Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Websites
Consultancy Project: Pawer Water US Market Expansion
McMillan Fundraiser – Project Lead
Languages
Certification
References
Timeline
Generic

Thilaksan Gnanaharan

London,Brent

Summary

BA (Hons) Business Management graduate with real‑world consultancy experience, strong analytical capability, and a proven ability to deliver clear, actionable insights. I bring a blend of commercial awareness, trend understanding, and customer‑focused decision‑making developed through both academic projects and fast‑paced retail roles. Skilled in research, communication, teamwork, and adapting quickly to new challenges, I’m now seeking a graduate opportunity in consultancy or project management where I can contribute to high‑impact business solutions and continue building my professional expertise.

Overview

5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work history

Visual merchandiser

Primark
Watford, Hertfordshire
2023.11 - Current

In my role supporting visual merchandising at Primark, I help deliver creative, commercially effective displays that reflect current trends and brand standards. I style mannequins, update layouts, maintain accurate POS, and support the launch of new campaigns while ensuring strong overall presentation across the store. Working closely with managers and colleagues in a fast‑paced environment has strengthened my communication, teamwork, and ability to enhance the customer experience through clear product and style guidance.

Team member

Pizza Hut express
Watford, Hertfordshire
2021.06 - 2021.09

During my four months at Pizza Hut Express, I delivered fast, friendly customer service while managing front‑of‑house tasks, food preparation, and maintaining a clean, organised workspace. Working in a busy environment strengthened my communication, teamwork, time‑management, and attention to detail. Balancing this role alongside completing my A‑Levels also demonstrated my reliability and ability to manage multiple responsibilities effectively.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Business Management

Middlesex University
City of london
09/2023 - 06/2026

GCSEs - Maths, Science, English, Business, Travel & Tourism, Photography,

Watford UTC
Watford, Hertfordshire
09/2017 - 08/2019

A-Levels - Business, Travel & Tourism

Watford UTC
Watford, Hertfordshire
09/2019 - 08/2021

Skills

  • Merchandise display creativity
  • Retail industry knowledge
  • Efficient time management
  • Brand understanding
  • Brand development strategies
  • Visual creativity
  • Critical thinking capabilities
  • Cross-Functional coordination
  • Team player
  • Visual merchandising
  • Trend forecasting
  • Data analysis
  • Leadership influence
  • Client relationship building
  • Business analysis
  • Customer Service
  • Financial management
  • Market research
  • Consulting
  • Event Management

Consultancy Project: Pawer Water US Market Expansion

As part of my final‑year Business Management Consultancy Project, I worked with Pawer Water, a UK‑based pet supplement brand exploring expansion into the US market. This was my first real consulting experience, and it became the most transformative module of my degree.
Working in a diverse team, we conducted research on US consumer trends, pricing models, competitive positioning, and potential customer segments. We prepared and led a client meeting, developed strategic questions, and gathered insights directly from the company’s founder.
Over several weeks, we collaborated across different schedules, held late‑night Zoom calls, and produced two research‑driven posters for the university’s consultancy showcase. Despite challenges — including last‑minute printing issues and unexpected presentation responsibilities — I strengthened my resilience, communication, and ability to perform under pressure.
This project helped me discover my passion for consulting. I developed key graduate competencies including analytical thinking, teamwork in multicultural environments, professional communication, and confidence in presenting insights to stakeholders. It was a hands‑on experience that shaped my career direction and confirmed my interest in pursuing consultancy after graduation.

McMillan Fundraiser – Project Lead

I led a large‑scale charity fundraiser for McMillan, coordinating a team and managing the full event from planning to delivery. I secured a venue through the school, arranged donated catering from Wenzels and a local bakery, and liaised with multiple external stakeholders to ensure a smooth and professional event. The fundraiser was attended by the school board, parents, and representatives from nearby schools, requiring clear communication, strong organisation, and confident leadership. This project strengthened my ability to manage logistics, delegate tasks, and build relationships with partners, giving me early experience in delivering a real event with measurable community impact.

Languages

English
Native
Tamil
Native

Certification

BCG - Teaming@BCG Job Simulation

Issued by Forage

Credential URL: https://www.theforage.com/completion-certificates/SKZxezskWgmFjRvj9/29kB5cy6smZKcMJwJ_SKZxezskWgmFjRvj9_69e5f440e0c576344c4417e9_1776681032955_completion_certificate.pdf

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Visual merchandiser

Primark
2023.11 - Current

Team member

Pizza Hut express
2021.06 - 2021.09

Bachelor of Arts - Business Management

Middlesex University
09/2023 - 06/2026

GCSEs - Maths, Science, English, Business, Travel & Tourism, Photography,

Watford UTC
09/2017 - 08/2019

A-Levels - Business, Travel & Tourism

Watford UTC
09/2019 - 08/2021
Thilaksan Gnanaharan