Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Personal Information
Timeline
Generic

Katie Jones

Biggin Hill,Kent

Summary

Dynamic professional with a goal-driven attitude and exceptional communication excellence, specialising in negotiation aptitude and sales persuasion. Expertise in travel knowledge and holiday packages creation, coupled with comprehensive travel product knowledge, ensures effective up-selling and customer retention strategies. Adept in customer service and relationship management, leveraging geographical knowledge and company branding to enhance product promotion and cross-selling strategies. Committed to achieving career goals through innovative sales techniques and maintaining strong client relationships.

Overview

28
28
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education

Work History

General kitchen assistant

Four Seasons Cuisine
Downe, Kent
09.2019 - Current
  • Collaborated effectively with team members to ensure seamless kitchen operations.
  • Assisted catering events onsite and offsite, showcasing adaptability in different work environments.
  • Managed multiple tasks simultaneously during peak hours, resulting in efficient meal service.
  • Supported head chef in daily tasks, contributing to a well-functioning kitchen environment.
  • Worked long hours under pressure during busy periods without compromising quality or speed.
  • Assisted in inventory management, resulting in optimal stock usage.
  • Cooperated well with kitchen teams, improving workflow and raising working standards.

Teaching assistant in special educational needs

Tubbenden Primary School
Orpington, Kent
09.2013 - 02.2019
  • Facilitated communication between students, parents and staff to ensure understanding of progress and goals.
  • Engaged students in various group activities that fostered teamwork and cooperation.
  • Assisted in managing classroom behaviour by implementing effective discipline strategies tailored to individual needs.
  • Participated in professional development training sessions to stay informed about the latest in special education teaching strategies.
  • Adapted teaching methods based on individual learning styles leading to enhanced comprehension.
  • Fostered an inclusive classroom atmosphere by promoting empathy, acceptance and respect among peers.
  • Created a friendly, positive and inspiring learning environment to facilitate interactions amongst students.
  • Supported teachers in managing challenging student behaviour, contributing to progress meetings to provide feedback, raise concerns and recommend appropriate action.
  • Maximised student engagement and receptive learning by educating students using individualised instructional approaches.
  • Encouraged students to work together to complete projects and solve problems.

Customer service representative

Aqualisa Products
Westerham, Kent
01.2005 - 02.2009
  • Developed strong relationships with customers fostering brand loyalty and repeat business.
  • Collaborated with sales team to maximise product visibility and sales.
  • Managed high volume of inbound calls for quick resolution of customer issues.
  • Resolved customer issues effectively, using strong interpersonal skills and conflict resolution techniques.
  • Managed high-volume customer queries simultaneously through effective multitasking.
  • Consistently achieved service rating targets, managing customer enquiries with personalised care and attention.
  • Boosted monthly sales revenue by skilfully promoting diverse product and service options.
  • Upsold new products and accessories to customers, capturing significant increases in add-on sales.
  • Maintained excellent client satisfaction by providing in-depth support.

Customer service manager

Santander
Beckenham, Bromley
01.2001 - 01.2005
  • Improved operational efficiency by identifying areas of improvement.
  • Promoted products effectively to increase sales.
  • Delivered exceptional service by addressing customer queries promptly.
  • Managed challenging situations to ensure customer satisfaction.
  • Resolved complaints efficiently, fostering customer loyalty.
  • Maintained positive relationships through effective communication.
  • Handled high volumes of transactions during holiday seasons efficiently.
  • Processed payments swiftly for improved customer experience.
  • Facilitated customers' financial needs for improved banking experience.
  • Maintained confidentiality with sensitive customer information.
  • Handled cash transactions, ensuring accuracy and security.
  • Managed customer accounts by providing exceptional service.
  • Maintained compliance with internal controls and UK banking regulations.
  • Suggested additional products and services matching customer needs.

Travel consultant

An independent Travel agent then Thomas Cook
Bromley, Kent
09.1997 - 01.2001
  • Promoted premium travel packages for increased sales conversion.
  • Resolved customer complaints promptly ensuring high levels of satisfaction.
  • Kept up-to-date with latest industry trends to provide accurate information and advice.
  • Drew upon comprehensive knowledge of global destinations for informed recommendations.
  • Served diverse client base including individual travellers and corporate groups.
  • Achieved customer satisfaction by providing tailored travel solutions.
  • Formulated strategic marketing initiatives to attract new clientele.
  • Handled complex itineraries ensuring seamless journeys for clients.
  • Assisted customers with all aspects of travel planning leading to successful holidays.
  • Coordinated with suppliers to secure best rates and services.
  • Utilised industry software proficiently for efficient booking and scheduling.
  • Dealt efficiently with last-minute changes to minimise disruption.
  • Improved overall service quality through continuous feedback analysis.
  • Negotiated contracts with vendors, securing competitive prices and terms.
  • Implemented effective communication skills to build strong client relationships.
  • Streamlined booking procedures, improving operational efficiency.
  • Contributed effectively in team meetings, fostering collaborative work environment.
  • Facilitated smooth travel arrangements, enhancing customer experience.
  • Offered personalised travel advice for enhanced holiday experiences.
  • Responded to clients' questions, issues and complaints, thinking creatively to formulate effective solutions.
  • Tracked flight prices to secure best-possible prices for customer trips.
  • Prepared comprehensive travel itineraries using accessible formats for customers.
  • Offered exemplary service to new and existing clients, helping to build lasting relationships and secure new travel assignments.
  • Used destination knowledge to enhance customer trips with local recommendations.
  • Negotiated corporate reservation rates to meet client budget requirements.
  • Strived to reach set sales and revenue targets.
  • Monitored flight costs and demand to achieve best-possible prices.
  • Maximised sales profits using proven upselling and cross-selling techniques.
  • Liaised with local operators to promptly resolve travel restrictions and delays.
  • Identified add-on sales opportunities by analysing client needs, budgets and preferences.
  • Exceeded sales targets regularly in travel bookings each month.
  • Attended 'Top sellers' trips and educational trips!

Education

GCSEs - Core subjects of Maths, English, Science, in addition; French, Geography, Food Tech

Charles Darwin School
Biggin Hill, Bromley
09.1991 - 06.1996

NVQ Level 3 - Travel and Tourism

Bromley College
Bromley
09.1996 - 07.1997

Skills

  • Goal-Driven attitude
  • Communication excellence
  • Travel knowledge
  • Holiday packages creation
  • Travel product knowledge
  • Customer Service
  • Sales techniques
  • Product promotion
  • Geographical knowledge
  • Excellent communication

Affiliations

  • I've always loved being around horses for as long as I can remember. Riding is one of my favourite things to do, whether its just for fun or going out competing with my daughter at County level. I find it very relaxing spending time with the horses, there's something really special about the connection you can build with a horse., its something I truly feel passionate about.

Personal Information

During the period of 2006 until now, I have dedicated my time to focusing on personal and family responsibilities.

I continued to work part time whilst my children were growing up in roles where I could support my family around work.

Now, I am fully committed and ready to re-engage in a professional role where I can apply my past experience and passion for travel to deliver outstanding service and results.



Timeline

General kitchen assistant

Four Seasons Cuisine
09.2019 - Current

Teaching assistant in special educational needs

Tubbenden Primary School
09.2013 - 02.2019

Customer service representative

Aqualisa Products
01.2005 - 02.2009

Customer service manager

Santander
01.2001 - 01.2005

Travel consultant

An independent Travel agent then Thomas Cook
09.1997 - 01.2001

NVQ Level 3 - Travel and Tourism

Bromley College
09.1996 - 07.1997

GCSEs - Core subjects of Maths, English, Science, in addition; French, Geography, Food Tech

Charles Darwin School
09.1991 - 06.1996
Katie Jones