1. S U Z A N N E G I B S O N
Mobile: 07738 669203
suzgibson2011@gmail.com
LinkedIn: Suzanne Gibson
50 Restalrig Road South
Restalrig Village
Edinburgh
EH7 6LE
P R O F I L E
I’m currently engaged in a free-lance Sales Agent role for Sharp Stuff – a gift sales agency covering Scotland. This
originally 1yr contract has been extended at the request of Sharp Stuff. With a wealth of retail, merchandising and
sales knowledge and experience I am exceeding expectations and adding significant value to the business. I’m a
creative sales woman with energy, focus and drive who effectively plans my territory, focuses on relationship building
and is driven by new business development. I embrace new technology and networking opportunities to maximise
productivity and drive sales to exceed targets and expectations set by Sharp Stuff. I am seeking an office-based role,
one with colleagues, as I find my current role a little isolating. I have no pre-conceptions of what type of role but one
that uses my creativity and organisational skills would be ideal.
R E C E N T A C H I E V E M E N T S
 Quickly commanded respect from new clients and brands I represent in current role. I have made a
significant positive impact with both prospective and existing customers, creating excellent relationships.
 Grew Eero & Riley consistently since launch in October 2007. Annual turnover of £135K and GP of £30K
 Managed and developed eeroandriley.com, the e-commerce part of my retail business, to gross almost 10%
of annual turnover – essential in the business climate
 My shop won ‘Best Newcomer Scotland & North England at The Greats Retail Awards 2010’
 Developed an in-house, exclusive product the personalised Baby Riley Blanket which was handmade in
Edinburgh. Sold £28K worth of them in 2014. A great example of diversification and innovation.
S K I L L S
 COMMUNICATION I’m tactful and persuasive, often communicating my positive outlook to achieve
sales objectives. My written and verbal communication skills are a strong point that re-enforce a commitment
to delivering to customers and associates. I am always clear and concise and use creative ideas via social
media to engage customers in a memorable way. I enjoy face-to-face communication and interaction with
colleagues, business contacts and customers yet I’m equally happy producing weekly sales reports.
 ORGANISATIONAL My reputation in the gift industry is one of ruthless organisation. I’m always thinking
ahead to the next season/event and enjoy planning to create great results. As well as having a creative edge
I utilise my admin skills effectively. Being proficient in Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, Windows,
Salesforce and PixSell helps me excel at being organised, allowing me to focus effectively in meetings. I
currently sell 11 different brands and have great systems in place to ensure things don’t get forgotten.
 INTERPERSONAL I’m a team player who gets on well with clients and business associates. I enjoy
building positive relationships and have gained respect in my field. I have superb empathy with retail
customers as I previously ran my own successful retail business. This allows for excellent understanding
which is a great advantage over the competition.
 MANAGEMENT Having run a SME for 6 years I have perfected skills in staff management, sales
strategies, visual merchandising, accounting, marketing, payroll, buying, PR, advertising, VAT, Tax, facilities
management and more. Previously I had a successful career as a Project Manager; skilfully juggling multiple
office fit-outs so effective multi-tasking is a skill I cherish.
E D U C A T I O N
1993 - 1997 Edinburgh Napier University
BA (Hons) Interior Design: Design Theory & Practice,
Graphic Communication, Technology & Management
1989 – 1993 Knox Academy, Haddington, East Lothian:
Sixth Year Studies Art & Design, Higher English (A), Art & Design (B), Biology (C)
Standard Grades: 5 at Credit Level, 1 at General Level

2. T E N Y E A R E M P L O Y M E N T R E C O R D
09/14 – present Free-lance Sales Agent, Sharp Stuff Sales Agency, Edinburgh (rolling contract)
I sell 11 gift, home ware and card brands including Caroline Gardner and Talking Tables to
independent stores Scotland-wide. I seek new opportunities, deliver product training, attend
sales meetings, liaise with customer service functions for each brand and fulfil objectives set
by Sharp Stuff. I maintain excellent communication and contact with a large client-base and
manage the social media. I have seen a marked improvement in sales figures and service
levels from the outset.
04/14 – 09/14 Merchandising Manager (Edinburgh, Lothians & Borders), UK Greetings Ltd, Dewsbury
Responsible for the successful merchandising and sales growth within my territory for a
large British greeting card manufacturer. Key accounts included Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Asda,
House of Fraser, Boots and Waterstones. A field-based role with 35 part time Merchandisers
reporting to me. I regularly liaised with Head Office departments in Yorkshire and built good
relationships with the team and clients in my area.
08/07 – 04/14 Proprietor, Eero & Riley – Gift Retailer, Edinburgh
Owner-operated, award-winning business set up from scratch to realise a passion for design
and gift retail. Grown successfully throughout the recession while employing two part-time
staff. Selling contemporary home wares, designer jewellery and hand-crafted items
creatively in-store and on-line.
06/06 – 07/07 Section Manager, Audio & TV Aftersales, John Lewis, Edinburgh
Based in-store and managed a busy team of 13 who were responsible for delivering all
aftersales queries, repairs and warranty issues to a growing customer base in one of the
UK’s top-performing branches of John Lewis.
11/05 – 06/06 Team Leader. Royal Bank of Scotland Client Projects Team. Based in RBS, Edinburgh
Employed by Integrated Facilities Services (IFS) Eastlake Group, East Kilbride
Senior Project Manager and responsible for the delivery of entire re-fit and staff re-location
vision for The Royal Bank of Scotland after they opened their global headquarters at
Gogarburn.
P R E V I O U S E M P L O Y M E N T
11/04 – 11/05 1 Year Travel and Work throughout Australia and New Zealand
In Melbourne I worked in facilities management and as a designer creating interiors for
luxury apartments in Dubai for the Kann Finch Group.
12/03 – 10/04 Project Manager, Royal Bank of Scotland Account. Based in RBS, Edinburgh
Employed by Integrated Facilities Services (IFS) Eastlake Group, East Kilbride
Delivery of a variety of staff re-location and office interior fit-out projects in Scotland. In
August 04 completed the furniture installation and re-location of 500 staff into a newly
acquired RBS property.
07/01 – 12/03 Project Manager, Halifax Bank of Scotland Account
Employed by McAlpine Business Services to plan and implement office re-design and staff
re-location projects as part of a larger Facilities Management team.
11/00 – 07/01 Senior Administrator, First Banking Systems, Edinburgh
Senior Administrator for 130 strong team of Internet Banking Developers for Bank of
Scotland
08/98 – 10/00 Exhibition Designer & Project Manager, Eighteen51 The Exhibition Co, Dalkeith
Responsible for dynamic design and delivery of international trade fair stands and corporate
events. Clients included Ericsson Ltd, DTI and other Government agencies.
P E R S O N A L I N F O R M A T I O N
British Single Full, clean driving licence Dependants: none
Keen interest in photography, 1950’s furniture and ceramics. I enjoy painting, skiing, socialising and dog –walking.