Stephen Skinner

Experience

• 

  Rock and Ice

  Jan 2008 - Jan 2013

  Outdoor Instructor

  Working freelance alongside other commitments, I ran regular outdoor climbing sessions for Rock and Ice. Based predominantly in the Peak District I gained experience with a large variety of clients. I was also required to set up and run urban abseiling sessions for large fundraising events.

• 

  Grit Gear Ld

  Jan 2008 - Jan 2010

  Managing Director

  Following successful management of Derby Climbing Centre, I went on to establish a specialist outdoor retail business which traded both in-store and online. My day to day responsibilities included customer service, sales, merchandising and technical staff training. I also managed stock, logistics, finance, purchasing, marketing and E-commerce. One third of sales were online, meaning involvement in packaging, organising and sending mail to customers throughout the UK and Europe.

• 

  Alter Rock Climbing Wall

  Jan 2008 - Jan 2009

  Center Manager

  Managing the facility from its inception, I was responsible for staff recruitment and training; this included best practices and customer development programs, such as the National Indoor Climbing Award Scheme (NICAS). I established normal and emergency operating procedures, equipment safety, building maintenance, fire awareness and protection policies. Further responsibilities included instructing/coaching and route setting, as well as web solutions, marketing, first aid and event organisation.

• 

  Entre-Prises Climbing Walls

  Jan 2010 - Jan 2011

  UK Sales and Marketing Manager

  The role required UK travel meeting with clients, site surveying and product demonstration, gaining greater insight into climbing wall manufacture and best practices. I attended regular events on behalf of the company, often requiring long drives and overnight stays. Working from the office I developed sales and marketing strategies, briefed designers and managed a sales and admin team. Responsibilities also included creating and publishing online, print and streamed media, maintaining E-commerce solutions, CMS, SEO and social networking. Show less

• 

  Yeomans Outdoors

  Jan 2012 - Jan 2013

  Retail Manager

  I was responsible for managing all aspects of a high street retail store, including staffing, merchandising, finance, and marketing. Training staff in customer service and product knowledge allowed me to exceed management targets, as well as creating the opportunity to support an in-store apprenticeship scheme. I am comfortable receiving direction and through efficient management delegated successfully to a variety of staff, achieving goals whilst promoting positive company image.

• 

  Geckos Climbing Ltd

  Jan 2013 - Jan 2014

  Climbing Instructor

  Working freelance alongside other commitments, I ran regular climbing sessions for Geckos, aimed specifically at children . This included one off fun sessions, as well ongoing developmental climbing syllabuses.

• 

  The Castle Climbing Centre

  Jan 2013 - Sept 2014

  Duty Manager and Youth Development Coach

  My position at the centre required me to be highly qualified and flexible – responsible throughout a variety of departments, I managed a large team of staff in several working environments. As a Duty Manager I was responsible for the day to day operation of the centre, acting as a reference point for both staff and customers to ensure smooth running of the facility. This includes following safety protocols, responding to first aid and maintenance issues, as well as floor walking and assisting frontline staff; including opening and closing of the centre and cash handling. I also instructed climbing techniques to mixed ability groups allowing participants to achieve personal goals including NICAS (National Indoor Climbing Award Scheme). As this capacity evolved, I developed and delivered a progressive youth syllabus and ran staff workshops which maintained quality and consistency across our instructing team Show less

• 

  UK Antarctic Heritage Trust

  Oct 2014 - Mar 2015

  Antarctic Postmaster, Conservationist and Museum Guide

  Working as part of a small dedicated team we maintain buildings and artefacts on the Antarctic Peninsula. Based at Port Lockroy, my main role involved running the most Sourtherly public post office in the world and assisting in a retail shop. As Sub-Postmaster of British Antarctic Territory I saw sales increase by 114% and processed 70, 000+ items of mail in 4 months.Other responsabilities included building maintenance such as painting, glazing, plumbing and electronics, as well as collecting data for BAS (British Antarctic Survey) on the breeding success of the Gentoo Penguin colony living on the island.We welcome tourists and give guided museum tours and onboard presentations to audiences of up to 300 people. Show less

• 

  The Castle Climbing Centre

  Mar 2015 - Aug 2015

  Structural Maintenance Coordinator

  I collated structural information from a variety sources allowing more accurate recording and scheduling of future maintenance inspections. Using an in-depth knowledge of EN guidelines, climbing wall manufacturer’s recommendations and an awareness of the buildings evolution, I was able to utilise Microsoft products and Papertrail to create a structural inspection schedule. I also furthered my knowledge of Adobe products, Rock Gym Pro and other CMS systems.

• 

  Essex Outdoors

  Aug 2015 - Jun 2022

  Climbing Wall Operations Coordinator

  Essex outdoors operates 4 sites throughout Essex and as a trading division of Essex County Council, generates a turnover of £3.4 million annually. Working in this role has provided me an opportunity to utilise many of my skills whilst managing of all aspects of the companies climbing specific requirements. The role sees me advise on best practice across the service as well as operating the public climbing facility at their Harlow site, where I am responsible for day to day management of the centre and it's staff, as well as controlling a budget to implement longer term strategies.Other responsibilities include Health and Safety inspections (including PPE, High Ropes, Structural integrity and sessional equipment). Furthermore, I developed the current Operating Procedures for the climbing centre and am responsible for all Staff Training and Observations of Practice. I am also a designated Safeguarding Lead, Fire Marshall and First Aider. Show less

• 

  Tall Ship - Bark EUROPA

  Jan 2016 - Mar 2016

  Expedition Guide and Deckhand

  I took Sabbatical leave from my role at Essex Outdoors to take a paid position as and Antarctic Guide for a season onboard the tall ship Bark Europa. The work involved being a deckhand on a rotating 24 hour watch whilst at sea, sail handling, delivering safety briefings, assisting voyage crew with learning new skills and maintenance tasks.When at shore, my watch changed to day watch, where I was responsible for unloading boats, equipment and passengers, before guiding them around historical and environmentally important sites on the Antarctic Peninsula.Other responsibilities included, cooking, cleaning and giving lectures to the guests on board. Show less

• 

  National Indoor Climbing Award Schemes (NICAS)

  Jun 2018 - now

  Working as a consultant, I assist NICAS with product development, as well as delivering inductions and workshops throughout the UK as part of their Coach Development Team. This requires me to induct staff including coaches, technical advisers (TA's), course directors (CD's) and competent persons (CP's) into all areas of the NICAS programme.I have also collaborated on several digital projects, including database and CMS procurement, video content delivery and development of the "Wild Climbers" EYFS pathway. Show less

  • National Product Manager

    Jun 2022 - now

  • Climbing Consultant

    Jun 2018 - Jun 2022
• 

  The British Mountaineering Council

  Jan 2022 - now

  GB Climbing Coach - GBNDS C+D