PPG Industries has provided me with an excellent opportunity to develop my proficiency in sales, project management and organisation, while working in a store which is the hub for Edinburgh.Within a trade shop, prices are not set for trade or retail customers. The ability to build relationships, connect with new faces and negotiate deals is critical to the day to day success of the store. A lot of the large Trade accounts we provide a service for require constant monitoring and updating. With large orders being placed, a high degree of planning and organisation is dedicated to maintaining a positive level of customer satisfaction to meet the daily demands.

Solutions: I led solutions-focused initiatives, actively researching and implementing innovations for internal and external use. Reporting to the Head of Solutions, I conducted comprehensive research on topics such as blended learning. New product development, was a critical factor to my role and one where I had a license in freedom to learn and create.Sales: I facilitated the collaboration between sales and solutions teams, identifying and pursuing new business opportunities. Authored proposals for clients in the drinks and pharmaceutical industries. Actively participated in sales meetings and engaged in 1-2-1 sessions with our Head of Sales to provide research and insights for effective consultative selling. I spearheaded training initiatives in psychometrics, coaching, and emotional intelligence, helping to retain and acquire clients.Facilitation: Contributed to the development and delivery of an Emerging Leaders program for a leading pharmaceutical company in Edinburgh. Successfully conducted virtual focus groups for a prominent client. I engaged in several organisational reviews of growing businesses, conducting interviews and assessing S&W for improvements. E-Learning: I was central to the creation of our digital strategy, who became integral to the business. I created and reviewed content for an online learning journey on coaching and teams workshop. Thought Leadership: With an interest and ability to research and write, I worked with the Head of Marketing on writing thought leadership papers and blogs for the website. Topics covered included Coaching, Sales and Women in Leadership. Training: I completed an Emerging Leaders programme. I am midway through a ILM level 5 Diploma in Coaching and Mentoring. I became accredited in providing DISC. I became well versed in providing feedback for clients, covering a wide range of levels within an organisation. I also gained an understanding in 360s, Belbin, EQ and MBTI.

Within the Child Maintenance Service, I went through a rigorous 5-week training programme which helped integrate me into the role of dealing with appeals on a day-to-day basis. Not only that, but we became familiar with the organisation, the culture, and the people who I would be working alongside.In such a dynamic role I was able to develop and expand on the skills I have l have previously gained in previous positions, my undergraduate degree, and my masters. I had to deal with large volumes of quantitative and qualitative data throughout the week in the appeals we dealt with. A high degree of concentration and specificity was needed in finding all the relevant information required to the unique cases I was dealing with simultaneously. Dissecting the data and being able to interpret it, according to legislation and logic to get to the correct decision was an area I specialised in. Speaking to clients regularly, working tight deadlines and operating alongside a team, where we always shared our thoughts and ideas on cases. I adapted to the environment I was working in and enjoyed collaborating and providing insight for other colleagues. I evolved a lot professionally and personally in my year at the civil service. In a remote position and in dealing with sensitive cases, I attached a bigger dependence on astute level of emotional intelligence. The psychology background, with my natural ability to speak to and listen to others, I was able always regulate my emotions and provide the appropriate level of influence and care to others. This was tested through complex conversations, different personalities, and strenuous time constraints in my time. The exposure in working for a large-scale organisation in the public sector was significant in identifying how all the cogs in the machine work. From the processes, the departments, the people and the culture, my time was invaluable in placing me in a strong position for my next role.

I found myself joining the Jones team in a period of transition for the company with several management members leaving.I had to settle and adapt quickly into the business. Learning valuable business aspects of the position which I will take with me into all future work.These aspects relate to delegation of tasks, managing and understanding employees on a day to day basis, key holder to store and developing an interest in the fashion industry.