Somer-lilly Garrett
MAIDSTONE,KENT
Summary
I am a hardworking, enthusiastic and adaptable individual who thrives on challenge and values every opportunity to learn and develop. I take pride in efficiency, organisation and teamwork, supported by strong interpersonal and administrative skills. I am receptive to constructive feedback and committed to continuous improvement, working with precision and attention to detail. Since graduating from the University of Kent in 2023 with a BSc (Hons) in Wildlife Conservation, I have built a diverse skill set across sustainability, environmental compliance, ecological monitoring and commercial horticulture. My academic background provided a strong foundation in environmental systems, data collection, analysis and biological fieldwork, including research experience at the Cano Palma Biological Research Station in Costa Rica. Currently as Sustainability and Compliance Assistant, I support the delivery of Tesco Technical, Ethical and Sustainability standards across the fresh produce supply chain, including supplier onboarding, due diligence, compliance monitoring, traceability and sustainability KPI reporting. I contribute to sustainability engagement initiatives and support Nature Net Zero ambitions through environmental data collection, reporting and responsible sourcing activities. Acting as a link between suppliers, technical teams and internal stakeholders, I support continuous improvement, risk mitigation, sustainable and ethical trade commitments.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
8
8
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Sustainability and Compliance Assistant (Responsible Sourcing)
Direct Produce Suppliers Ltd
Bearsted, Kent
2025.07 - 2026.03
- Supported implementation of Tesco Technical, Ethical and Sustainability standards across the fresh produce supply chain, ensuring full compliance with UK legislation, Tesco Codes of Practice and Responsible Sourcing requirements.
- Assisted with supplier approval, onboarding and ongoing compliance monitoring, including LEAF, BRCGS, GlobalG.A.P, SEDEX/SMETA and ethical trade documentation.
- Maintained accurate due diligence, traceability and compliance records to ensure audit readiness for Tesco audits and inspections.
- Led WRAP Recycling Week 2025 activities, delivering sustainability training and guest speaker seminars aligned with Tesco Packaging, Waste and Recycling Strategy and ‘Simpler Recycling' 2025 guidance.
- Coordinated Food Waste Action Week food drive with City Harvest, supporting redistribution and Tesco food waste reduction commitments.
- Supported Tesco Nature Net Zero initiatives through collection and reporting of waste, recycling and on-farm environmental data.
- Created and managed Responsible Sourcing Sustainability Profiles for farms, exporters and packhouses, aligned with Human Rights Due Diligence and UN SDGs.
- Collected, validated and reported sustainability and ethical data for Tesco/DPS KPIs and continuous improvement programmes.
- Acted as a liaison between suppliers, technical teams and Tesco stakeholders, supporting corrective actions, risk mitigation and performance improvement.
- Assisted with ethical risk assessments and non-conformance management in line with Tesco Ethical Trading Policy and Modern Slavery requirements.
- Contributed to enhancing transparency, supplier engagement and continuous improvement across the fresh produce supply base.
Horticultural Technician Team Leader (Production)
Palmstead Nurseries Ltd
Wye, Kent
2023.06 - 2025.07
- Managed and supported team in propagation and maintenance of wide range of plant cultivars.
- Planned and executed propagation activities (cuttings, seeding, splitting) and routine plant maintenance to meet production schedules.
- Performed daily irrigation, pruning and glasshouse maintenance while adhering to safety procedures and best practice.
- Operated horticultural machinery and equipment, including pallet trucks, cutting tools and small electric vehicles.
- Maintained safe working environment in line with onsite Health & Safety regulations.
- Worked collaboratively in varying environmental conditions to achieve stock targets and seasonal deadlines.
- Supported sustainable pest and invasive species management alongside horticultural specialists using biological and chemical controls.
- Monitored glasshouses for pests and diseases, implementing appropriate mitigation measures.
- Built and maintained propagation systems, including heated propagation tables.
- Operated irrigation, climate control, heating, screening and electrical systems across nursery facilities.
- Completed 12-month Staff Development Programme covering theoretical and practical aspects of commercial horticulture.
Sales Supervisor
Schuh Ltd
Maidstone, Kent
2019.08 - 2023.06
- Trained and managed high-performance employees committed to performing outstanding customer service.
- Enforced compliance with health & safety regulations, oversaw store security and exhibited exemplary skills in conflict resolution.
- Adeptly coordinated daily business activities (stock inventory, cash management, purchasing, advertising, merchandise displays, and quality assurance).
- Established and implemented store policies and procedures.
- Documented and communicated daily sales goals to staff.
- Supervised sales team, enhancing their performance and productivity.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Wildlife Conservation
University of Kent
Canterbury, Kent 2020.01 - 2023.01
A-Level - Physics, Maths, Biology
Chatham Grammar School for Girls
Medway, Kent 2018.01 - 2020.01
GCSE - English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Combined Science, Business Studies, Geography, History, Music, Dance
Southfields Academy
Wandsworth, London 2015.01 - 2018.01
Skills
- Environmental compliance & UK legislation awareness
- Sustainability & ESG principles
- Carbon emissions awareness (Scope 1, 2 & 3)
- Environmental data collection & reporting
- Ethical trade & responsible sourcing
- HACCP Level 3 Award
- Data analysis & interpretation
- Problem-solving & critical thinking
- Microsoft Office, Excel, Power BI, GIS, SPSS, Prophet
- Stakeholder communication & collaboration
- Team leadership & coordination
- Time management & organisation
- Attention to detail
- Compliance software familiarity
Certification
Level 3 Award in HACCP for Food Manufacturing RQF | Highfield Qualifications | 2025
Timeline
Sustainability and Compliance Assistant (Responsible Sourcing)
Direct Produce Suppliers Ltd
2025.07 - 2026.03
Horticultural Technician Team Leader (Production)
Palmstead Nurseries Ltd
2023.06 - 2025.07
Bachelor of Science - Wildlife Conservation
University of Kent
2020.01 - 2023.01
Sales Supervisor
Schuh Ltd
2019.08 - 2023.06
A-Level - Physics, Maths, Biology
Chatham Grammar School for Girls
2018.01 - 2020.01
GCSE - English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Combined Science, Business Studies, Geography, History, Music, Dance
Southfields Academy
2015.01 - 2018.01