Summary
Overview
Work history
Skills
Languages
Timeline
Generic
Sarah Duffy

Sarah Duffy

Woodley,Berkshire

Summary

I am a motivated and reliable individual seeking a part-time role within a food retail environment. With a background in new product development, import/export, and business development, I bring strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines. My previous experience has developed excellent communication and teamwork abilities, which I am keen to apply in a customer-facing role.

Following a career break, I am now eager to return to work and contribute positively within a busy retail team. I am adaptable, quick to learn new systems and processes, and committed to delivering excellent service to both colleagues and customers.

Overview

35
35
years of professional experience

Work history

Project manager

Lucid Ltd
Brighton , Sussex
01.2025 - 07.2025

Managed the implementation of a customer retention system (Capsule CRM), overseeing the setup and organisation of client data. Responsible for maintaining interactions with existing clients, tracking potential leads, and ensuring the database was accurate and up to date to support business development and customer relationship management.

Innovation manager Confectionery

RJF Farhi Ltd
Collingdale, London
10.2018 - 07.2019

Facilitated the transition of a key US client from my previous business to a London-based company, ensuring continuity of service and strong client relationships. Managed account development, focusing on UK and European products for export to the US, while also leading innovation projects in product development and packaging tailored for the UK market.

Owner/Operator

Lollipop Dolci E Feste Srl
Gallarate , Italy
06.2007 - 08.2018

Founded and managed three retail pick-and-mix confectionery and balloon stores, overseeing daily operations, staff, and customer service. Expanded into wholesale by developing and selling confectionery and original sweet creations across Italy. Established a private-label packaging business, exporting products to the US and supplying major Italian clients, including Carrefour supermarkets.

New Business Director

Lucid Ltd
Brixton , London
07.2001 - 10.2003

Led business development for a boutique qualitative research company with high-profile clients including Kraft, Cadbury, and the BBC. Managed key client relationships while driving new business growth through sector-focused seminars, networking initiatives, and published industry articles.

Marketing executive

UK-Invest Ltd
Central London , London
10.1999 - 06.2001

I was part of an energetic marketing team bringing up to date financial information and share prices to the user. This was during the early years of online content, we travelled the country demonstrating our site at seminars and trade events.

Hospitality Roles

TGI Friday's, Rainforest Cafe, Mark Warner Holidays Whitbread Plc
Central London , London
04.1990 - 10.1999

Over a ten year period I worked for two of the most successful American themed restaurants and bars. I was trained to offer customer service that always exceeded expectations. I was part of the International training team, opening restaurants in Manchester, Hong Kong and Toronto.

In addition I managed the restaurant services for a season for an all inclusive, high end water sports holiday company in Italy.

Skills

  • Goal-Oriented approach
  • Decision making capacity
  • Time management efficiency
  • Resilience under pressure
  • Initiative taking
  • Leadership in team settings
  • Customer Service
  • Interpersonal communication
  • Public speaking
  • Strategic thinking
  • Database management
  • Budget management

Languages

I lived in Italy for 15 years, I raised a family and ran my own business. I speak fluent Italian but with a terrible accent!

Timeline

Project manager

Lucid Ltd
01.2025 - 07.2025

Innovation manager Confectionery

RJF Farhi Ltd
10.2018 - 07.2019

Owner/Operator

Lollipop Dolci E Feste Srl
06.2007 - 08.2018

New Business Director

Lucid Ltd
07.2001 - 10.2003

Marketing executive

UK-Invest Ltd
10.1999 - 06.2001

Hospitality Roles

TGI Friday's, Rainforest Cafe, Mark Warner Holidays Whitbread Plc
04.1990 - 10.1999
Sarah Duffy