Jane McPhillips

Experience

• 

  WHSmith

  Nov 1997 - Sept 2000

  Sales Assistant

  I took the reins of the children's book department, where I not only implemented promotional changes but also kept a close eye on stock control. I added a fun twist by organising classroom activities for World Book Day and even volunteered as a classroom assistant as part of the company's Ready Steady Read Aloud initiative during the National Year of Literacy in 1999. I was also a pioneer as the first specialist Education Advisor in a company pilot scheme. This role allowed me to develop an in-depth understanding of educational products, ranging from pre-school to A Level. I played a pivotal role in training subsequent Education Advisors and even led a series of engaging Maths Clubs in store and local primary schools during Maths Year 2000. Throughout this journey, I consistently showcased excellent customer service and provided valuable support to our entire book team Show less

• 

  Waterstones

  Oct 2000 - Jun 2005

  I took charge of managing Customer Service, Health & Safety, and Operations training, which involved responsibilities like creating schedules, handling payroll, overseeing stock control, selecting new titles, and crafting eye-catching displays and merchandising setups. I also had a hand in organising and staffing events, including book signings, both within the store and at external venues. I was handpicked to manage grand openings of three new stores in Northern Ireland, where I organised everything from staffing and activities, to garnering local press coverage while dressed in my best Maisy Mouse character costume! Show less

  • Assistant Manager

    Dec 2004 - Jun 2005

  • Section Manager

    Oct 2000 - Dec 2004
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  WHSmith

  Jul 2005 - Jan 2010

  I managed the Stockroom and Admin Teams, overseeing a range of tasks, including stocktaking, handling goods receipt and returns, and managing cash and banking processes. I also played a crucial role as a tester and trainer for the new back-of-house and EPOS system. Beyond that, I was involved in the recruitment process, took care of staff administrative tasks, and managed payroll for a team of over 100 employees As part of the management team I had the exciting task of overseeing seven stores across two terminals, where I played a key role in implementing promotional changes and conducting staff reviews and appraisals. I even had my moment in the spotlight by featuring in the company's customer service training DVD as their go-to "Customer Service Champion." Besides that, I crafted a Customer Service Charter for use in our branches to uphold top-notch customer experiences

  • Operations Manager

    Apr 2006 - Jan 2010

  • Duty Manager

    Jul 2005 - Mar 2006
• 

  Waterstones

  Jul 2010 - Oct 2020

  In my last role, I provided admin support to field-based members of the team and took charge of handling project communication and updates. This included a wide range of tasks, from new store set ups, renovating existing stores, to managing closures. I made sure everything flowed smoothly by handling purchase orders, invoices, and budget tracking. I also kept our project documentation in order, including health and safety and operation manuals. I built strong relationships with our supply chain, which came in handy when unexpected challenges cropped up. I also made sure the retail teams and the wider business were kept up to date. I played a key role in launching 21 new in-store cafés. This involved everything from procurement to working closely with third-party contractors, and I was the first point of contact for the café and retail teams. Show less

  • Shop Development Projects Coordinator

    May 2018 - Oct 2020

  • FM Project Coordinator

    Dec 2016 - Apr 2018

  • FM Helpdesk Advisor

    Nov 2014 - Nov 2016

  • Lead Bookseller/Cluster Administrator

    Jul 2010 - Oct 2014
• 

  5 Star Windows & Conservatories

  Jan 2021 - Jun 2021

  Project Manager

  I successfully wrapped up projects that were already in progress when I stepped into the role, working closely with our in-house teams and external partners to keep everything running smoothly. One of my main focuses in this job was keeping our clients in the loop. I was their go-to person, handling pre-start meetings, site visits, and final inspections.

• 

  AtkinsRéalis

  Oct 2021 - now

  Assistant Project Manager in the Project & Programme Services division

  I'm currently working on a programme of works for a local authority in the West Midlands; a national rollout of student residence fire alarm upgrades and defects closures on a major West Midlands concert venue - it's a great mix of sectors, clients and technical learning and dovetails with the Masters course in Programme and Project Management I'm studying at the University of Wolverhampton