Tina Couchman
Herne Bay,Kent
Summary
Retail Professional experienced in team leadership, customer relationship management, and visual merchandising. Achieved operational efficiency through effective talent recruitment, staff training, and employee scheduling while managing supply chain processes and budget controls. Focused on enhancing brand loyalty and driving sales performance through innovative product displays and exceptional customer engagement.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Volunteer Shop Manager
RNLI
Whitstable, Kent
2025.11 - Current
- Oversaw daily shop operations, ensuring smooth running of business activities.
- Streamlined operations by introducing more efficient working practices and procedures.
- Directed retail and wholesale operations, scrutinising and improving existing processes to boost efficiency.
- Boosted overall sales performance through the implementation of effective merchandising strategies.
- Tracked sales targets regularly, adjusting strategies as necessary for maximum profitability achievement.
- Managed store inventory to ensure adequate stock levels at all times.
- Enhanced customer service by training staff in effective communication and problem solving.
- Delivered excellent customer experiences with personalised service approach.
- Provided insightful product knowledge to customers, enhancing their shopping experience.
- Led team meetings effectively, facilitating open communication amongst staff members.
- Developed a positive team culture, resulting in increased staff satisfaction and lower turnover rates.
- Handled employee grievances promptly and fairly, maintaining morale within the workforce.
- Ensured cleanliness of shop premises, presenting a professional image to customers.
- Kept business in compliance with internal controls, industry regulations and health and safety requirements.
Owner/Operator
Whitstable Whippy
Herne Bay, Kent
2022.04 - Current
- Managed daily operations to ensure smooth running of the business.
- Handled employee recruitment and training, fostering a skilled workforce.
- Coordinated staff schedules for optimal work distribution.
- Maintained equipment and facilities, ensuring operational efficiency.
- Conducted regular inventory checks to prevent stock shortages.
- Analysed market trends for strategic planning purposes.
- Addressed customer complaints promptly, leading to improved customer satisfaction.
- Increased customer satisfaction by providing exceptional service.
- Fostered a positive work environment through effective leadership.
Education
GCSEs -
Swanley Comprehensive
Swanley, Kent 1980.09 - 1985.04
Skills
- Retail industry knowledge
- Volunteer engagement
- Product display creativity
- Hygiene standards adherence
- Health and Safety regulations
- Pressure resilience
- Operational decision-making
- Hygiene compliance
- Cash management
- Visual display
- Cost control
- Inventory replenishment
- Supply chain operations
- Staff supervision
- Organisational skills
- Motivation strategies
- Health and safety
- Volunteer training
- Able to handle pressure
- Resilience under pressure
- Shift planning
- Stock control knowledge
- Conflict Resolution
- Resilient under pressure
- Brand loyalty
- Resourcefulness
- Relationship management
- Conflict resolution
- Resourcefulness
Affiliations
- Spending time with Children and Grandchildren
- Watersking
- Paddleboarding
Certification
Prior to becoming self employed 15 years ago, I was a Lloyds of London Insurance Broker for 30+ years and obtained a Lloyds of London Broking Certificate
Timeline
Volunteer Shop Manager
RNLI
2025.11 - Current
Owner/Operator
Whitstable Whippy
2022.04 - Current
GCSEs -
Swanley Comprehensive
1980.09 - 1985.04