Stephen (Steve) Wickens

• Lifted and transported heavy stock using correct manual handling techniques.
• Learned all tasks required quickly to maximise performance.
• Contributed to team success by completing jobs quickly and accurately.
• Offered exceptional customer service with strong product knowledge.
• Always maintain consistency with the way I work, working well both by myself and as part of a team.
• Flexible in the type of work undertaken.
• Fostered positive employee relationships through communication, training and coaching.
• Resolved employee relations issues and navigated disciplinary proceedings.
• Provided leadership and direction for employees, supervising activities to drive productivity and efficiency.
• Led shifts and motivated team to drive sales.
• Professionally handled difficult customer complaints and objections to maintain first-class customer service standards.
• Followed opening, closing and shift changeover procedures for seamless operations.
• Promoted professionalism among staff to develop productive relationships.
• Supported new hires through onboarding process for speedy and successful training.
• Recognised exceptional individual performance for improved motivation.

• Offered detailed advice on product and service benefits.
• Handled requests with friendly, knowledgeable service and support, continually achieving positive customer feedback.
• Adhered strictly to policies and procedures for continued company compliance.
• Recorded and processed customer data accurately.
• Offered prompt solutions to maintain customer satisfaction.
• Helped customers complete credit card and general bill payments in-person.
• Accepted payments on bank loans and updated accounts with changing balances.
• Processed cash deposits and withdrawals for customers.
• Suggested additional products and services matching customer needs.
• Followed up with customers to build long-lasting relationships and boost business opportunities.
• Conducted post-office-related business to sell stamps, accept payments, and prepare money transfers.
• Completed currency exchanges following current, accurate rates.
• Completed end-of-day till reconciliations and paperwork.
• Assisted customers with questions about products, services and terms.

I volunteered with The Samaritans.

This is a role that offered support, guidance and sympathy, and also hope and encouragement - although never advice - to those who are in emotionally unstable situations.

This has helped me develop a skill towards people that can motivate colleagues by showing listening skills and the ability to deal with delicate issues human beings often encounter.

• Delivered excellent service, greeting customers warmly and delivering faultless assistance throughout store visits.
• Built loyal customer bases by delivering excellent service and ensuring availability of in-demand products.
• Hired, trained and supervised teams of 5+, motivating to meet weekly sales goals.
• Devising work Rotas
• Cash and security responsibilities.

This job was a managerial job that I took after leaving St. John's Post Office in 2005.

I eventually achieved promotion where I managed the Didcot store, then Bracknell and finally Newbury before the company went into administration in 2009.

I went back to my job in the Post Office in 2010 following the closure of the business.

• Hired, trained and supervised teams of 12+, motivating them to ensure productivity and to establish low staff turnover.
• Devising rotas and adapting staff availability to meet needs of business successfully.
• Health and Safety management.
• Stock Control
• Cash management
• Merchandising and training staff to merchandise correctly
• Delivered training and appraisals to build staff performance.
• Addressed and corrected sales staff communication issues in tactful and effective manner.
• Completed opening and closing procedures each day.
• Updated store pricing, signage and merchandising based on current promotions, heightening customer interest.
• Resolved customer problems by answering questions, investigating concerns and building positive rapport.

This was a job that required a skill of both time and man amagement skills. An environment of busy, constant customer interaction where staff would be working solidly for long periods of time, so ensuring they were motivated and content were crucial to ensure the business ran smoothly. Being able to plan for unforeseen eventualities such as faulty pumps, car crashes in car washes, constant staff sickness etc was paramount for a manager.

It was a job I enjoyed and the reason I left was to be nearer my family in Newbury as my mother became increasingly poorly with Multiple sclerosis so we took it in turns to provide care for her to avoid her having to be looked after in a home. Sadly, mum has long since died but I took the Post Office job to be able to utilise the more sociable working hours better.