Natalia Lazareva

Career Break (April 2025 – Present).

• Taking time to expand my knowledge and develop new skills outside of retail.
• Exploring different industries to see what fits best and to open up new career opportunities.
• Focusing on personal and professional growth to prepare for my next steps.

Achievements:

• Rescued a struggling business, implementing cost-saving measures that led to financial recovery within a year.
• Lowered operating expenses, reducing costs by sourcing smartly from different suppliers, optimizing purchasing strategies, and cutting unnecessary expenditures.
• Boosted customer footfall by introducing locally sourced products, increasing customer engagement and loyalty.
• Increased fresh food sales, making it the focal point of the store, improving profitability, and enhancing margin.
• Implemented e-labels and Paysafe tills, cutting labor costs and reducing man-hours by streamlining checkout operations.
• Led store rebranding from Centra to Londis, navigating operational changes while ensuring business continuity and sustainability.
• Achieved profitability after years of financial struggle, turning the store into a thriving and respected example for other businesses in the industry.

• Operations & Strategic Planning. Turned business plans into action to help the company grow, run efficiently, and stay profitable. Put strategies in place to meet company goals and improve day-to-day operations. Made processes smoother and more effective.
• Financial & Resource Management. Increased productivity by using resources wisely, making sure time, money, and staff were used efficiently. Organized financial records to help with budgeting and planning. Solved scheduling and resource issues to keep things running smoothly.
• Staff Management. Built a strong, skilled team by hiring the right people and providing proper training. Improved morale through leadership development programs. Created a positive work environment where employees felt valued and motivated. Kept daily operations running efficiently by managing administrative staff.
• Health & Safety Management. Made sure everyone followed health and safety rules to avoid risks. Carried out regular safety checks and ensured compliance with industry regulations.
• Customer & Supplier Relations. Developed strong relationships with key suppliers, especially local ones, to support business growth. Focused on customer experience to encourage loyalty and repeat business. Maintained high service standards to strengthen the company's reputation.
• Communications & Public Relations. Worked on PR campaigns to improve the company's image and get positive media attention. Built strong connections with customers and suppliers. Represented the business at events, conferences, and seminars. Created company-wide guidelines to keep operations consistent and efficient.

• Handling Lost Baggage & Passenger Assistance. Assisted passengers with lost items, ensuring customer satisfaction. Took charge of lost or delayed baggage issues, swiftly resolving them to maintain customer trust. Provided excellent customer service when dealing with inquiries or complaints about lost or damaged items. Responded promptly to passenger queries, improving overall service quality.
• Processing Lost Property Forms & Documentation. Managed lost property logbook, increasing chances of return to rightful owners. Tracked storage locations within warehouses, maintaining smooth-running retrieval operations. Sorted and categorized luggage, leading to a more organised system.
• Handling Found Baggage & Storage Management. Managed the storage of left behind luggage appropriately. Ensured timely collection of luggage by strict adherence to schedule. Utilized modern scanning tools efficiently for accurate identification of baggage.
• Safety, Security & Compliance. Followed ethical practices whilst dealing with passengers' personal belongings. Reported any suspicious activity or items immediately, ensuring safety. Followed safety protocols to prevent workplace accidents. Handled high-pressure situations calmly during peak times.