Ben Ruffles Email & Phone Number

Exeter, United Kingdom

Responsible for transforming the commercial performance of export sales to diverse markets such as Scandinavia, Latin America, South America, Africa, Middle East and SE Asia.Leading a team based in multiple international locations, I am driving cultural change that focusses on adding value to our customer's experience through the creation of win-win partnerships.This is an exciting and dynamic time for the export function as we experience rapid growth in multiple markets.

Exeter, United Kingdom

In my role as Group Business Development Director I acted as a bridge between the regional sales subsidiaries and the centralised group functions acting as a two-way conduit for information, feedback and insight.I was responsible for the global relationship with our largest customer and took a consultative approach to engage and understand their challenges and objectives and then offer solutions that meet those goals and add value to the relationship. This approach has allowed me to increase sales with our largest customer by 68% in 3 years.I was also responsible for supporting the cultural change within our sales management teams in Europe and developing and implementing new ways of working that install best practice.During my tenure in this role I was well served by my approach that seeks to generate profitable growth though the creation of sales propositions driven by customer insight and creating a culture dedicated to customer acquisition, satisfaction, loyalty and retention.

Devon, United Kingdom

My strategic projects role saw me focusing on transformational projects aligned to our goal of doubling the size our business over a 3 year period. I was responsible for developing global OEM relationships that deepened existing relationships and saw them being expanded to new geographic markets. Simultaneously I led the project team facilitating the acquisition of a franchise business to allow us to invest in North America. The management board also sought to leverage my previous experience by drafting me in to multiple projects to provide fresh insight and leadership leading to various long-standing marketing, supply chain and operational issues being resolved.

Castrol Business Services (CBS) was formed in 2000 to provide value-add B2B & B2C solutions to Castrol’s key automotive customers (VW, Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Seat, Land Rover, Honda, Mazda, Ford, Pendragon, Sytner & Inchcape etc…). Solutions have focussed on the areas of Aftersales, Mystery Shopping, Call Centre Solutions, Market Research, Training & Data Solutions.Leading 6 direct BP reports, a wider team of 60+ third party contractors as well as 10+ core outsource contract partners to achieve the financial goals of the CBS business plan though the successful implementation of projects for strategic automotive partners.

Midlands & Northern Ireland GM Daewoo UK Ltd (part of the General Motors family & now trading as Chevrolet) imports & markets Daewoo cars & provides service back up through a network of UK retailers. As a senior manager reporting to the Director of Sales I had full responsibility for the total management of my region.

Field role acting as the primary conduit between Ford Motor Company and the franchised dealer network. Advising Ford dealers on sales & marketing issues & improving the performance of the retailer in all aspects of the business. Matrix managing the multi-disciplined team of field specialists to address specific dealer needs.

Responsible for 155 dealership accounts across the South of England.Tasked with increasing parts sales & improving customer satisfaction.

GloucestershireResponsible for managing client relationships at 113 accounts.

What an amazing 'gap year' experience. I worked for Boston University's Sargent Camp operation in New Hampshire taking groups of children, and occassionally adults, through an experiential education programme that taught them about team work and leadership through problem solving and outdoor activities.

Ba (Hons) 2:1, International Relations

Education record

Gcse'S, Numerous Subjects