility, including early starts, late finishes, and weekend working, which I consistently undertook.

In addition, I regularly drove company vehicles between sites and was trusted to complete a weekly cash collection run to Cardiff, demonstrating reliability, attention to detail, and adherence to strict security procedures.

In this role, I provided high-quality customer service in a busy petrol station and supermarket environment, assisting with enquiries, resolving issues, and ensuring a positive experience for all customers. I maintained stock levels, organised displays, and supported the smooth day-to-day operation of the store, responding efficiently to tasks as they arose.

I consistently ensured that company standards and strict health and safety guidelines were met throughout my shifts, demonstrating attention to detail, reliability, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. The role required excellent communication skills, adaptability, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment.

In this role, I was responsible for safely transporting customers’ grocery orders from the Ocado site in Avonmouth to their homes, operating a 7.5-tonne van and adhering to a tightly scheduled delivery timetable. My route covered urban areas across local cities as well as more remote locations throughout South Wales and the South West, requiring careful planning, adaptability, and strong driving skills.

Deliveries in congested urban streets demanded a calm and precise approach to navigating tight access points and busy traffic, while rural routes often presented unexpected challenges due to road conditions. When delays occurred, I communicated proactively with affected customers, providing timely updates and maintaining a high level of customer service. This role strengthened my time management, problem-solving, and customer-facing communication skills, while consistently demonstrating reliability and professionalism.

In this role, I provided support at a variety of high-profile hospitality events, including parties, dinners, corporate functions, and private events, across more than 30 venues in Bristol, Bath, South Wales, and the South West. Locations included Colston Hall, M-Shed, Ashton Gate, Gloucestershire Cricket Club, Chepstow and Bath Racecourses, among others.

My responsibilities included bar service, food preparation and delivery, and the setup and clearing of event spaces, requiring efficiency, attention to detail, and adaptability in fast-paced, high-pressure environments. The role demanded excellent customer service skills, the ability to work as part of a team or independently, and consistent professionalism while representing the company at high-profile and private events.