Richard Plaskow
Operations Director at Esprit Digital- Claim this Profile
Click to upgrade to our gold package
for the full feature experience.
Topline Score
Bio
Jocelyn Kirby
Richard is a skilled and highly knowledgeable consultant, with the ability to add significant value to any business that needs assistance importing goods from or doing business with China. He provided invaluable input into our family business and I will undoubtedly be calling upon his services again in the near future.
Stephen Harley
Richard was a pleasure to work with, as a client he was clearly focused on what his business needed to achieve and provided excellent clarity on his priorities. I have found him to be a man of his word who is focused on quality and results, he was a pleasure to do business with at every stage.
Jocelyn Kirby
Richard is a skilled and highly knowledgeable consultant, with the ability to add significant value to any business that needs assistance importing goods from or doing business with China. He provided invaluable input into our family business and I will undoubtedly be calling upon his services again in the near future.
Stephen Harley
Richard was a pleasure to work with, as a client he was clearly focused on what his business needed to achieve and provided excellent clarity on his priorities. I have found him to be a man of his word who is focused on quality and results, he was a pleasure to do business with at every stage.
Jocelyn Kirby
Richard is a skilled and highly knowledgeable consultant, with the ability to add significant value to any business that needs assistance importing goods from or doing business with China. He provided invaluable input into our family business and I will undoubtedly be calling upon his services again in the near future.
Stephen Harley
Richard was a pleasure to work with, as a client he was clearly focused on what his business needed to achieve and provided excellent clarity on his priorities. I have found him to be a man of his word who is focused on quality and results, he was a pleasure to do business with at every stage.
Jocelyn Kirby
Richard is a skilled and highly knowledgeable consultant, with the ability to add significant value to any business that needs assistance importing goods from or doing business with China. He provided invaluable input into our family business and I will undoubtedly be calling upon his services again in the near future.
Stephen Harley
Richard was a pleasure to work with, as a client he was clearly focused on what his business needed to achieve and provided excellent clarity on his priorities. I have found him to be a man of his word who is focused on quality and results, he was a pleasure to do business with at every stage.
Credentials
-
Operation Management - Diploma
The CPD Certification ServiceApr, 2021- Nov, 2024 -
Change Management - CPD accredited
Impact FactorySep, 2019- Nov, 2024 -
Fire Warden Training Course
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA)Jul, 2019- Nov, 2024 -
Emergency First Aid at Work Course
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA)Jun, 2019- Nov, 2024 -
Project Management- Foundation / Practitioner
Firebrand Training
Experience
-
Esprit Digital
-
United Kingdom
-
Electrical Equipment Manufacturing
-
1 - 100 Employee
-
Operations Director
-
Sep 2020 - Present
Working with CEO and MD to meet operational activities and set strategic goals.Planning and monitoring the day-to-day running of the business to ensure smooth progress.Delivering efficiency and quality throughout the business ensuring project delivery and client services meet the highest standards.
-
-
Client Services Director
-
Dec 2019 - Sep 2020
Client Services Director responsible for ensuring that our clients receive excellent service from our technical teams driving new business through identifying opportunities which assist in solving business problems. Develop and execute account strategy and engagement plans to maximise client valueCultivate relationships with senior client stakeholders and decision makersLead business reviews with senior suppliers and client stakeholdersWork with senior managers to create collateral across our software and hardware solutionsKeep projects within agreed scope and budgetManage client expectations around the timing and content of deliverablesCoordinate internal resources to develop and deliver on projectsSupport and manage the teams allocated to the accountsImplement and maintain ISO standard across ED and EDI Show less
-
-
General Manager
-
Sep 2018 - Dec 2019
Esprit Digital was the very first company to build display solutions for the Digital-Out-of-Home market when our LEDs became a feature on roadside billboards around the UK over 20 years ago.Since then we have designed, manufactured and installed many of the world's most iconic largescale digital media networks for clients like:London undergroundWestfield (UK/UK.AUS)Majid Al Futtaim (ME)Ashkenazy (US)Clear Channel (NOR)Heathrow AirportVirgin mediaHarvey NicholsTescoIn the process we have built a reputation for product expertise, risk reduction, global reach and delivery on time, within budget.It is my pleasure to join the Esprit team as General Manager and look forwards to playing my part in their continued growth. Show less
-
-
-
Outform x Alrec
-
Netherlands
-
Retail
-
1 - 100 Employee
-
Team leader
-
Jan 2016 - Aug 2018
Alrec In Store UK Ltd Services team leader April 2017 - Sep 2018 Key Responsibilities • Develop installations project team to deliver coordinated services to internal and external clients • Accountable for commercial operations, securing supply chain partners and delivering business on cost. • Accountable for business operations ensuring quality of delivery at every stage of communications, documentation and delivery of works. • Manage key accounts and the delivery of principle contractor status ensuring full protocol for health and safety is adhered to. Senior project manager June 2016 - April 2017 Key Responsibilities • Appointed to establish robust business process to manage an exciting new client required a roll out of branded kiosks to shopping centres across the UK. • Set up and maintain a live reporting structure for all stakeholders and deliver weekly steering meetings. • Assume full cost control of the install program within 4 months ensuring efficiency in every process. • Build a comprehensive business SLA Consultant project manager Jan 2016 to June 2016 Key Responsibilities • Project Manage multiple projects including key client roll out programs • Provide project plans for all projects ensuring project controls are established and adhered to. • Coordinate multiple contractors to deliver store programs Show less
-
-
-
Soladapt Ltd
-
China
-
Computers and Electronics
-
Co-Founder, Client and Product Manager
-
Dec 2012 - Jun 2018
Soladapt Ltd Co-Founder and Product manager 2012 – Oct 2015 Designers of high tech electrical consumer goods Having seen an opportunity to introduce emerging technology to the UK market, Soladapt Ltd introduced TouchGENiE to the Global market Responsibilities:- • Establish domestic launch plan for the product within targeted industry sectors • Build robust supply chain, negotiating purchase contracts with key suppliers • Create LTD business structure in accordance with legislation • Negotiate contacts of sale with distributors and retailers throughout the UK and Europe Achievements:- • Secured advertising space and trade shows in UK’s most high profile events • High profile presentation to the British ambassador to Italy at his residence in Rome securing new business • Oversee retail and distributor activity – Increasing sales from £2,000 to £35,000 in year 3 • Negotiated supplier contracts, production rates, price incentives, returns policies • Managed supply chain and logistics, Implement Ethical trade Initiate (ETI) base code and ISO, QMS • QA management in line with code of conduct, KPI and Risk Assessment Management (RAM) Show less
-
-
-
China Unwrapped
-
United Kingdom
-
Manufacturing
-
Consulting Project and client Manager
-
Apr 2011 - Jan 2017
c2010 > 2017 Including. Blueglow Europe Ltd , Bella Creations, UK Unwrapped & China Unwrapped. China House associates is a multiple channel procurement platform servicing it's clients with consultancy packages and FMCG goods. Blueglow Ltd - Director - 2012 - 2017 Additional responsibilities : To implement social compliance across supply base ensuring standards are met and audited in keeping with company policy. To develop new business and seek new business opportunities Blueglow Ltd General Manager 2009 – 2015 Managed, developed and supported Merchandising, Logistics and QA teams with the programme of factory auditing and RAM / KPI administration. • Accurately accounted through NCR any unforeseen costs and delivered P&L summary • Nominated & developed overseas manufacturers in accordance with company code of conduct • Negotiated a series of key projects • Implemented and managed IT and communications networks China Unwrapped Ltd Director 2010 – 2017 Developed new business opportunities and managed key accounts alongside the effective planning and implementation of business services. • Developed new product under NDA for introduction to UK entrepreneurs and small businesses looking to establish supply chain solutions in China • Audited and evaluated potential supply partners in China, in keeping with relevant social, ethical and production accreditation • Negotiated and placed volume business • Escorted and supported clients during trips to China in order to self-assess and negotiate with supply chain partners • Managed merchandising and quality assurance teams to ensure quality goods on time • Delivered retail solutions to start-up business offering a custom approach to meeting key markers required to effectively supply UK high street stores. Show less
-
-
-
Home Retail Group PLC
-
United Kingdom
-
Retail
-
700 & Above Employee
-
Project Manager
-
Apr 2015 - Aug 2015
Home Retail Group (HRG) Project Quality Manager (CU ltd) Fixed term: May 2015 – July 2015 Homebase – Argos – Habitat – Non-food retailer Responsibilities:- • Deliver objective proposals with a view to successful implementation of group change policy across quality assurance and supplier management • Develop and deliver critical path solution engaging all relevant stakeholders to ensure 40,000 product files are posted online. • Organisation of weekly steering meetings with senior stakeholders and capture of risks, issues and objectives • Cross functional across multiple HRG sites ensuring a synchronized approach whilst observing key business needs. • Management of external stakeholders and implementation of communication programme • Responsible to group QA controller and senior executive Achievements:- • Drove stakeholder engagement to quickly identify areas of risk, areas of improvement • Set out scope within targeted time line to deliver completed products • Negotiated man hours and responsibilities with third party provider to ensure critical patch was maintained • Presented a phased approach to Habitats inclusion in the programme, over and above current efforts • Delivered fully operational process to manage ongoing objectives and business case Show less
-
-
-
Blueglow
-
Consumer Goods
-
1 - 100 Employee
-
General Manager
-
Jan 2009 - Mar 2015
Blueglow Europe Ltd General Manager Supply Chain Operations 2010 – 2015 Design and manufacture of consumer goods for UK blue chip retailers Responsibilities:- • To manage all aspects of product development from design to delivery. • Oversee Logistics and QA teams with the programme of factory auditing and Risk Assessment Management (RAM) / Key Performance Indicator ( KPI ) administration. • Accurately account through NCR any unforeseen costs and delivered P&L summary • Nominate & developed overseas manufacturers in accordance with company code of conduct • Implement and manage supply chain operations • Establish China based quality assurance team and train in accordance with QA guidelines • Client facing, taking briefs and delivering product solutions • Implementation of Global Sourcing Principles (GSP) and Code of conduct in line with company objectives • Setting critical path and managing client and supplier expectations from concept to delivery • Sourcing and negotiating best price for best quality • Negotiated a series of key projects Achievements:- • Worked with factory base to achieve industry accreditation in line with company objectives • Negotiated rebate policies with key suppliers in line with seasonal production targets, circa 5% p/qtr • Established China based QA team, negotiated retainer contracts and agreed SLA • Appointed international freight agent in line with company objectives • Implemented Non-Conformance Report (NCR) process, providing stakeholders with critical profit loss information • Roll out of GSP in accordance with company principles, programme of auditing to ensure ongoing compliance Show less
-
-
-
-
General manager
-
Jun 2004 - Dec 2008
JSL Concepts Ltd General Manager 2005 – 2008Controlled UK and European sales teams, managed relationships with Chinese factories and negotiated key projects for the UK and European retail markets in excess of £5m pa. Directly Managed five account managers and the Quality Assurance team with two support administrators.• Opened soft toy and pre educational toy division, and developed a highly accredited supply chain to deliver £4m turnover in 6 years• Recruited and managed Production Manager in China to oversee all key productions • Developed UK accounts, including British Home Stores from £25,000 - £1.2m, retaining production of the leading SKU lines at 470,000pcs pa• Developed Coty international account to £950,000 and serviced the most exclusive brands worldwide including David Beckham, Jlo, Miss 60• Secured and developed Harrods account from £80,000 to £350,000• Secured new business with a number of key accounts including Sainsbury, Boots, Primark, Elemis, Nivea and Unilever• Increased margin with strategic planning of freight services, shipping and payment terms• Produced sales forecasts consistently achieving year on year key account increases• Trained and mentored all Quality Control, Sales and Logistics staff Show less
-
-
QC/ Logistics / Distribution Director - Sales Support
-
Apr 1996 - Dec 2008
JSL Concepts Ltd General Manager 1998– 2009Design and manufacture of consumer goods for global blue chip retailersResponsibilities:-• UK and European sales management • Manage relationships with Chinese factories and negotiated key projects for the UK and European retail markets. • Directly manage five account managers and the Quality Assurance team with two support administrators.• Recruit and managed Production Team in China to oversee all key projects• Develop UK accounts• Increase margin with strategic planning of freight services, shipping and payment terms• Produce sales forecasts for relevant stakeholders• Train and mentor Quality Control team in line with SA8000 policy • Train and mentor, Sales and Logistics staff to meet company objectives• Seek cost saving procedures throughout the Quality Control and Logistics services• Introduce KPI and RAM assessment to gauge company exposure • Manage QA team to achieve SA8000 accreditation, launching the Global Sourcing Principle Achievements:-• Developed UK accounts, including Marks and Spencer’s, Sainsbury’s, Superdrug. Developed British Home Stores from £25,000 - £1.2m, retaining production of the leading SKU lines at 470,000pcs per annum• Introduced new soft toy category, growing to £5.5m in 6 years• Worked with China team to open new factory in accordance with ICTI toy standards• Opened administration office in Shanghai to manage north China production• Increased business year on year 2002-2007 exceeding targets +12% • Developed logistics and QA teams to support design and sales front end• Mentored over 25 colleagues in QA ,Logistics, Sales departments• Regularly travelled to China to negotiate key contracts up to £1.5m• Established critical path template to manage multiple programs with weekly reports to stakeholders• Provided finance spend forecast to stakeholders• Reporting directly to managing director and CFO Show less
-
-
-
Dixons Carphone
-
United Kingdom
-
Retail
-
700 & Above Employee
-
Department Manager
-
Feb 1992 - Apr 1998
Achievements Placed into key stores to improve sales and develop photographic department Selected as part of a new team opening new concept superstore Managed brown goods department including 4 part time staff Product training for all staff once p/month Achievements Placed into key stores to improve sales and develop photographic department Selected as part of a new team opening new concept superstore Managed brown goods department including 4 part time staff Product training for all staff once p/month
-
-
Community
