Summary
Work history
Education
Skills
Languages
Timeline
Lisa McKnight

Lisa McKnight

Warrington,Cheshire

Summary

I am a professional industrial chemist with experience in new product development, customer technical support and direct sales environments. I have worked in the European and UK chemical industry, specialising in the cosmetic and speciality chemical markets. After moving to the Netherlands in 2002, I did not work professionally and focused on supporting a family. I actively assisted in the schools which my children attended positively contributing to the education of children of different ages and nationalities. I have lived in The Netherlands, France, Switzerland and Germany enthusiastically integrating myself into the language and culture of each country. I have recently returned to the UK. I am extremely resilient and well-versed in international relocation. In November 2020, I trained with Berlitz language school as an English language instructor for both adults and children. I am an enthusiastic instructor with excellent communication skills resulting in high-achieving students. I'm adept at adapting teaching programmes, methods and resources to suit varying age and ability groups and motivated to engage and enthuse pupils from diverse backgrounds to achieve their goals and continue to the next level.

Work history

English Language Instructor

Berlitz Language school
11.2020 - 07.2023
  • Online and in-person instruction for adults, adult groups and children.
  • Created vibrant learning atmosphere through interactive exercises and discussions resulting is successful students and repeat business.
  • Engaged with students through conversational language, simplifying curriculum into relevant, understandable information allowing them to succeed.
  • Reported on student progress to drive attainment.

Senior Account Manager

Ellis & Everard (Anstead International) Ltd
07.1999 - 12.2002
  • Account management for Personal Care and Pharma markets
  • Responsibility for £3MM sales and primary technical support in NE England and Scotland including major accounts.
  • Awarded 3rd prize for Best Sales Performance in E&E UK, 1999/2000.
  • Consistently met or exceeded established KPIs and targets.
  • Developed competitive sales quotes and followed up to convert quotes to sales.
  • Maximised sales opportunities by advising customers of future promotions and product launches.
  • Presented and promoted technical product and services using sound product knowledge and powerful sales techniques.
  • Analysed market competition and created sales forecasts.
  • Built relationships with existing and new accounts.

Development Chemist

Croda Chemicals UK Ltd
07.1996 - 07.1999
  • New formulation development for the personal care market
  • Maintained standardised testing conditions for reliable project outcomes.
  • Technical service liaising with customers and the sales team to progress projects and achieve dependable outcomes.
  • Coordinator of Lab Safety Team Risk and Workplace Hazard Assessments.
  • Drafted scientific reports for improved research scope.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills with customers and training new employees.

Research Assistant (Intern)

Dow Deutschland Gmbh
09.1994 - 08.1995
  • At Dow Stade, as part of the Cellulose Derivatives group
  • Projects involved particle size distribution analysis, viscometry and dissolution improvement, working with the research scientists and the operations team at the plant.
  • Followed up with research study participants to acquire additional data or resolve data inaccuracies.
  • Set up, calibrated and maintained field or laboratory equipment as per study requirements.
  • Carried out experiments and research following protocols laid out by primary researchers.
  • Created presentation slides and posters to help researchers present findings.
  • Wrote reports to summarise data and implications of results.


Education

Cosmetic Science Diploma -

Society of Cosmetic Scientists, United Kingdom
/1996 - /1997
  • Completed professional development in Cosmetic Science

Master of Chemistry (MChem) - Chemistry with German

UMIST, Manchester
/1992 - /1996
  • Completed professional development in industry with the Dow Chemical Company

A-Levels - Chemistry Biology Mathematics

Priestley sixth Form College, Warrington
/1990 - /1992

Skills

  • Good computer literacy; Windows or Apple based systems
  • Excellent communication, presentation, time management and interpersonal skills Group leadership and team collaboration
  • Strong self-motivated learning skills as demonstrated by completion of self-study/distance learning
  • Classroom management
  • Motivational communication
  • Territory sales management
  • Market intelligence
  • Customer rapport
  • Sales and market development
  • Customer acquisition and retention
  • Technical presenting
  • Excel proficiency

Languages

English
Native
Dutch
Advanced
German
Upper intermediate
French
Intermediate

Timeline

English Language Instructor - Berlitz Language school
11.2020 - 07.2023
Senior Account Manager - Ellis & Everard (Anstead International) Ltd
07.1999 - 12.2002
Development Chemist - Croda Chemicals UK Ltd
07.1996 - 07.1999
Research Assistant (Intern) - Dow Deutschland Gmbh
09.1994 - 08.1995
Society of Cosmetic Scientists - Cosmetic Science Diploma,
/1996 - /1997
UMIST - Master of Chemistry (MChem), Chemistry with German
/1992 - /1996
Priestley sixth Form College - A-Levels, Chemistry Biology Mathematics
/1990 - /1992
Lisa McKnight