Rafi Ghafari
London/Hounslow,MIddlesex
Summary
Adaptable and results-driven professional with a strong background in customer service, retail operations, and team coordination. Recognised for exceptional communication skills, a collaborative leadership style, and a consistent ability to build rapport with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Demonstrates a high level of emotional intelligence, remaining calm and composed in high-pressure environments while delivering outstanding service. Committed to continuous improvement and known for a caring, flexible approach that balances team goals with individual needs.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Sales assistant
Sainsbury's
2018.07 - 2025.06
- Stocking shelves with merchandise. Keeping up to date with special promotions and putting up displays.
- Assisting shoppers to find the goods and products they are looking for. Answering queries from customers. Giving advice and guidance on product selection to customers. Responsible dealing with customer complaints.
- Being responsible for processing cash and card payments. Dealing with customer refunds.
- Reporting discrepancies and problems to the supervisor.
- Keeping the store tidy and clean, this includes hovering and mopping.
- Receiving and storing the delivery of large amounts of stock
Steward for London Marathon, Team leader, Waiter
Twickenham Stadium Hotel
2017.11 - 2018.05
- Greeting the RNLI runners as they finish the marathon.
- Some stewards will guide the runners and the runners' friends and family to post-race venue.
- Greeting runners and their families and friends at the Post Race Reception.
- General assistance supporting all guests.
- Ensured high-end service was provided to customers.
- Develop a strategy the team will use to reach its goal and provide any training that team members need. Manage the flow of day-to-day operations.
- Greet and escort customers to their tables
Retail Assistant
Matalan
2016.06 - 2018.01
Barista, waiter
Café Florentine
2016.04 - 2017.02
Education
Certificate of higher education - Paramedical science
St George's Hospital Medical School
Greater London 2023.09 - /2025
BTEC - Science
West London College
London, Greater London 2021.08 - Select/2023
Diploma of Higher Education - Biomedical Science
Ealing, Hammersmith and West London College
2019.09 - 2021.07
GCSEs - Maths and English
West Thames College
2017.09 - 2019.07
Skills
- Client Relationship Management
- High-Volume Customer Support
- Conflict Resolution & Complaint Handling
- Customer Needs Assessment
- Inventory Replenishment & Stock Control
- Cross-Selling & Upselling Techniques
- Team Supervision & Onboarding
- Shift Coordination & Delegation
- Performance Monitoring
- Peer Coaching & Mentorship
- Verbal De-escalation Techniques
- Multilingual Communication (English, Persian)
- Professional Presentation & Rapport-Building
- Conflict Mediation in Customer Settings
- Adaptability in Fast-Paced Environments
- High-Stakes Decision-Making
- Time Management Under Pressure
Languages
English
Persian
Interests
I enjoy staying active and going to the gym regularly to keep fit. I'm also really into music — I like listening to different genres and find it helps me relax and stay motivated. I’m interested in people and different cultures, and I enjoy learning new things through conversation or everyday experiences.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Certificate of higher education - Paramedical science
St George's Hospital Medical School
2023.09 - /2025
BTEC - Science
West London College
2021.08 - Select/2023
Diploma of Higher Education - Biomedical Science
Ealing, Hammersmith and West London College
2019.09 - 2021.07
Sales assistant
Sainsbury's
2018.07 - 2025.06
Steward for London Marathon, Team leader, Waiter
Twickenham Stadium Hotel
2017.11 - 2018.05
GCSEs - Maths and English
West Thames College
2017.09 - 2019.07
Retail Assistant
Matalan
2016.06 - 2018.01
Barista, waiter
Café Florentine
2016.04 - 2017.02