Experience

Garden Trading

• United Kingdom
• Retail
• 1 - 100 Employee

• HEAD OF SALES

  • Mar 2021 - Present

  • Directly manage and mentor UK Sales, Trade Support and Retail Customer Services personnel • Responsible for UK major, key accounts and international sales – NEXT, JLP, Graham & Green, Cox & Cox, Lakeland , Pottery Barn USA and Terrain USA • Introduced new internal processes to ensure a more enhanced customer journey, business efficiencies and foundation for growth, • Work closely with Supply, Operations, Marketing and Finance to ensure business targets are achieved, customer expectations are exceeded and budgets are maintained. • Create and direct trade marking plans and communications • Based on a revised global sales strategy I implemented a department restructure – managing redundancies and recruitment, 3 external sales personal 3 x sales support, building a more robust department to drive growth. • Worked with Website Designers on creating new trade website and associated functions. Show less



The Giftware Association

• United Kingdom
• Information Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• INTERIM SALES & MARKETING/BUSINESS CONSULTANT

  • Aug 2019 - Apr 2021

  The Giftware Association - A trade association offering support, guidance, connecting suppliers and retailers in the gift and home industry • Assisting the CEO on various sales, marketing and membership related projects The Giftware Association - A trade association offering support, guidance, connecting suppliers and retailers in the gift and home industry • Assisting the CEO on various sales, marketing and membership related projects



POSH PAWS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED

• United Kingdom
• Wholesale
• 1 - 100 Employee

• SALES DIRECTOR

  • May 2018 - Apr 2019

  Responsibilities and achievements included: • Analysed existing sales, product, forecasting and retailer data to ascertain processes and skill sets • Managed the sales team ranging from managers, self-employed agents through to the sales administrative team • Managed key customers including Amazon, Clinton Cards, wide range of wholesalers • Worked closely with senior personnel at Disney and Universal to secure and develop successful customer activities, whilst building and maintaining a robust and mutually beneficial working relationship • Developed product and franchise financial forecasting systems, which resulted in more accurate reporting • Implemented sales systems and forecasting procedures to achieve more efficient account management, resulting in reduced and unnecessary stock purchasing - positively impacting on the bottom line • Managed the PR agency, resulting in targeted retailer and consumer social media campaigns raising company awareness and securing more robust customer relationships Show less



Really Good and Soul - design and manufacture cards and gifts for all occasions

• Oxford, England, United Kingdom

• INTERIM BUSINESS CONSULTANT (Brief Completed)

  • Dec 2017 - May 2018

  Appointed by the Managing Director to support the process of recruiting a National Account Manager. Activities included: • Reviewed and improved the sales, planning, stock forecasting and brokered management processes, enabling the business to manage stock more efficiently, resulting in more robust monitoring systems and improved company profitability • Instigated regular processes to ensure accountability and transparency. • Supported with the recruitment and was responsible for the training of the new National Account Manager Show less



Heart & Home

• Retail

• SALES & MARKETING DIRECTOR (1 Year Fixed Contract - Brief Completed)

  • Oct 2016 - Nov 2017

  The brief was to review the sales team and raise brand awareness at trade and consumer level. Achievements included:  Restructured the self-employed sales force, recruiting and subsequently managing 22 focussed and experienced Sales Agents covering UK & Ireland, increasing certain territory turnovers by +11%  Implemented sales strategy for product collections and launches - raising brand awareness at retailer level  Introduced the brand to leading national retailers and independent groups including John Lewis, Lakeland  Implemented trade and consumer marketing plans – increasing consumer sales by 30% and engagement by 60%  Liaised and guided export partners on the brand and activities  Managed leading trade and consumer exhibitions e.g. This Morning Live, Country File Live Show less



if

• United Kingdom
• Manufacturing
• 1 - 100 Employee

• INTERNATIONAL SALES DIRECTOR

  • Nov 2015 - Jul 2016

  Having been approached for this pivotal role my responsibilities and achievements included:  Reviewing the global sales strategy  Implementing a more focused and strategic sales plan to maximise the company’s full potential  Managing, mentoring and training 2 NAMs, 1 Export Sales Manager, 6 Sales Agents, sales and marketing administration re-allocating responsibilities where appropriate, thus giving a more focused approach • Managing selected international and national key accounts  Reviewed and analysed export partners to ensure key distribution into the correct market channels  Reviewed American Rep groups and interviewed potential new organisations to gain full coverage in the USA  Implemented a revised marketing plan - trade advertising campaign, trade PR and promotional campaigns  Negotiated and secured VBA with WH Smiths; protecting turnover and capping contributions  Directly opened accounts with TK Maxx, Ocado, Wayfair and Staples US  Entered into negotiations with Jet.com, Notions USA and Amazon UK - projected opening orders of £60k  Maintained YOY turnover- despite the company having previously experienced a 3 YOY decline in sales Show less



BlissHome Ltd - design branded contemporary homeware - ceramics, textiles, accessories

• Alcester, England, United Kingdom

• SALES DIRECTOR

  • Jan 2011 - Nov 2015

  I worked closely with the MD on a day to day basis providing extensive sales and business expertise, assisting with the general running of the business. Within 18 months of joining turnover had increased by 25% as a direct result of implementing new systems and procedures resulting in efficiencies and more robust structure. Responsibilities and achievements included:  Preparing and implementing strategic plans and critical pathways for company growth  Managing all major accounts – John Lewis, Tesco, ASDA, Lakeland, Amazon  Leading and directing the national and export sales force; both employed and agents • Managing all internal departments including the warehouse. • Product development both branded and retailer own brands • Financial forecasting and management of budgets, targets and provisions • Re-structured the company’s operations and processes to maximise efficiency and profitability including - product forecasting, administrative and operational processes • Secured own brand listings within John Lewis, Tesco, ASDA and Waitrose • Implemented forecasting systems for major accounts and general trade which resulted in greater order fulfilment, increased sales and reduced excess stock holding Show less



Ideal Sourcing – Designed and source craft product under the Create and Craft brand

• Peterborough, England, United Kingdom

• HEAD OF SALES AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT (Redundancy)

  • Jul 2010 - Dec 2011

  Responsibilities and achievements included:  Directing and managing sales and product development for both branded and own brand for domestic and global retailers and international TV shopping organisations • Working directly with the Far East office and factories on sourcing and supply, requiring regular international travel • Manage sales, product development, stock control and merchandising and shipping • Targeted and opened accounts with Sainsburys Asia/UK, Big W Australia, TV Shopping Slovenia – with opening orders of £225k Show less