Kerry Ackrill
Swindon,Wiltshire
Summary
Dedicated professional with extensive experience in team leadership and stakeholder communication. Proven ability to coach and mentor staff, ensuring high performance and productivity. Committed to fostering a positive work environment and driving strategic initiatives to achieve business goals.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
2
2
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Head of Stores Communication
TGJones
Swindon, Wiltshire
2023.09 - Current
- Coordinated cross-departmental communication to ensure smooth information flow and effective stakeholder collaboration.
- Delivered clear and effective communications to over 450 stores, managing and distributing 30–40 updates weekly to ensure consistent information flow and operational alignment.
- Applied strong project management and organisational skills to manage resources, teams and schedules while meeting objectives.
- Encouraged teamwork and advised staff on effective internal and external communication strategies to improve overall performance.
- Partnered with leadership to develop and implement company vision, mission and strategic direction while assessing and improving communication effectiveness.
Area Manager
WHSmith
Swindon, South West & Wales
2021.08 - 2023.09
- Built and maintained strong stakeholder relationships while successfully leading over 50 store teams, driving collaboration, effective communication and sustained business growth.
- Recruited, trained, and motivated a senior leadership team of 10, strengthening capability, enhancing performance, and consistently driving improvements in productivity, morale, and KPI achievement.
- Implemented cost-effective measures and managed staffing schedules efficiently while remaining within budget.
- Promoted positive work environment by resolving conflicts promptly and supporting employee retention and operational efficiency
Store Manager
WHSmith
Various, Various
2007.09 - 2021.09
- Led and developed a 20-strong store team through coaching, performance appraisals, and effective staff scheduling, while maintaining health and safety standards and fostering a positive, high-performing culture built on pride, engagement, and strong team cohesion.
- Collaborated with senior management on strategic planning and contributed operational insights to support business objectives.
- Oversaw visual merchandising and promotional displays to enhance store appearance, product visibility and sales performance.
- Maintained high customer satisfaction by resolving complaints effectively and ensuring prompt issue resolution.
Education
GNVQ - Business
Ridgeway School
Swindon 1997.09 - 1999.09
Skills
- Communication with stakeholders
- Coaching and mentoring
- Performance monitoring
- Data-driven decision-making
- Stakeholder communication
- Multitasking proficiency
- Resilience under pressure
- Team Leadership
- Interpersonal communication
Timeline
Head of Stores Communication
TGJones
2023.09 - Current
Area Manager
WHSmith
2021.08 - 2023.09
Store Manager
WHSmith
2007.09 - 2021.09
GNVQ - Business
Ridgeway School
1997.09 - 1999.09