Oliver Rippett Swales
Manchester,NH
Summary
Analytical and results‑driven professional with leadership experience as a retail Shift Lead and technical expertise gained through the FIRST Robotics Competition, an international engineering program. Skilled in team leadership, training, and performance coaching, with a proven ability to drive key business metrics in a fast‑paced retail environment. Experienced in mechanical design, programming, and systems integration, applying physics and engineering principles to build and optimize competitive robots. Dedicated to mentoring peers, training new team members, and engaging in community STEM outreach to inspire future innovators. Recognized for adaptability, problem‑solving, and the ability to thrive under pressure in both customer‑facing and technical project settings.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Shift Lead
Best Buy
Manchester, NH
11.2022 - Current
- Led daily store operations, including opening and closing procedures, cash handling, and ensuring compliance with company policies.
- Supported and motivated sales teams by working alongside advisors on the sales floor, driving performance and delivering excellent customer experiences.
- Took ownership of key business metrics (sales, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency), consistently striving to exceed targets.
- Trained and onboarded new employees, while also coaching veteran team members on strategies to improve their performance and drive key metrics.
- Selected to participate in INSPIRED, a leadership development program designed to cultivate and mentor emerging leaders within the company.
- Demonstrated adaptability by balancing dual responsibilities as both a sales advisor and a shift lead, ensuring smooth operations during high-volume periods.
Robotics
CHAOS
Manchester, New Hampshire
2020 - 06.2024
- Engineered competitive robots for the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), an international program that combines advanced engineering challenges, teamwork, and innovation.
- Applied principles of mechanical design, physics, and programming to develop robots from concept through prototyping, testing, and competition.
- Utilized tools such as CAD software and iterative design methods to optimize robot performance and reliability.
- Conducted systems integration of mechanical, electrical, and software components, ensuring seamless functionality under competitive conditions.
- Helped train new members in technical and safety skills while mentoring peers on advanced design and programming techniques.
- Contributed to extensive community outreach, including STEM demonstrations, mentoring younger students, and promoting robotics education to inspire future engineers.
- Led troubleshooting and design improvements during high-pressure competitions, applying real-time engineering judgment.
- Strengthened leadership and communication skills by presenting technical concepts to judges, sponsors, and community partners.
Education
Associate - Advanced Manufacturing Technologies
Manchester Community College
Manchester, NH06-2026
High School Diploma -
Manchester Central High School
Manchester06-2024
Skills
- Advanced manufacturing
- Mechanical design
- SolidWorks certified
- Team collaboration
- Problem solving
- Staff motivation
- Customer service
- Coaching and mentoring
- Conflict resolution
- Team building
- Employee training
- Complex problem solver
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Metal fabrication
- CAD/CAM software
Affiliations
- snowboarder
- photo enthusiast
- traveler
Certification
- associate level Solidworks certified.
nationalities
- British passport holder and citizen
- American passport holder and citizen
Timeline
Shift Lead
Best Buy
11.2022 - Current
Robotics
CHAOS
2020 - 06.2024
Associate - Advanced Manufacturing Technologies
Manchester Community College
High School Diploma -
Manchester Central High School