Jessica James: Department Manager in Balham, WND

• I received a promotion after attending an assessment day for a department manager within H&M. After 6 weeks of manager training I was hired at the Sutton branch as a department manager. • My role consists of managing a team of 40 people, to manage them I plan schedules to optimise the best profit and effectiveness to benefit the store, reacting quickly to changing situations within the store, problem solving for staff and customers, working as a visual merchandising when needed to rematch departments, react to trend forecasts, plan store activities such as sales, discount and promotional events, and identifying how visual aspects of the store affect the commerciality. I also take on the role of admin, this involves cash and safe management, preventing fraudulent activity, and managing the use of the till. As a manager I am responsible for making sure my staff are productive and hard working, as well as feeling comfortable and creating a positive work environment. Within the role I plan delivery schedules, practice HR policies, and maintain the shop floor, while reaching goals and targets.

• I transferred to the Stratford store in London carrying out the same tasks but at a higher demanding level, I value the experience I have had at working in a smaller store and the biggest H&M store in the country. I have worked Part time and Full Time for H&M. • While working for H&M I have worked directly with Visual Merchandisers which has gained me the ability to put out new stock, organise product ticketing and take my own initiative with stock placement with or without working with shop information packs as a guide. • In December 2018, I gained the promotion of Extra Responsible on the ladies and divided department, where I was responsible for daily rotas, the following up of HR forms with the sales advisors on my floor, this includes lateness forms and back to work forms. I am responsible for leading meetings with sales advisors and analysing and presenting the daily figures and targets. As well as being the acting manager on the floor when needed.

I was employed at H&M clothing store at castle point, Bournemouth as a Sales Assistant. Within the position I am required to clear clothing rails, work in the fitting rooms, operate the tills, assist customers, tidy the products and process deliveries.

I was employed at a Café in Christchurch high street as a waitress, this involved taking and serving orders, making hot and cold beverages, making desserts, working in the dishwasher room, working on the till and assisting the cashing of profits and tips, while obtaining a high level of customer service.

• I helped on day trips and looked after individual children with learning and behavioural disabilities. • This experience taught me patience, social adaptability and empathy. It gave me an insight into some of the difficulties that can be faced when dealing with new people and how to cater to someone else's needs.