Kelly Sorrell
Chelmsford,Essex
Summary
As you would of seen, my experience most recently has been in the field as a District Manager. I am now looking to improve my work life balance and feel that being in store using my skill set will help support this. I'm a driven professional with talent for leadership and customer service. Possesses strong organisational skills combined with effective communication abilities. Aims to enhance store performance and build motivated team.
Loyal employee with solid understanding of training and mentoring employees. Dedicated team player, proactive and hands-on in task completion.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work history
Store Manager - District Support
Hotel Chocolat
East Anglia
2025.11 - Current
- Coached management teams across selected stores to enhance operational success.
- Led a dynamic management team, driving performance through effective communication.
- Delivered exceptional guest experiences by developing store teams' knowledge and skills.
- Ensured compliance in stock management and operational practices.
- Managed full P&L responsibilities, demonstrating strong commercial awareness.
- Adapted communication style to meet diverse team needs.
- Demonstrated reliable timekeeping and organisational skills with a focus on continuous improvement.
District Manager - East Anglia
Hotel Chocolat
East Anglia, East Anglia
2023.06 - 2025.11
- Secured agreement on KPIs and cost budgets for sign-off.
- Drove change management initiatives to enhance operational efficiency.
- Owned delivery of commercial KPIs, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
- Managed district objectives, maximising profit potential and accountability.
- Oversaw cost management for the district to optimise financial performance.
- Resolved escalated customer complaints, safeguarding satisfaction levels.
- Ensured compliance with company standards to uphold brand reputation.
- Identified growth opportunities within district market, driving revenue enhancement.
- Provided leadership for district-wide initiatives, enhancing operational efficiency.
- Facilitated regular meetings with store managers, ensuring alignment of objectives.
- Travelled across the district to oversee store operations.
- Approached new tasks and projects with enthusiasm and passion, increasing employee motivation and morale.
- Addressed customer issues with compassion and professionalism, ensuring swift, successful resolution.
District Manager
Hotel Chocolat
London East, London East
2021.10 - 2023.06
- Secured agreement on KPIs and cost budgets for sign-off.
- Drove change management initiatives to enhance operational efficiency.
- Owned delivery of commercial KPIs, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
- Managed district objectives, maximising profit potential and accountability.
- Oversaw cost management for the district to optimise financial performance.
- Resolved escalated customer complaints, safeguarding satisfaction levels.
- Ensured compliance with company standards to uphold brand reputation.
- Identified growth opportunities within district market, driving revenue enhancement.
- Provided leadership for district-wide initiatives, enhancing operational efficiency.
- Facilitated regular meetings with store managers, ensuring alignment of objectives.
- Travelled across the district to oversee store operations.
- Approached new tasks and projects with enthusiasm and passion, increasing employee motivation and morale.
- Addressed customer issues with compassion and professionalism, ensuring swift, successful resolution.
Store Manager
Hotel Chocolat
Lakeside & Chelmsford, Essex
2011.04 - 2021.10
- Managed four stores in Copenhagen for six months, contributing to international expansion efforts.
Facilitated opening of first two stores in Japan by representing UK team in 2018 and 2019.
Provided training to store teams, reinforcing operational expectations and performance standards. - Led a dynamic management team to enhance performance through effective communication of operational methods.
- Delivered exceptional guest experiences by developing team knowledge and skills.
- Trained and coached staff for personal growth within the business.
- Ensured compliance in stock management and operations to maintain efficiency.
- Strived to exceed expectations by understanding business objectives and brand values.
- Maintained high health and safety compliance through comprehensive inductions and training.
- Upheld outstanding hygiene standards throughout the store.
- Managed all aspects of store security, adhering to company policies.
- Knowledge of the Hotel Chocolat business drivers
Store Manager
L'Occitane
Lakeside, Essex
2009.06 - 2011.03
- Led training sessions for new employees, equipping them with necessary skills and knowledge.
- Coached underperforming employees improving their job performance significantly.
- Assisted customers in locating products around the shop floor promptly.
- Monitored inventory levels consistently to avoid stock shortages or overages.
- Oversaw visual merchandising efforts that enhanced overall store appearance.
- Conducted performance appraisals for staff members, providing constructive feedback and identifying areas for improvement.
- Handled cash transactions accurately, minimising financial discrepancies at the till.
- Oversaw business staffing and training, building successful, customer-focused team.
Sales Development Manager
Benefit Cosmetics
Essex, Essex
2007.07 - 2009.06
- Maximise sales opportunities through analysis and consistent coaching
- Successfully launched new products in the market through strategic planning and execution.
- Defined sales targets, setting clear expectations for the workforce.
- Enhanced customer loyalty with high-quality service delivery.
- Fostered a collaborative environment by frequently conducting team meetings and brainstorming sessions.
- Collaborated with marketing department for effective promotional campaigns.
- Built long-term partnerships with stakeholders to enhance business prospects.
- Invested in staff training programmes, leading to enhanced skills within the team.
Skills
- Emotional intelligence
- Sales reporting
- Market and competitor analysis
- Sales driven
- Visual merchandising insight
- Logistics co-ordination
- Crisis management capabilities
- Operational optimisation
- Store layout planning
- Staff rota arrangement
- Supply chain understanding
- Financial reporting
- Merchandising expertise
- Commercial acumen
- Vendor relationship building
- Profit and loss understanding
- Staff retention techniques
- Brand Promotion
- Employee motivation techniques
- Sales Leadership
- Time efficiency
- Store operations efficiency
- Communication proficiency
- Omni-Channel retailing approach
Timeline
Store Manager - District Support
Hotel Chocolat
2025.11 - Current
District Manager - East Anglia
Hotel Chocolat
2023.06 - 2025.11
District Manager
Hotel Chocolat
2021.10 - 2023.06
Store Manager
Hotel Chocolat
2011.04 - 2021.10
Store Manager
L'Occitane
2009.06 - 2011.03
Sales Development Manager
Benefit Cosmetics
2007.07 - 2009.06