IBHADE EKATA
Edinburgh
Summary
With extensive experience in visual merchandising, design, leadership, management, customer service, and operational excellence, I am confident in my ability to contribute significantly to your team. Throughout my career, I have demonstrated adaptability, strong communication skills, and a commitment to achieving high standards. I am passionate about driving results and fostering a positive team environment. Committed to continuous learning and professional growth with a brand ambassador mindset that drives organisational success. I would gladly welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experience align with your needs.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
12081
12081
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Assistant Store Manager
Boots, Edinburgh Airport
Edinburgh
05.2022 - 01.2026
- Supported Store Leader with daily operations, maintaining strong visibility and accessibility across salesfloor and pharmacy.
- Delivered and elevated all merchandising standards across store, ensuring product availability, impactful displays, and strong compliance with company guidelines, ensuring store met brand and customer expectations every day.
- Ensured all planograms, POS, and promotional materials were implemented correctly and on time. Led planning and execution of seasonal layouts, promotional changes, and new product launches with accuracy and pace.
- Reduced waste and improved stock accuracy through effective stock rotation, date checking, alerts, recalls and inventory control processes. Responded quickly to trading opportunities by adjusting layouts, replenishment priorities, and product visibility.
- Trained and increased team capability by coaching colleagues on service excellence, merchandising standards, stock routines, and visual presentation expectations hereby developing talent, improving performance, and maintaining positive, high-performing team culture.
- Analysed trading patterns and used commercial insight KPI to maximise sales opportunities, profit, customer satisfaction metrics and improve overall store performance.
- Reduced customer complaints by driving culture of fast resolution, ownership, and proactive problem-solving.
- Maintained strong relationships with suppliers, delivery teams, and external partners to ensure smooth stock flow and timely replenishment.
Support Worker
The Action Group, West Lothian
West Lothian
05.2015 - 05.2022
- Gave patient centred care to clients with additional needs, promoting their independence and wellbeing.
- Conducted risk assessments and upheld safety measures regarding health and wellbeing.
- Advocated for client's emotional and physical welfare.
- Collaborated effectively with team and managers in sharing best practices and insights.
Customer Assistant
Marks & Spencer, Edinburgh Gyle
Edinburgh
04.2005 - 05.2014
- Analysed sales trends, stock levels, and customer buying patterns to optimise product placement and maximise commercial performance.
- Maintained high standards in operations, merchandising, and legal compliance across multiple departments.
- Prioritised coaching and performance leadership, so all new staff could achieve their potential and exceed targets.
- Contributed to a positive customer experience through efficient service and teamwork.
- Delivered excellent customer service and product knowledge across various departments.
Education
BA - Business Management & Marketing
Edinburgh Napier University
EdinburghHND - Business Management
Edinburgh College
EdinburghSVQ Level 2 - Health & Social Care
The Action Group
EdinburghArt & Design -
Open University
EdinburghArt -
ICS Education Services
EdinburghHighers - Mathematics, Business, English, Art & Design
St Augustines HIgh School
EdinburghSkills
- Strong business acumen and data analysis
- Visual merchandising and design
- Shelf layout design
- Excellent communication and coaching skills
- Relationship building and stakeholder management
- Customer and patient care excellence
- Time management and prioritization
- Managing absences, formal meetings, PDP’s, disciplinary procedure
- Talent spotting and development
- Performance coaching and handling difficult conversations
- Resilient and compliant with standards
- Technical proficiency: PeopleAdmin, MS Office, MyTime
- Leadership and team motivation
- Brand awareness promotion and ambassador mindset
- Recruitment and interviewing capabilities
- Staff retention techniques
- Complaint handling expertise
- Display design
Languages
English: Native proficiency (British English)
References
References available upon request
Accomplishments
Won Area and Regional store of the year
Edinburgh Airport business partner of the year
Timeline
Assistant Store Manager
Boots, Edinburgh Airport
05.2022 - 01.2026
Support Worker
The Action Group, West Lothian
05.2015 - 05.2022
Customer Assistant
Marks & Spencer, Edinburgh Gyle
04.2005 - 05.2014
BA - Business Management & Marketing
Edinburgh Napier University
HND - Business Management
Edinburgh College
SVQ Level 2 - Health & Social Care
The Action Group
Art & Design -
Open University
Art -
ICS Education Services
Highers - Mathematics, Business, English, Art & Design
St Augustines HIgh School