Paul Cruickshank
Dumfries
Summary
Encouraging manager and analytical problem-solver with talents for team building, leading and motivating, as well as excellent customer relations aptitude and relationship-building skills. Proficient in using independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success. Dedicated to applying training, monitoring and morale-building abilities to enhance employee engagement and boost performance. Results-driven, ambitious and competitive business leader focused on transformative leadership and continuous improvement to drive growth and maximise profits. Tenacious executive ready to take on challenging role, meet goals and surpass expectations. Takes on challenging new role harnessing interpersonal skills, collaboration and problem-solving. Driven to deliver high-quality service and consistent results. Loyal employee with solid understanding of training and mentoring employees. Dedicated team player, proactive and hands-on in task completion.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Car Sales Advisor
Vertu Motors PLC
Carlisle, Cumbria
2025.09 - Current
- Presented tailored sales pitches to various customer demographics, resulting in effective communication.
- Facilitated smooth vehicle handovers to ensure complete customer satisfaction.
- Assisted in arranging finance options for customers, making purchasing process easier.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly, maintaining company's reputation.
- Achieved high customer satisfaction by providing excellent service.
- Engaged in regular product training sessions for staying updated with latest features and specifications.
- Collaborated efficiently with team members, fostering a productive work environment.
- Established trust with clients by demonstrating transparency in all transactions.
- Closely followed-up on leads generated from online enquiries, increasing conversion rates.
- Identified suitable vehicles for customers' needs, enhancing their buying experience.
- Participated actively in sales meetings, contributing valuable ideas and feedback.
- Performed test drives safely whilst explaining vehicle features, providing comprehensive understanding to customers.
- Built strong relationships with customers for increased loyalty.
- Prepared detailed quotations for customers with clarity on terms and conditions.
- Ensured accurate documentation of all sales activities, upholding company's compliance standards.
- Finalised sales administration accurately and promptly to meet company standards.
- Promoted vehicle sales using proven selling tactics and strategies.
- Provided post-sales services to offer follow-up support and collect customer feedback.
Retail Branch Manager
WeBuyAnyCar LTD
Dumfries
2025.02 - 2025.09
- As the face and voice of the business I utilized my passion and ability to give amazing customer service during my time at the business
- I enjoyed and benefitted talking to my customers and enjoyed working towards the targets that's given me the opportunity to earn more! My role is to buy cars from the customers who make an appointment to see you
- I have turned leads generated by our website into purchases and constantly keep busy and be on the lookout for new business.
- Developed key operational initiatives to drive and maintain substantial business growth.
- Personalised customer service and tailored selling strategies to different customer types.
- Built rapport with new and existing customers to boost client retention.
- Provided post-sales services to offer follow-up support and collect customer feedback.
- Nurtured rapport with customers to improve likelihood of future sales.
- Networked and generated leads to increase new business opportunities.
- Gained practical experience closing sales in face-to-face environment.
- Explained establishment policies to customers and offered advice on selections.
Deputy store manager
ScS
Carlisle, Cumbria
2024.12 - 2025.04
- Made sure merchandise was displayed attractively, led to increase in footfall.
- Promoted a proactive work environment through open communication channels amongst the team members.
- Conducted risk assessments for improved health and safety protocols.
- Managed shift schedules efficiently, ensuring smooth daily operations even during peak hours.
- Upheld company policies at all times whilst dealing with staff or customers' issues.
- Maintained a clean, organised display area, ensuring a positive shopping experience for customers.
- Leaded by example on delivering excellent customer service as per company's guidelines.
Senior Branch Manager
WeBuyAnyCar LTD
Dumfries
2024.02 - 2024.12
- Identified and resolved operational issues impacting productivity, performance or profitability.
- Monitored operations to assess and highlight results.
- Created and led successful business culture focused on performance.
- Maintained organisational compliance with applicable legislation and regulations.
- Directed day-to-day work of 25 employees region wide and motivated teams to exceed objectives.
- Developed key operational initiatives to drive and maintain substantial business growth.
- Recruited and managed senior staff with focus on delivering clear results.
- Partnered with management team to optimise operations and reduce costs.
- Established strong rapport with stakeholders to enhance business credibility.
- Directed administration and optimisation of financial operations, payroll and accounting processes.
- Reviewed reports from subordinate management to identify areas of opportunity.
- Spearheaded strategic planning and decision-making processes aligning with mission and stakeholder interests.
Retail Branch Manager
WeBuyAnyCar LTD
Dumfries
2023.02 - 2024.12
- As the face and voice of the business I utilized my passion and ability to give amazing customer service during my time at the business
- I enjoyed and benefitted talking to my customers and enjoyed working towards the targets that's given me the opportunity to earn more! My role is to buy cars from the customers who make an appointment to see you
- I have turned leads generated by our website into purchases and constantly keep busy and be on the lookout for new business.
- Developed key operational initiatives to drive and maintain substantial business growth.
- Personalised customer service and tailored selling strategies to different customer types.
- Built rapport with new and existing customers to boost client retention.
- Provided post-sales services to offer follow-up support and collect customer feedback.
- Nurtured rapport with customers to improve likelihood of future sales.
- Networked and generated leads to increase new business opportunities.
- Gained practical experience closing sales in face-to-face environment.
- Explained establishment policies to customers and offered advice on selections.
Multi Drop Delivery Driver
Self employed
Longtown
2022.09 - 2023.02
- Ensuring I adhere to safety PPE on site in the depot like hi-vis, safety boots and walking on certain walk paths to avoid vehicles coming in and out the depot
- Completed deliveries with smile and patient, personalised service.
- Loaded vehicles safely and efficiently, securing items to prevent damage for high-volume deliveries.
- Helping other drivers who are behind schedule by taking some of their parcels to put them back on time on their route and ensuring maximised productivity among the drivers for the day to help contribute to company metrics.
- Maintained optimal vehicle driving conditions, conducting daily fuel, tyre and safety checks.
- Carried heavy items to customers' desired location using best moving and handling practices.
- Conducted deliveries between businesses, shops and households.
- Sorted goods for delivery based on routes.
- Employed strict attention to care when handling packages to avoid damage to goods.
- Retained excellent local area knowledge to plan optimal routes.
- Planned most efficient route to meet daily delivery goals.
Support Worker
Cygnet Health Care
Lockerbie
2021.04 - 2022.08
- Assisted with personal care activities such as washing and dressing, consistently promoting positive health and hygiene.
- Used excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage and interact with individuals in need.
- Built strong patient relationships through compassionate care and friendly rapport building.
- Monitored and documented client behaviours, activities and development, aiding appropriate care plan management.
- Promoted personal wellbeing and independence, building service user confidence through social and community interaction.
- Delivered high-quality care to individuals with varying needs, tailoring support to meet personalised care plans.
- Provided physical and emotional support, employing compassionate care to help individuals achieve their full potential.
- Helped service users to gain ability to function independently in society.
- Empowered individuals to pursue hobbies and leisure activities such as shopping and creative activities.
- Provided support in social, physical and emotional areas to assist clients with integration into local community.
Customer Assistant
Tesco
Dumfries
2019.10 - 2021.04
- Handled cash and card payments with accuracy.
- Advised customers on availability, pricing and location of products.
- Provided fast checkout service with high levels of customer care and transaction speed.
- Provided warm, positive customer care from arrival to departure, encouraging return visits and repeat spending.
- Maintained sales floor stock levels through consistent monitoring and regular replenishments.
- Handled requests with friendly, knowledgeable service and support, continually achieving positive customer feedback.
- Multi-tasked to keep customer service levels at optimal capacity at peak times.
- Assisted customers with varying questions using product knowledge and service expertise.
- Maintained spotlessly clean sales floors, organising merchandise for visually-appealing displays.
- Carried out regular quality checks to ensure displayed products were in good, saleable condition.
- Delivered exceptional level of service to each customer by listening to concerns and answering questions.
- Replenished store inventory regularly, monitoring stock demands to appropriately address customer needs.
- Listened actively to customer concerns, confusions and needs for excellent communication.
- Resolved customer issues using strong interpersonal skills and conflict resolution techniques.
- Guaranteed positive customer experiences by efficiently resolving customer concerns and complaints.
- Maintained customer happiness with forward-thinking strategies focused on addressing needs and resolving concerns.
Programme Seller
Queen of the South FC
2009.01 - 2020.08
- Used extensive numeracy skills with the money handling and extensive literature skills with handling and communicating with customers.
- Handled concerns and complaints with care, delivering positive outcomes for continued customer loyalty.
- Used active listening and relationship-building techniques to assess customer needs and deliver viable solutions.
- Fostered positive relationships with customers, enhancing loyalty and retention.
- Applied various sales techniques to steadily expand customer bases.
- Built rapport with new and existing customers to boost client retention.
- Greeted customers and offered assistance with selecting merchandise, finding accessories and completing purchases.
- Marketed promotions, events and new product launches effectively, growing customer bases and revenue opportunities.
Football Community Coach
Queen of the South FC
Dumfries
2018.03 - 2019.07
- Coached young individuals to refine specific techniques and enhance confidence.
- Adapted coaching style depending on needs and abilities of different teams and individuals.
- Motivated individuals and groups to achieve positive results against set goals.
- Maintained safe training environments for minimised risk of injury.
- Built confidence of players by offering individual praise and recognising progress and achievements.
- Led practice sessions to simulate gameplay and help athletes learn new strategies.
- Developed trusted rapport with teams and individuals to understand strengths, weaknesses and motivations.
- Conducted drills and skill-building practices to continuously build athlete potential.
- Guided players in learning game rules and sports conduct, modelling positive competitive behaviour.
- Promoted safety and welfare of young children by following safeguarding principles.
- Planned and led training sessions to motivate players and improve gameplay.
- Demonstrated specific skills and techniques, providing time for controlled practice.
Front of House Member
Powfoot Hotel
2017.07 - 2018.02
- Warmly greeted guests upon arrival to create welcoming atmosphere.
- Delivered food and drinks from kitchen to respective tables to meet timely expectations.
- Maintained excellent level of service in busy and demanding restaurant environment.
- Assisted kitchen staff with food prep, dishwashing and plating food.
- Served meals and drinks with professionalism and skill, maintaining high presentation and quality standards.
- Processed cash and card payments promptly, minimising customer waiting times and enabling swift table turnarounds.
- Listened to guest complaints and worked with kitchen staff or management to promptly resolve issues.
- Followed health and hygiene standards when handling food and cleaning restaurants.
- Cleaned, sanitised and organised food storage racks and bins, maintaining exceptional hygiene standards.
- Checked frequently on guest needs and retrieved items, filled beverages, or answered questions.
- Memorised complete menu and offered guests knowledgeable suggestions.
Education
National 5 grades -
Higher Grades 2019 & 2020 - undefined
Skills
- Communication skills
- Retail Management
- Leadership
- Team building
- Problem-solving
- Strategic consultancy
- Business administration
Certification
Full UK Driving Licence
Custom
Healthcare
Accomplishments
Young Enterprise 2018 - 2019
Through Dumfries High School, as part of the young enterprise programme I had been asked to join with fellow compatriots to head up a company created by students. Within this time, the company was then called Idiom, we had created a children's book with a belted Galloway cow called Bonnie who visited round the region at certain trademarked locations. Within in the company, I was asked to be the Marketing director. During this time prior to the regional final, we had amassed great following on social media and via word of mouth. With that in mind, we also dominated in sales which was driven both by social media, our website and by contacts in the business industry. I used my contacts at Queen of the South FC to be in the book but to also market the product and company on their social media and due to my present connection at that time, it helped drive sales forward!
We also had created the Idiom Initiative where we visited local schools where we asked pupils to take part in interactive workshops to enhance their learning and understanding, this was back by the local authority.
At the regional Dumfries and Galloway Finals, we had been awarded the following awards - Best Trade stand, Best Marketing, Best Business Advisor, Best Managing Director and many others!
We then went to the National Finals in Edinburgh where we had achieved - Best Company Report, Best Business Advisor and Best Managing Director.
Later on from this Idiom became a LTD company and performed well, unfortunately due to Covid 19, it was no longer sustainable.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Car Sales Advisor
Vertu Motors PLC
2025.09 - Current
Retail Branch Manager
WeBuyAnyCar LTD
2025.02 - 2025.09
Deputy store manager
ScS
2024.12 - 2025.04
Senior Branch Manager
WeBuyAnyCar LTD
2024.02 - 2024.12
Retail Branch Manager
WeBuyAnyCar LTD
2023.02 - 2024.12
Multi Drop Delivery Driver
Self employed
2022.09 - 2023.02
Support Worker
Cygnet Health Care
2021.04 - 2022.08
Customer Assistant
Tesco
2019.10 - 2021.04
Football Community Coach
Queen of the South FC
2018.03 - 2019.07
Front of House Member
Powfoot Hotel
2017.07 - 2018.02
Programme Seller
Queen of the South FC
2009.01 - 2020.08