Christopher Briffa Email & Phone Number

Malta

Valletta

I was employed as Brand & Sales Manager at Borg & Aquilina Ltd, I joined the company in February 2013 and my role was to manage the main business unit within the company. In this role I managed the operation of this business unit in both the retail and catering sectors and I have a number of sales representatives who were directly answerable to me. I also took care of all the purchasing, shipping, sourcing and negotiations with the company`s local and overseas suppliers. We mainly dealt in commodities and it was therefore imperative that contracts were well negotiated in advance as this affected the company`s profitability and performance. My main responsibilities are listed here under.• Negotiating and securing supply agreements on commodities and FMCG`s with local and major international suppliers.• Developing new processes to improve work efficiency and productivity.• Preparation of long term marketing plans on each brand including pricing and distribution strategies.• Negotiate trading terms with suppliers on budgets and marketing allocation.• Securing contracts with new suppliers to address portfolio gaps and explore new business opportunities in line with company objectives.• Planning of shipping and logistics and relevant health and safety and import documentation.• Manage the product portfolio to meet financial and inventory targets.• Creation of new private labels subject to economies of scale viability.• Develop effective category plans.• Negotiate and execute customer driven promotional programmes.• Develop and motivate my team of sales professionals to continually achieve and exceed targets.• Preparation of tender documents.• Key accounts management including the organisation of in store promotions and catalogue offers.• Presentation of new product launches.• Develop and implement strategic sales plans to achieve company goals.• Budgeting, forecasting and preparation of category and territorial targets

Lija Malta

I was employed as Sales Inspector with Maltco Lotteries Ltd, which is the company that in 2004 was awarded the licence to organise and run the National Lottery games by the Government of Malta.My role with Maltco Lotteries was to make sure that all the license requirements are met by the various company agents and that the level of service that they provide is according to company specifications and procedures. I was also responsible for training these agents in new games and updates that the company introduces from time to time and make sure that they are in a position to offer the best possible service to the consumer. Furthermore I formed part of the interviewing board that selects new sellers and agents for the company`s new outlets and once selected I help these agents achieve the standards required. In this position I supervised and was responsible for the whole network of outlets which consisted of 230 point of sales.

Qormi Malta

I was employed as Sales Manager with Alfred Gera & Sons Ltd. I joined the company in 2001, my role within the company was to manage the Sales Operation of the Grocery and Household Division and also identify new products and sectors in view of further business growth. After carefully analysing the company’s strengths and weaknesses I embarked on a reorganisation programme, which resulted in a 34% increase in the company’s turnover and also another 18%, increase in the company’s Client Base. This was achieved with the help of my four hard working Sales Representatives and two merchandisers, with whom I have managed to form a special hands on will do team mentality.The following are some of the leading brands that I was responsible for.Vitalite SpreadsSt. Ivel Dairy ProductsCameo Radox & Sanex Body Care ProductsSensodyne, Acquafresh and Macleans Oral CareBrylcreem Hair ProductsCerelac & Nan Baby FoodsKiwi Shoe CareAmbi Pur Household Products

Marsa Malta

I was employed as a Sales & Marketing Manager with Paolo Bonnici Ltd. I was specifically recruited to set up the Frozen and Chilled Food Division within the Company. My first task was to source the International Market and build a range of products; I was given a time frame of three months to do this. Next on the Agenda was to organise the sales and distribution network system. Since the Company did not have a Cold Storage facility, the network had to be managed carefully to ensure a good service to our clients.The most challenging task was to persuade our clients to make space available for our new range of products. Due to the nature of the range (frozen and chilled), space in their refrigerated cabinets was always restricted, especially for new, relatively untried items. Nevertheless, I managed to build a very strong portfolio.The annual targets set by the Company were reached in six months and within twelve months; the new product ranges were well established.The following are some of the products that I have launched:IcelandChicago Town PizzaPresident French CheesesKen Bell SeafoodHussmann & Hahn Fish ProductsVello Italian CheesesFriki Poultry ProductsCadbury Ice CreamI was responsible for eight employees and reported directly to the Directors.

Marsa Malta

My position with Caruana Cold Storage and Imports Ltd. was that of Sales Manager. I was directly responsible for a team of 15 people and also for all the Sales of the Company. I reported directly to the General Manager and the Managing Director.My responsibilities included sourcing, buying, contributing to the Marketing/Promotion efforts, penetrating the existing market, finding new clients, and managing on-going relationships with clients. During this period I had the opportunity to attend various International Fairs and Exhibitions and since we were responsible for the frozen food distribution of the Nestle Company I have attended various seminars organised by Nestle. I feel that this has given me a lot of experience not only of the local market but also other European Market trends, which on most occasions offer an indication of local future trends.

Valletta Malta

I established my own company in house wares with two partners, and two staff. The company’s purpose was to import and distribute house wares on the local market. Unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances in the house wares market it was decided to wind up the company after two and a half years in operation.