Emily Backstrom
Liverpool,UK
Summary
Detail-oriented MA Publishing graduate with substantial administrative, customer service and data management experience gained across retail, education and publishing environments. Experienced in maintaining accurate records, coordinating complex schedules, processing large volumes of information and supporting teams to meet strict deadlines. Demonstrates excellent attention to detail, strong organisational skills and a commitment to providing professional and efficient support to customers, colleagues and stakeholders. Confident using Microsoft Office applications and database systems, with experience handling sensitive information accurately and confidentially.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work history
Person in Charge (PIC) / Sales Assistant
Next Retail Ltd
Liverpool, Merseyside
05.2021 - Current
- Coordinated daily operations in a busy retail environment, ensuring seamless collaboration among teams of up to 15 staff to maintain store efficiency.
- Managed Rota coordination and adapted to staffing changes, prioritising tasks to uphold service standards.
- Resolved customer and operational queries promptly and professionally.
- Support and train new colleagues, helping them understand procedures and maintain consistent standards of service.
- Adapt quickly to changing priorities in a high-volume customer-facing environment while maintaining attention to detail and a professional approach.
- Use internal digital systems to manage information and support daily operations.
- Maintain accurate stock information, internal records and reporting systems, making sure information is kept consistent and up to date.
Cross-Department Intern
Michael O'Mara Books
London, United Kingdom
06.2025 - 09.2025
- Produced sales and market analysis using Nielsen BookScan, organising data to inform editorial and commercial decisions.
- Maintained and updated large datasets across multiple publishing titles, ensuring accuracy and consistency of information.
- Supported work across editorial, sales and rights teams, helping to keep different tasks and deadlines on track.
- Researched and organised information into structured records and comparison documents to support colleagues with ongoing projects.
- Created and distributed structured communications to over 300 international contacts via Mailchimp, facilitating effective information sharing.
- Proofread and quality-checked titles and metadata, identifying errors and discrepancies where accuracy was important.
Administrative Assistant / Receptionist
Aintree School of Music Ltd
Liverpool, Merseyside
04.2017 - 03.2020
- Provided administrative and reception support as the first point of contact for students, parents, staff and other visitors.
- Responded to enquiries by telephone, email and in person, providing clear and professional communication.
- Coordinated complex schedules, ensuring staff availability and managing bookings and last-minute changes to facilitate smooth operations.
- Maintained accurate student records and administrative databases, handling personal information appropriately and in line with data protection requirements.
- Organised documentation and filing systems, ensuring information was accessible, accurate, and up to date.
- Managed changing priorities and unexpected requests while keeping an organised and professional approach.
- Tracked invoices and monitored payments to support financial administration and maintain accurate records.
Education
MA - Publishing
Manchester Metropolitan University
09/2024 - 09/2025
BA (Hons) - Art History & Curating
Manchester Metropolitan University
09/2021 - 07/2024
Skills
- Data management and entry
- Reporting and information analysis
- Microsoft Office and Google Workspace proficiency
- CRM database administration
- Email marketing strategies
- Adobe InDesign and Canva design
- Administrative support and operations
- Scheduling and coordination skills
- Priority management and deadlines
- Stakeholder communication
- Problem-solving and resolution
- Team collaboration
- Project coordination skills
- Confidential information handling
References
- Lauren Edwards (Lead Sales Manager at Next, Liverpool Aintree RP). Email: lauren_edwards2@next.co.uk. Phone: 0116 313 1370
- Debbie Williams (Programme Leader of MA Publishing and Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing & Publishing at Manchester Metropolitan University). Email: Debbie.Williams@mmu.ac.uk
Timeline
Cross-Department Intern
Michael O'Mara Books
06.2025 - 09.2025
Person in Charge (PIC) / Sales Assistant
Next Retail Ltd
05.2021 - Current
Administrative Assistant / Receptionist
Aintree School of Music Ltd
04.2017 - 03.2020
BA (Hons) - Art History & Curating
Manchester Metropolitan University
09/2021 - 07/2024
MA - Publishing
Manchester Metropolitan University
09/2024 - 09/2025