Abrasiflex is an industry leading supplier of industrial abrasives. We specialise in the distribution and sale of an extensive product range for the wholesale, trade and retail sectors. A selection of bonded and coated products are available which complement our own brand of bonded abrasives.

Working with Independent Retailers across the country to achieve mutual growth

As part of its national growth and corporatisation strategy I was appointed National Sales Manager to grow and retain existing state businesses operating under the umbrella company of Sales Force National (SFN), and critical to the role was to design and implement a fully integrated national sales strategy and have it fully operational in time for corporatisation on July 2014. Full responsibility for the planning and execution of the national sales budget of $75m and $85m in 2014 and 2015 respectively, national forecasting, delivery of state expenses within budget.Drive and lead a disciplined national S&OP process to improve sales to forecast accuracy by collaborating with State and Category Managers, Finance and Supply Chain.Managed the state based sales team as part of my National Sales role so in total, responsible for nine direct reports including State Managers, Customer Service, National Re-Fit and oversee the performance of 45 full times Sales people nationally. Increase the national sales capability through effective training, coaching, mentoring and facilitating the Zenexus Leadership Development Program for future leaders within the business. Set the desired national call frequency with Category Managers for each state sales team, monitoring and measuring the results through CRM. Ensure ranges set with key accounts such as Bunnings and Mitre 10 are managed correctly in all stores and implement selling practices that supports the needs of the business into the future.Key Account Management of the Woolworths Group taking retailers such as Home Timber & Hardware, and Masters Home Improvements.

Plan and delivery of a fully integrated market development plan including key customer initiatives, new target customers, competitor plans and identifying new market opportunities to meet and exceed the state sales budget for the Victoria. Deliver sales to forecast within 5% accuracy and maintain budgeted working capital through regular and disciplined 80/20 PLS (Product Line Simplification) reviews of high and slow moving stock lines. Performance manage, coach and mentor five direct reports from the Victorian sales team and directly responsible for the Account Management of key customers such as BlueScope Lysaght, Stramit, Reece Plumbing and Coventry Fasteners. Drive the ITW principles of business such as 80/20, PLS (Customers and Products), USA and Market Segmentation.

Managed and reported the EBIT performance of a standalone business unit for CSR Roofing involved in the supply and installation of Colourbond Steel and Monier Cement Roof Tiles in Far North Queensland with a turnover of $7m and direct reports totalling five. Account Management of all existing and targeted customers across Far North Queensland including commercial and residential builders plus a small group of distributors. Increased market share for CSR Roofing through specification of key commercial and residential projects.

Prior to being promoted to Regional Manager Queensland for CSR Roofing, I spent four years in Account Management of which two years was spent in the supply and installation direct to builders, and the remaining two managing distribution across Melbourne Metro. Supply and Installation direct to builders - critical to this role was to increase market share for CSR Roofing products against competing tile companies such as Boral and Austral, but more importantly BlueScope Colorbond through delivering innovative designs/solutions to Melbourne’s leading architects and major builders in Victoria.Melbourne metro distribution – critical to this role was to identify the best means of delivering better service and value to grow market share with what was a very mature group of distributors to justify better pricing and margin return. Achievements• Working closely with the General Manager I played an important role in establishing the CSR Roofing Specialist network in Victoria. Selecting the best of the best and the emerging businesses, we reduced the total number of distributors from 50 to 25 signing them onto non-exclusive contracts and closing accounts with the others. The end results of this initiative saw 100% branding of CSR products with 25 professionally presented, a massive reduction in channel conflict and improvement in overall margin and volumes. • As part of the CSR Roofing Specialist network I developed a successful Re-Roofing campaign in Victoria which delivered an additional $250,000 in sales over a six month period.