Pauline Phipps
London
Summary
With over 20 years of experience at WHSmith, this candidate excels in general shop management and till operations, demonstrating exceptional customer service and keyholder responsibilities. Expertise in food compliance and customer engagement further highlights a strong ability to manage staff effectively. A dedicated volunteer youth worker with a current DBS check for All Saints Peckham, the candidate has trained a youth worker for five years and holds a part-time degree in youth and community development. Career goals include leveraging extensive book knowledge and diplomas in books and news to enhance community engagement initiatives.
Experienced Key Holder with knack for enhancing store operations and ensuring smooth shifts. Skilled in managing staff, handling cash, and securing premises to prevent loss and boost productivity. Proven ability to foster positive work environment and maintain high standards in customer service.
Dependable and proactive with strong organisational skills and keen eye for detail, ensuring smooth daily operations and security. Proficient in customer service and problem-solving, handling various tasks with ease. Ready to contribute positively and uphold high standards in any retail role.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
2019
2019
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Volunteer Youth Worker
All Saints Peckham
London, England
10.2025 - Current
- Facilitated engaging activities for improved interpersonal skills amongst youth.
- Provided mentorship for personal growth and development of life skills.
- Established a safe, inclusive environment, promoting diversity and respect.
- Ensured child protection regulations were adhered to at all times during youth club operations.
- Managed conflict resolution sessions for better peer-to-peer relationships.
- Encouraged open communication by creating platforms for discussions on sensitive topics.
- Provided emotional support to aid in the mental well-being of children.
- Fostered good behaviour through positive reinforcement techniques.
- Cleaned youth club areas before and after sessions to maintain safe, sanitary conditions.
- Collaborated with group of volunteers to run young person-centred youth clubs.
Key Holder
WHSmith's
01.1998 - 01.2023
- Managed daily store operations and supervised staff
- Trained new employees in till operation and customer service
- Ensured compliance with food safety regulations
- Provided expert assistance and advice to customers regarding books and news
- (2023 to current) Full time career for my dad who has dementia (gone into a home on November 10th)
- Assumed responsibility for cash handling and financial transactions.
- Complied diligently with all health and safety regulations, provided a safer environment for staff and customers alike.
- Maintained visual merchandising standards to attract potential customers.
- Assisted in loss prevention measures, reducing theft incidents significantly.
- Maximized sales opportunities by suggesting additional products suitably matched to customer needs.
- Organised stock inventories regularly, ensuring product availability at all times.
- Ensured smooth store operations by effectively managing shifts.
Education
Diploma - Book Knowledge
WHSmith's Internal Training
Diploma - News
WHSmith's Internal Training
Part time youth degree - undefined
Youth Degree - undefined
YMCA
undefined
Canterbury university
Level 2 counselling course diploma - undefined
Level 1 - English and maths
Level 2 - food skills and compliance with food standards
01.2019 - 01.2023
undefined
Associate of Arts - Facepainting
01.2009 - 12.2025
Level 2 - Computer skills
Skills
- Book knowledge, including diplomas in books and news
- Food compliance expertise
- General shop management and till operation
- Excellent customer service skills
- Key holder responsibilities
- Over 20 years' experience with WHSmith's
- Trained a youth worker for 5 years and holds a part-time youth degree in youth and community development
- Volunteers as a youth worker with a current DBS check for All Saints Peckham
- customer engagement
- staff management
Affiliations
- loves doing art and reading books
Awards and Acknowledgements
Employee of the Month, WHSmith's (March 2015) — Recognised for outstanding customer service and team leadership
Timeline
Volunteer Youth Worker
All Saints Peckham
10.2025 - Current
Level 2 - food skills and compliance with food standards
01.2019 - 01.2023
Associate of Arts - Facepainting
01.2009 - 12.2025
Key Holder
WHSmith's
01.1998 - 01.2023
Diploma - News
WHSmith's Internal Training
Part time youth degree - undefined
Youth Degree - undefined
YMCA
undefined
Canterbury university
Level 2 counselling course diploma - undefined
Level 1 - English and maths
undefined
Level 2 - Computer skills
Diploma - Book Knowledge
WHSmith's Internal Training