Sarah Mallinson
Bristol
Summary
Empathetic and financially literate professional with experience in financial services, sales, customer support, and marketing. Former Investment and Sales Consultant/Designate Manager at Brooke Financial Services, with a strong foundation in providing tailored financial advice and guidance. Personally connected to the value of student funding and wellbeing, having supported my daughter throughout her undergraduate and postgraduate journey at the University of Bristol. Passionate about using my lived experience and professional expertise to empower students and reduce financial barriers to education.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Investment & Sales Consultant / Designate Manager
Brooke Financial Services
09.2022 - 07.2024
- Worked for a fully affiliated partner with Yorkshire Building Society at Brooke Financial Services
- Delivered financial advice on savings, investments, and insurance products to a wide range of customers.
- Supported clients in financial decision-making while meeting regulatory compliance.
- Maintained strong customer relationships, prioritising clarity, trust, and long-term wellbeing.
- Took on additional leadership and branch support duties as Designate Manager, including staff supervision and operational coordination.
Assistant Manager
Trespass
08.2020 - 09.2022
- Offered hands-on assistance to customers, assessing needs, and maintaining current knowledge of consumer preferences.
- Supervised day-to-day operations to meet performance, quality and service expectations.
- Managed day-to-day shop operations and staff supervision.
- Supported training and customer care improvements while meeting performance targets.
Sales Associate
Clarks Shoes
12.2018 - 08.2022
- Provided excellent front-line customer service in a busy retail environment.
- Assisted customers with product advice, stock enquiries, and in-store transactions.
- Built customer loyalty and retention by delivering excellent shopping experiences.
Marketing Manager
Palmarium Ltd
06.2005 - 12.2018
- Managed targeted marketing campaigns and client communications for financial services.
- Produced customer-facing materials to improve engagement with complex products.
- Developed insight-led strategies to improve reach, retention, and brand awareness.
- Continually maintained and improved company's reputation and positive image in markets served.
Investment and Sales Consultant
Halifax
09.1993 - 09.2005
- Manager of a small satellite branch
- Used consultative sales techniques to understand customer needs and recommend investment and savings services, and day-to-day management of the team.
Education
A Levels -
Bradford College
07-1986
GCSEs -
Bradford Grammar School
07-1983
Skills
- Financial advice & funding guidance
- Student finance knowledge (SFE, hardship, bursaries) and understanding of the student funding regulatory landscape
- Excellent written & verbal communication
- Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills honed through years of direct customer service work
- Strong organisational skills with ability to manage high volumes and prioritise effectively
- Client-centered support service
- Experience supporting individuals with complex needs
- One-to-one case support with empathy and professionalism
- Understanding of data protection, confidentiality, and Advice Quality Standard (AQS)
- Clear and adaptive communicator across email, phone, online & face-to-face
Hobbies
Outside of work, I enjoy Pilates and rock climbing to support both physical and mental wellbeing. I regularly take part in charity walks and local community events, and I find spending time in nature to be a grounding and restorative part of my routine. I’m also a keen birdwatcher and hope to become involved with the Slimbridge Wetland Centre as a volunteer or supporter in future.
Timeline
Investment & Sales Consultant / Designate Manager
Brooke Financial Services
09.2022 - 07.2024
Assistant Manager
Trespass
08.2020 - 09.2022
Sales Associate
Clarks Shoes
12.2018 - 08.2022
Marketing Manager
Palmarium Ltd
06.2005 - 12.2018
Investment and Sales Consultant
Halifax
09.1993 - 09.2005
A Levels -
Bradford College
GCSEs -
Bradford Grammar School
Similar Profiles
Michael SmithMichael Smith
Vice President/Product Director at Voya Financial/ING/Aetna Financial ServicesVice President/Product Director at Voya Financial/ING/Aetna Financial Services
Heather MooreHeather Moore
Team Leader/Supervisor in Customer Experience at GM Financial- Americredit Financial ServicesTeam Leader/Supervisor in Customer Experience at GM Financial- Americredit Financial Services
Christian WallaceChristian Wallace
Financial Paraplanner at M Financial Planning Services (LPL Financial)Financial Paraplanner at M Financial Planning Services (LPL Financial)