PAULINE BARCO
London,United Kingdom
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven professional with a robust skill set in operational management, strategic partnership, and project management. Demonstrates expertise in data and performance analysis, inventory control, and talent acquisition to drive business performance reporting and enhance organisational efficiency. Adept at people management, buying and merchandising, mentoring and coaching, with a client-driven approach that fosters strong relationships. Committed to leveraging skills to achieve strategic business goals while continuously seeking opportunities for professional growth.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work history
Real Estate Consultant
Urban Properties
Dubai
08.2025 - 03.2026
- Established a network of contacts within the real estate industry, benefiting from mutual referrals and collaborations.
- Coordinated appointments with prospective buyers to showcase properties on the market.
- Drafted detailed descriptions of properties to attract potential buyers.
- Managed client portfolios, ensuring satisfaction and retention of customers.
Department Manager Women’s Contemporary Studios
Selfridges
London
09.2023 - 07.2025
- Headed sales and service improvements, leading a dynamic team of 6 supervisors and 21 team members within a £30 milion turnover business.
- Drove exceptional team performance by managing key metrics such as recruitment, talent management, and performance reviews.
- Leveraged customer data, market trends, and stock information to strategically identify opportunities and mitigate risks for the business.
- Collaborated effectively with key stakeholders to implement impactful commercial decisions.
- Achieved a 20% increase in Service Spotlight performance and reduced absenteeism since joining the team.
- Expertise in People Management, Buying & Merchandising, Mentoring & Coaching, Customer Focus, and Change Initiation.
Unlocked Store Lead
Selfridges
London
03.2023 - 08.2023
- I successfully launched Selfridges Unlocked together with our project team.
- Selfridges Unlocked is a huge part of our strategic focus on deepening relationships with our customers.
- A membership 'Key' to the best of Selfridges.
- As the face of retail, I am responsible for training over a thousand team members, concession leaders and team members included.
- Data and performance analysis, monitor and provide regular updates to management and directors.
- Supporting managers to implement improvements.
- Providing ground support and being the go-to for team member queries.
- I actively solicit feedback from team members and share it back to the project team.
- Conducting knowledge checks to identify any gaps, formulating plans and content for further communication where needed.
- I was nominated for the Excellence People Award 2023.
- Conducted weekly staff meetings for effective communication and planning.
Department Manager Wonder Room
Selfridges
London
12.2017 - 02.2023
- Led the Selfridges Fine Jewellery and Watches 'Wonder Room' division, establishing strategic partnerships with elite brands like Cartier, Rolex, Tiffany, Bulgari and Van Cleef & Arpels, overseeing a team of 30 and leading 150-member collaborative effort.
- Collaboratively engaged with Buying, Merchandising, Marketing, Events, Clienteling, and Service teams to deliver an exceptional and seamless customer Experience.
- Drove sales performance by aligning retail and concession management operations with strategic business goals.
- Championed Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, ensuring alignment of concession partners with corporate values.
- Awarded the Excellence Management Award and recognised for exceptional achievements in Data Capture and Dynamic Currency Conversion in 2019, with 55 team members celebrated in the Excellence People Club.
Retail Manager Food halls & Hospitality
Harvey Nichols
London
12.2015 - 11.2017
- Accountable for driving and exceeding sales and service targets in the Food Hall.
- Lead and manage a high-performing team of 25 dedicated employees.
- Lead the restructuring of team operations for enhanced efficiency.
- Oversaw buying of fresh produce and visual merchandising, while proposing innovative brand and product concepts.
- Successfully launched the Christmas Hamper campaign in 2015, achieving an impressive 87% increase in sales profit.
Retail Manager Wine Shop, Hampers, Tea and Coffee, Confectionary
Harrods
London
01.2007 - 11.2015
- Achieved recognition as the Best Sales Team in the Food Division for three consecutive years (2011, 2013, 2014) while consistently maintaining a 100% rating on 22 Mystery Shopper evaluations.
- Nominated twice for the prestigious Harrods Chairman's Award, dedication to excellence.
- Spearheaded training programs for new managers and led Guest Shopping training initiatives, enhancing service quality and operational efficiency.
- Conducted regular performance reviews, fostering a culture of continuous improvement amongst team members.
- Organised special events and promotions to drive traffic and increase sales volume.
- Achieved increased customer satisfaction by implementing effective staff training programmes.
- Handled customer complaints effectively to maintain high levels of customer satisfaction.
Education
Excellence Management Course -
Selfridges
01.2018 -
LEVEL 3 Wine Course -
WSET
01.2014 -
LEVEL 2 Intermediate Wine Course -
WSET
01.2013 -
LEVEL 1 Introduction to Wine Course - undefined
WSET
01.2012 -
Management Program - undefined
HARRODS
01.2007 -
Bachelor of Secondary Education - English
University of Sto. Thomas
03.1995 -
Skills
- Operational Management
- Strategic Partnership
- Project Management
- Data & Performance Analysis
- Inventory Control
- Talent Acquisition
- Business performance reporting
- People Management
- Buying & Merchandising
- Mentoring & Coaching
- Client-driven
- Change Initiator
- Understanding of construction processes
- Investment advisement
- Market analysis insight
Languages
English
Languages
6
Timeline
Real Estate Consultant
Urban Properties
08.2025 - 03.2026
Department Manager Women’s Contemporary Studios
Selfridges
09.2023 - 07.2025
Unlocked Store Lead
Selfridges
03.2023 - 08.2023
Excellence Management Course -
Selfridges
01.2018 -
Department Manager Wonder Room
Selfridges
12.2017 - 02.2023
Retail Manager Food halls & Hospitality
Harvey Nichols
12.2015 - 11.2017
LEVEL 3 Wine Course -
WSET
01.2014 -
LEVEL 2 Intermediate Wine Course -
WSET
01.2013 -
LEVEL 1 Introduction to Wine Course - undefined
WSET
01.2012 -
Retail Manager Wine Shop, Hampers, Tea and Coffee, Confectionary
Harrods
01.2007 - 11.2015
Management Program - undefined
HARRODS
01.2007 -
Bachelor of Secondary Education - English
University of Sto. Thomas
03.1995 -