Charles Lawton

Friendly and motivated professional with refined communication and interpersonal skills. Proven experience in team management, exceeding customer expectations by creating a welcoming atmosphere and engaging with customers to understand their needs. Easily adaptable and keen to build strong relations with colleagues, ensuring seamless adaptation to new working environments and meaningful contributions to a team. Currently a Master’s student at the University of Bristol, graduating in 2026.

National Trust                                                                                                                   May. 2025 – Present

Food and Beverage Team Leader                                                                                                               Ilam, Staffordshire

• Promoted to a leadership role, with new responsibilities involving managing staff, delegating tasks and ensuring smooth customer-facing operations in a high-volume environment.
• Managed the outlet during our most successful summer of operations to date, ensuring staffing levels were adequate, stock was maintained as well as friendly and efficient customer service.
• Focused on delivering excellent customer service and encouraging repeat visits to the property. 
• Acted as first point of contact for resolving customer queries and complaints, resolving issues promptly and maintaining high satisfaction levels. 
• Contributed to staff training and development, fostering a friendly environment with other team members.
• Regularly handled cashing-up, stock ordering, liaising with colleagues across the country to resolve issues as well as day-to-day business operations.

National Trust                                                                                                                 Jan. 2023 – May. 2025

Food and Beverage Team Member                                                                                                             Ilam, Staffordshire

• Joined the Trust alongside the establishment of a new business venture to ensure its success.
• Established efficient operational procedures and took accountability for stock management.
• Consistently sought new ways to go above and beyond job requirements and exceed customer and manager expectations.
• Enhanced customer service and upselling skills in a fast-paced environment.

National Health Service                                                                                                 Dec. 2021 – Feb. 2022 

Vaccine Administrator                                                                                                                     Derby, Derbyshire

• Supported national vaccine effort during the pandemic by providing administrative assistance to ensure accurate record management.
• Demonstrated professionalism, confidentiality and empathy in patient-facing interactions.

R Woolley Ltd                                                                                                              Jun. 2021 – Oct. 2022

Kiosk Assistant                                                                                                                               Ilam, Staffordshire

• Supported the operations of a busy food and beverage outlet in a popular tourist attraction.
• Managed vendor services to ensure appropriate levels of product.

Ketch Inn/The Bubble Inn                                                                                            May. 2018 – Jun. 2021

Kitchen Assistant                                                                                                                      Ashbourne, Derbyshire

University of Bristol                                                                                                         Sep. 2025 – Sep. 2026

Master of Science: International Relations                                                                                                     Bristol, UK

University of Maryland (Study Abroad)                                                                      Aug. 2023 – May. 2024

Bachelor of Science: Politics and International Relations with Study Abroad                                       College Park MD, USA

University of Bristol                                                                                                         Sep. 2021 – Jun. 2025 

Bachelor of Science: Politics and International Relations with Study Abroad                                                       Bristol, UK

Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School                                                                              Sep. 2017 – Jun. 2021 

A Levels & GCSEs                                                                                                                         Ashbourne, UK