A self-motivated, energetic individual who performs well under pressure. I have a proven track record as a first-class negotiator with a wealth of experience in travel retail and wholesale markets.
Experience
Details on request
Business development manager
Aug 2021 -Current
Working with an expanding family run business. Building new relationships with suppliers and manufacturers to enhance offering to expanding customer base.
As a development role I negotiated all aspects of the trading platform to ensure both parties needs are met. Key to my role is ongoing monitoring of our customer performance, and through constant interaction work towards improving sales and trust.
Dealing in all areas of hospitality, including pub groups such as Asahi and Fullers, restaurant groups, hotels, bar hire and events.
Self employed
Agent
Nov 2020- June 2021
Dealing in liquidated/surplus stocks, linking parties to allow sales into retailers and wholesalers.
Details on request
Director of Purchasing
Jan 2020 – Sept 2020
Managing core categories for world leading cruise inventory requirements.
Utilizing purchasing systems to forecast robust supply chain.
Applying pricing strategies based on total landed cost and logistics arranged to meet required business needs.
Preparing bid specifications for departmental and outside customer presentations.
Creating purchasing and procurement policies to meet changing routes to market. Understanding contract negotiations and understanding all parties’ interests.
Manage all project and operational supplier relations, to ensure suppliers readiness for production, including all needed system updates, capacity development, tooling, etc.
Follow-up contracts and agreements with suppliers and ensure implementation of agreed terms and conditions,
Role ended due to Covid redundancy.
Details on request
2011- 2019
Global In-flight Buyer, Europe and Africa
Electronics, Watches, Liquor, Tobacco and own brand
Delivering compelling on-board and online duty-free ranges to dedicated airlines and duty-free air side stores internationally. The organisation operates as a retail and logistics solution to the global airline industry and manufacturers.
As Buyer I managed several categories on key airlines duty free on board and online ranges, I select the product range and the airline would agree the selections.
Regular liaison with Marketing departments in respect of changes in launch activity and feedback on sales resulting from PR change requirements from brands or customer.
Track the digital budget usage across brands, raising and maintaining Purchase Orders for campaigns negotiated as part of trading terms negotiated.
Manage process of launch working with Global Brands, local teams and external agencies constantly to improve business for all parties.
Conduct pricing reviews/analysis across all channels of business.
As a company we were required to constantly push the boundaries in innovation and ensure our customers and suppliers chose us as their first-choice destination,
Details on request
Feb 2011- Oct 2011
Wholesale Manager
Setting up a new division for one of Europe’s largest used book dealers. My remit is to set up a financially viable income stream through wholesaling used books to the Asian and African markets.
Details on request
Feb 2010-Oct 2010
Group Trading Manager.
This was a newly created position in a rapidly expanding business. The organisation offers a total supply chain solution to the Cruise shipping industry. My remit was to structure department and implement a trading strategy to meet plans to expand.
Managed a team of 4 buyers and an administration team of 4.
Annual buying spends approx. £70 million across all product categories, both food and consumables. The industry is fast paced and diverse in its product requirement.
Details on request
2009 – June to September.
Group Buyer Ambient Food
An emerging Wholesale company based in Tuxford, on a six-month contract.
Appointed to initiate and implement an ambient range in 9 warehouses. Categories under my remit were, Ambient Grocery (excluding chilled and frozen), Confectionery, Drinks, Snacks and alcohol.
Details on request
Group Buying Controller, Confectionery, Drinks and Snacks
Principle Role
To enhance profitability and establish the office as a chosen route to market by proactively managing trading partnerships with major confectionery, soft drink, crisp and snack brand owners/manufacturers.
Departmental dimensions.
Turnover Portfolio: £480 million per annum.
Revenue Budget: £ 42 million per annum
Details on request
May 1995 to 2002
Group Buyer Deli & Frozen Foods
Product ranging and NPD development
Delivering company profit requirements.
Manage and train a team of assistants.
International product sourcing from Europe and USA
Key Accountabilities in Previous Roles
Inform and execute the range, pricing and promotional architecture for the department, covering all FQR channels
Develop and deliver department ranges, pricing and promotions
Initiate brand plans in line with company and customer needs
Achieve the budgeted departmental sales and margin
Own department forecasting, including :
o Creating sales forecasts
o Reviewing demand forecasts
o Overseeing, using and driving the forecasting tools to gain insight into future performance
· Effectively manage the supply base by:
o Building strong relationships
o Negotiating the best cost prices, price structure and promotions
o Working with suppliers to maximise availability whilst working within stock budget, reducing investment in stock and working capital
o Undertaking regular supplier review
Develop and maintain an in-depth understanding of the market, supplier base, competitors and customers and generate insights to support the general growth and development of the category
Follow legal compliance of standards, pricing, POS etc
Personal
I am married with 4 children, lead a well-balanced life and believe in
The philosophy that all are created equal, the best come to the top.
Keen fisherman, coach juniors at local rugby club.
Person Specification
Excellent communication and relationship building skills within Trading Teams and Cross functionally
Experience of developing and implementing Category plans.
roven ability of managing and developing personnel to achieve business and personal objectives.
Strong negotiation skills with proven track record of success at Senior levels
Good understanding of relevant Market and Customer insight data
Possess a “can do” attitude and is a completer/ finisher.
Can demonstrate significant buying experience in a major retail multiple environment.