Jakub J Zgid

The COS and H&M Group Department Manager is responsible for leading and managing the operations of a specific department within the COS brand, part of the H&M Group. This role involves ensuring excellent customer service, optimizing sales performance, and managing a team of associates. The Department Manager works closely with other managers and staff to achieve the store's sales and operational goals.

I also support the company with recruitment and staff training and development in store as well as supporting other stores and area with roles that are needed.

• Set daily priorities and communicated targets, motivating teams to achieve them.
• Managed inventory and receiving operations to maintain optimal stock levels and meet expected demands.
• Rotated merchandise and displays to feature new products and promotions.
• Recruited and trained department staff to boost employees productivity.
• Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones.
• Worked actively with management team to create daily and weekly sales plans based on weekly sales trends.
• Evaluated sales trends and identified growth areas to increase profits.
• Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
• Maintained smooth-running business operations by delegating priorities to staff abilities.
• Designed and implemented training to further develop staff based on business goals.
• Devised staff succession plans to enable professional development
• Led by example delivering first-class customer care during till, fitting room and sales floor service.
• Coached sales associates in product specifications, sales incentives and selling techniques.
• Performed regular performance appraisals, working with individuals to devise plans towards making necessary improvements.
• Walked sales floor regularly, identifying problems and resolving urgent issues.
• Set team KPIs to meet section and store sales targets.
• Enhanced company reputation with meticulous candidate screenings.
• Maintained confidentiality throughout the recruitment process, ensuring trust and integrity were upheld at all times.
• Managed high-volume of candidates during peak recruitment seasons, ensuring smooth operations.

I am a fully certified and insured Yoga Instructor (200-hour Yoga Alliance Certified through Bodsphere), currently teaching at Bearwood Yoga. ( Self Employed )

My mission is to guide students through the shadows of the mind using the transformative power of yoga. I specialize in Hatha, Vinyasa, and Ashtanga Yoga, and am also open to opportunities in Bikram Yoga.

My teaching integrates breathwork (Pranayama), movement meditation (Asana), and sensory withdrawal practices (Pratyahara) to create a deeply mindful experience. I aim to help students reconnect with their inner selves through presence, breath, and embodied awareness. I thrive in creating safe spaces and uniting community through variety of yoga classes.

• Enhanced student flexibility by implementing tailored yoga routines.
• Utilised props effectively in classes, enhancing alignment and posture correction techniques.
• Introduced restorative yoga practices into curriculum aiding recovery from physical exertion.
• Incorporated music and sound therapy into sessions, providing an immersive experience.
• Fostered a calming environment, facilitating stress relief for students.
• Organised outdoor yoga events, connecting the practice with nature for holistic wellness.
• Promoted mental wellbeing with mindfulness meditation techniques.
• Developed individualised practice plans to enhance personal growth.
• Adapted teaching methods according to student abilities, ensuring inclusive learning experiences.
• Led engaging group sessions, fostering community and camaraderie among students.

COMPANY DOES NOT EXIST ANYMORE: Leading and Managing Team of Sales Assistants: As a Rituals Expert I was in charge of hiring, training, coaching and supervising the store staff. I set performance expectation and provided guidance to make sure the employees meet their targets and provide excellent customer service.

• Built stronger relationships among team members through organised social events.

I played critical role in providing excellent level of Customer Service in a Luxury environment, that included constant customer interaction and b2b as well as resolvent of customer complaints.

I was also responsible for management of store inventory and stock loss, creating solutions and store procedures to reduce internal or external stock loss and max profits.

Moreover I was accountable for meeting day to day sales goals and store operations and visual merchandising of the store. Making sure the shop floor is attractive to boost sales as much as possible.

Knowledge of lifestyle shop, and trends: Skincare, Body care, Home decor.

Strong and constant communication and Customer service face to face as well as over the phone and online.

• Managed teams by overseeing hiring, training and professional growth of employees.
• Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
• Delivered exceptional customer service by proactively listening to concerns and answering questions.
• Motivated individuals and groups to achieve positive results against set goals.
• Cultivated inclusive environments with zero-tolerance on bullying to promote interaction.
• Set up interviews with employers and qualified applicants.
• Collaborated closely with other department supervisors to streamline processes across different teams.
• Managed shift schedules to ensure optimal staffing levels at all times.
• Enhanced team performance by implementing effective communication strategies.
• Improved customer satisfaction rates by promptly addressing and resolving concerns.
• Successfully led high-volume teams to achieve KPI targets and other department metrics.
• Fostered an environment conducive to learning through engaging and supportive coaching methods.
• Coordinated regular team-building activities, boosted overall morale and teamwork.

Supporting the store manager in overseeing all aspects of running food retail store. Strong leadership and management of bigger team of Sales Assistants, Bakers and Cleaners.

Assisting the store manager in creating business strategy to achieve company goals.

I was also responsible for monitoring and maintaining high level of store presence and customer service and assistance.

Education and adhering of strong knowledge of food retail procedures and laws, while representing positive and strong ability to work in very fast-paced environment and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

I also have supported special events in and outside of the store as well as finalizing and opening of new stores in and out of Birmingham.

• Maintained excellent client relationships by dealing with queries and complaints calmly and professionally.
• Designed employee incentives and recognition schemes to achieve team targets.
• Conducted regular audits, maintaining appropriate stock supplies to meet consumer demand.
• Addressed customer issues with compassion and professionalism, ensuring swift, successful resolution.
• Created and implemented best practice policies and processes to aid operational performance.
• Monitored and evaluated annual business plans in consultation with team members to meet set targets.

As a Business Manager of worldwide known skincare brand trend setter Kiehl's my main duties included: Understanding of the skincare industry, market trends, and competition. Ability to develop and execute effective business strategies and identify growth opportunities. Strong leadership skills to guide and motivate a team towards achieving sales targets and company goals. Ability to delegate tasks, provide clear directions, and foster a positive work environment. Excellent communication skills to effectively convey ideas, negotiate contracts, build relationships with suppliers, and maintain strong communication across different departments. Strong presentation and persuasion skills are also crucial for pitching and selling skincare products to potential clients, hence my high attention to details in personal presence and presence of the team and store. Excellent ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage multiple projects like pop up shops and sites simultaneously. Strong organizational skills to keep track of important business details and ensure smooth operations. Worth mentioning here that I have been promoted to that role internally starting in 2016 as a Sales Assistant in London, and working my way up to Assistant Store Manager and then Business Manager.

• Sourced and corrected strategic and tactical problems impacting business and sales management.
• Liaised with clients to identify and target inefficiencies in business controls, process gaps and workflow discrepancies.
• Boosted customer satisfaction scores through fast and knowledgeable issue resolution.
• Independently managed recruitment, employee motivation and training.
• Worked with sales representatives to develop strong customer connections, promoting long-lasting relationships.
• Increased new business connections and revenue generation opportunities by improving networking strategies.

Working directly with high profile clients, ensuring outstanding customer relations and service. Creating a bridge between the brand and clients. Assisting customers in selecting and trying on clothing, accessories, and luxury goods, providing styling advice and suggesting suitable combinations to enhance their personal style. I represented the luxury fashion brand and embodies its values, presenting a polished and sophisticated image to customers.

In addition to assisting customers in the store, I also engaged with clients outside the store through various channels, such as phone calls, emails, social media, or virtual appointments. I provide personalized recommendations, assist with online orders, and maintain a follow-up to ensure client satisfaction even after the purchase. I also learned and maintained basic knowledge of Made-to-measure services and basic tailoring. This role helped me exploring the personal shopping aspect of luxury brand.

As a Fragrance Specialist in Harrods I was an expert in the world of perfumes and fragrances. My primary role was to assist customers in finding the perfect scent that matches their personal style and preferences. In addition to providing customers with expert guidance, I also educated them on the art of layering fragrances, allowing them to create unique signature scents by combining multiple perfumes from the extensive collection.

As a Men's Ready-to-Wear Sales Leader I was responsible for overseeing the sales team and driving sales of ready-to-wear clothing for men. This role requires strong leadership skills, excellent sales abilities, and a deep understanding of the men's fashion industry.

Internal promotion from Sales Assistant after 3 months.

In this role I could exercise excellent communication and negotiation skills, a passion for fashion, and a proven track record in sales and leadership.