Sylwia Bak
Doncaster
Summary
My career has been shaped by learning to adapt quickly and make the most of every opportunity. Moving to a new country and learning the language while working and studying in the evenings taught me resilience, patience and how to find solutions even when things feel unfamiliar. Those early experiences helped shape the way I work today, practical, steady under pressure and always willing to roll up my sleeves to get things right.
Over the years, I’ve developed a genuine passion for improving processes and creating working environments where people feel supported and able to do their best. I enjoy bringing clarity to complex tasks, strengthening teamwork and finding small changes that make a big difference to the overall operation.
Some of the improvements I’m particularly proud of include:
- Introducing a new stock-management system that improved accuracy and streamlined the way stock was handled, ultimately reducing waste and creating noticeable cost savings.
- Setting up a delivery-tracking process that allowed us to spot issues before they became problems, helping protect revenue and giving the team more confidence in daily operations.
I’m at my best in roles where I can support a team, improve the way things run and contribute to a workplace that feels organised, positive and focused on continuous improvement.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Import & Export Co-Ordinator
Special Melted Products
Sheffield
07.2025 - Current
- Coordinated domestic and international transport with Sales, Operations, customers, and hauliers.
- Managed bookings and delivery schedules as primary contact for hauliers and freight forwarders.
- Reviewed customs entries and completed import/export documentation in compliance with regulations.
- Oversaw intercompany stock movements, ensuring HMRC compliance and effective export licence usage.
- Collaborated with Finance on VAT and Duties while supporting quotations, POs, and commercial invoices.
- Maintained current knowledge of customs legislation to ensure process compliance.
Materials and Warehouse Manager
Sembcorp Energy UK
Sheffield, UK
11.2023 - 05.2025
- Lead warehouse operations, ensuring accurate receipt, safe storage and efficient dispatch to 42 UK sites.
- Manage warehouse staff and daily workflows, driving safety, productivity and high performance.
- Oversee inventory accuracy and stock control in SAP/S4, including goods receipt, issuing and transfers.
- Coordinate logistics and transport, maintaining timely deliveries through driver and supplier liaison.
- Drive continuous improvement through performance reviews, data analysis and loss-prevention actions.
- Supervise QA, space management, shipping and customer-service functions.
- Produce operational reports and process invoices/charges via SAP/S4 and VIM.
- Lead scheduled stocktakes and ensure compliance with business requirements.
Sales and Export Administrator
Arkote Ltd
Sheffield, UK
01.2022 - 10.2023
- Coordinated inbound and outbound shipments while ensuring logistics and customs compliance.
- Managed customer and supplier enquiries, scheduling collections and deliveries efficiently.
- Prepared import/export documentation and liaised with warehouses regarding stock movements.
- Processed orders end-to-end, supporting invoicing and procurement activities effectively.
- Oversaw international shipping to 52 countries, maintaining trade-compliant records.
- Monitored shipments, providing timely service support to customers and distributors.
Document Control/ Administrator
Bam Nuttall
Snaith, UK
11.2020 - 12.2021
- Oversaw document control operations, ensuring accurate data management and timely distribution.
- Coordinated document workflows, including archiving, scanning, and drawing management.
- Managed centralised document storage on server and ProjectWise platforms for optimal accessibility.
- Governed key business records, such as Health & Safety files and training registers.
- Provided comprehensive administrative support to enhance documentation processes.
Administration Clerk
DHL
Doncaster, UK
07.2008 - 07.2020
- Led administrative operations, ensuring precise filing and efficient workflow across communications.
- Oversaw record maintenance and database accuracy, enhancing SAP data entry integrity.
- Directed investigations into stock discrepancies, aligning system records with physical inventory.
- Championed exceptional customer service, resolving enquiries and maintaining accurate CRM records.
- Managed complete order fulfilment, including processing, documentation, shipping preparation, and dispatch.
- Coordinated delivery operations by controlling booking schedules and ensuring updated goods-in data.
- Produced key operational reports to support strategic decision-making and performance evaluation.
- Enforced compliant document practices while safeguarding confidential information according to protocols.
Assistant Manager
CAFÉ NERO
Doncaster
09.2005 - 07.2008
- Oversaw day-to-day restaurant operations, ensuring efficient workflow and service quality.
- Promoted business through targeted marketing strategies and managed stock levels effectively.
- Handled customer enquiries and complaints, exemplifying exceptional service standards for the team.
- Monitored guest satisfaction, ensuring food quality met specifications and presentation standards.
- Prepared detailed reports on staff and food control, alongside sales reconciliation sheets.
- Implemented improvements to enhance operational efficiency and drive restaurant development.
Education
Secondary Education -
Ilawa College
Poland 09.2002 - 05.2005
Skills
- Operational Leadership
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- Team Development
- Problem Solving & Adaptability
- Clear Communication
Core Leadership & Management Skills
Core Leadership & Management Skills Additional Professional Strengths
- People Leadership & Team Development – Experience managing teams, driving performance and supporting positive working environments.
- Operational & Process Management – Strong background in inventory control, stock reconciliation, workflow optimisation and compliance.
- Data, Reporting & Systems Expertise – Skilled in producing reports, analysing processes and using systems such as SAP, OSM, Red Prairie, Sage, Dave, Task Gate and Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook).
- Customer & Stakeholder Management – Proven ability to build strong relationships, deliver high service standards and manage diverse client needs.
- Decision-Making, Compliance & Policy Interpretation – Confident in interpreting procedures, applying data-legislation principles and making informed operational decisions.
- Fluent in English; native Polish
- NVQ Level 2 – Business & Administration
- Completed leadership development: Assistant Manager, Maestro and Shift Leader Courses
- Full UK Driving Licence (B)
- Forklift Licence (valid until Feb 2029)
References
References available upon request.
Languages
English
Proficient (C2)
Polish
Proficient (C2)
Russian
Upper intermediate
Timeline
Import & Export Co-Ordinator
Special Melted Products
07.2025 - Current
Materials and Warehouse Manager
Sembcorp Energy UK
11.2023 - 05.2025
Sales and Export Administrator
Arkote Ltd
01.2022 - 10.2023
Document Control/ Administrator
Bam Nuttall
11.2020 - 12.2021
Administration Clerk
DHL
07.2008 - 07.2020
Assistant Manager
CAFÉ NERO
09.2005 - 07.2008
Secondary Education -
Ilawa College
09.2002 - 05.2005