My first position at Ecolution was Electrical Buyer, after which I went on to the core requirements of the business in renewable energy. I was then quickly promoted to Group Procurement Manager, covering four divisions: electrical, products, energy, and renewables. My main responsibilities were: Develop, lead and execute purchasing strategies Control spend and build on long-term saving on procurement costs Forecast levels of demand for services and products to ensure strategic sourcing Update inventory using Sage ERP to ensure live reports to all departments Conduct research to ascertain the best products and suppliers in terms of best value, delivery schedules and quality Manage a large annual purchasing budget, and achieve annual cost savings across the Group Liaise between suppliers, manufacturers, relevant internal departments and customers Build and maintain good relationships with new and existing suppliers Perform risk management for new and existing supply contracts and agreements to ensure compliance Negotiate and agree contracts, monitoring the quality of service provided Process invoices and finalise purchase details of orders and deliveries Work with key stakeholders to ensure expectations of the company Adhere to KPI’s to exceed targets, reduce expenses and improve effectiveness Work with international insurers to guarantee best possible credit terms Collaborate with sales, warehouse and logistics teams to ensure customer satisfaction Forecast price trends and their impact on future activities, including fluctuating exchange rates Analyse data and produce reports and statistics  Evaluate bids and make recommendations, based on commercial and technical factors

I decided to take a break from the electrical wholesale industry and learn a new trade. I gained an NVQ2 in plastering, and experience working on various different projects from new builds to grand design major projects.

Employed as Branch Manager Designate for the South East region.  Act as relief manager for branches in South East England, doing general manager duties  Develop business for Maidstone, Bromley and Crayford branches; mainly concentrating on the Maidstone branch  Oversee stocktakes

MANAGEMENT  Present weekly and monthly reports to Regional Manager including sales forecasts  Maintain sales analysis, and profit and loss statements  Maintain and exceed sales targets and ensure branch staff remain customer focussed  Regular in-branch marketing campaigns including liaising with suppliers for advertising support  One-to-one reviews with staff members  Manage staff rota to ensure adequate cover  Manage 6 branch staff  Conduct staff meetings including Quality Assurance and Occupational Health & Safety  Employ and train new staff members  Manage designated accounts to exceed budgeted sales and gross profit  Ongoing development of business relationships  Creation and implementation of business plans  Manage the portfolio of products, in line with requirements of the key account potential and needs  Coordinate the activities of the sales force with the regional manager where they relate to key accounts  Work in collaboration with the area Sales Rep to maximise sales with key accounts DAY-TO-DAY  Direct the branch business activities on a day to day basis  Ensure a high-quality service outcome for customers  Build and develop a robust customer base, market share and total revenue  Ensure the safe delivery of services by staff and subcontractors within the region  Provide leadership on the administration, business development and operations of the branch  Take a proactive approach to the management of costs, sales activity and work quality  Coordinate and track bulk purchasing  Run stock correction reports, undertake casual and half yearly stock takes  Deal directly with sales reps on new products, etc  Secure major contracts with new business in the area, including government funded businesses, hospitals, etc  Quote major project work, and follow up with clients.

I held various positions throughout my 11 year career at John R Turk. Through my customer focused, positive attitude and determination I worked my way up through the chain of commands; from Driver/Stores Assistant onto Sales, Major Account Manager, Assistant Manager, then on to managing various branches for 6 and a half years.