Ailsa Colquhoun

Experience

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  University of Aberdeen

  Sept 2011 - May 2012

  Teaching Assistant (year abroad placement)

  I worked as a teaching assistant as part of my degree, at the Georgius Agricola gymnasium. I participated in an intensive teacher-training course which equipped me with the knowledge of how to teach individuals by creating engaging and memorable lessons to enhance the individuals uptake of knowledge. I was also an English Language Ambassador with the British Council. I ran a project that was successful and delivered a presentation in London to the British Council. The project was successful in that students 'forget' they were learning and engaged in creative tasks that were entire bespoke to their experiences, background, and interests. Key skills gained:• Confidence and the ability to maintain a working environment: teaching entire classes due to a shortage in staff, including 1:1 tuition• Coordination and cooperation: liaising closely with senior staff and coordinating lesson plans with teachers• Working independently: designing engaging lesson plans and enthusing the students Show less

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  Finimize.com

  Sept 2015 - Sept 2016

  Marketing and Promotions Assistant

  Finimize.com is a start-up company that delivers financial news – minimized. Designed for students and those interested in financial news, Finimize delivers a fast and concise analysis of the most important financial news of the day. As a freelance Marketing and Promotions Assistant I attend university open days and career fairs and represent Finimize and offer students the opportunity to sign up. • Personally managed to obtain over 100 sign ups at my first careers fair• Confidence in speaking to a variety of potential clients• Attending events to promote Finimize, such as Edinburgh University Careers Fair• Social Media • IT skills• Sales Show less

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  LUSH | UK & Europe

  Sept 2015 - Aug 2016

  Spa Receptionist

  The main purpose of my role was to sell products and services to customers whilst promoting the core company values of: sustainability, equality and fair trading. I also organised and co-ordinated the daily running of the shop floor and spa. Responsibilities: advising customers on a needs-based basis to sell products and services, each interaction and recommendation would be tailored to the customer. This included educating customers on Lush’s environmental and social core values. Using a CRM system to create and organise the daily, weekly, and monthly operations of the spa. Ensuring the operations of the spa and shop floor were synchronized. Attending events to sell products and services. Training staff on spa services and operations to increase sales and improve customer experience. On the spot problem solving – for example, re-arranging times slots in the case of staff sickness and appeasing customers when cancellations were unavoidable. Reasons for leaving: I wanted to start my career in the environmental sector. Show less

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  Changeworks

  Sept 2016 - Apr 2018

  Energy Advisor at Home Energy Scotland SE

  The main function of the role was to understand and tactfully advise people about energy efficiency and renewables from a broad spectrum of socio-economic backgrounds whilst maintaining impartiality. Using three different CRM systems simultaneously to record advice and referral data whilst adhering to strict GDPR regulations, I advised householders on renewable installations, sustainable travel, and sustainable energy use. I wrote reports on findings after significant events with third parties, which included the NHS, Scottish Water, Lloyds Pharmacy and Hibernian FC. Areas of focus included behaviour change, advising on the installation of energy saving measures, energy saving products and renewable technologies.The aim of this role was to reduce carbon output and encourage the uptake of energy saving measures and behaviours.I also conceptualised a behaviour change tool that was successfully used across Scotland as a whole by Home Energy Scotland. Show less

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  Changeworks Recycling Ltd.

  Apr 2018 - May 2021

  Business Development Manager

  I developed commercial opportunities and developed and maintained relationships with businesses as well as public and third sector organisations. I delivered a bespoke, high-quality service to the client and ensured profitable operations.I have developed business acumen and have strong skills in behaviour change, negotiation, and influencing. I am confident in my ability to approach, engage, and negotiate with businesses to ultimately develop good working relationships.Within this role I acquired a strong working knowledge of the waste sector; understanding the barriers to high quality and high capture recycling, the capabilities of the industry, and the potential solutions to turn waste into resources.I proactively approached businesses to sell our unique waste and recycling service through a needs-based approach. Building relationships with clients has been key to my success in this role; our services differ greatly from our competitors therefore it is imperative that I come up with innovative solutions to any barriers that prevent them from working with us. Cross-collaboration and team work is also essential to deliver the desired outcomes; I enjoy collaborating with different teams to create solutions. I am successful at setting up profitable recycling services with clients, ensuring the relationship is strong which allows me to work with them more closely to ensure a higher recycling rate. I work closely with colleagues in different departments to ensure a smooth service and profitable opportunities for all parties.I engaged with prospective clients through networking events, visiting local businesses, cold calling, and social media. I used two CRM systems on a daily basis to record data and relevant information whilst working to demanding sales targets. Show less

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  Green Element

  May 2021 - May 2022

  Academy and Engagement Manager

  As the Academy and Engagement Manager, I have responsibility for the successful development, delivery, and promotion of the Green Element Academy. Taking it on in its infancy, I am in the process of creating the Academy as a service which includes developing the Academy strategy, creating processes to develop online courses, and ensuring the commercial success of the Academy.The other aspect to my role is wider sectoral engagement. I am responsible for engaging and managing Green Elements’ online community: Sustainability Solved. Show less

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  Hey Girls

  May 2022 - now

  Contracts and Partnership Manager - Wholesale and Distribution

  Working within the Hey Girls Contracts and Partnership Manager team to deliver excellent and profitable accounts across established contracts and new customers. This includes Supermarkets, eco stores, eCommerce stores, and distributor channels. Hey Girls is a social enterprise aiming to eradicate period poverty in the UK.