Managing a diverse category/product portfolio across an omni-channel pan-European retail business operating via e-commerce, sales force and retail stores. Leading a team of 12 individuals including product managers, assistant product managers and category assistants to achieve trading targets on sales, margin and customers buying.Developed and implemented a new category strategy and assisted the product managers to develop fresh tactics to ensure ranging, promotions, NPD and… Show more Managing a diverse category/product portfolio across an omni-channel pan-European retail business operating via e-commerce, sales force and retail stores. Leading a team of 12 individuals including product managers, assistant product managers and category assistants to achieve trading targets on sales, margin and customers buying.Developed and implemented a new category strategy and assisted the product managers to develop fresh tactics to ensure ranging, promotions, NPD and marketing plans focused on achieving KPIs. Consistently week after week outperformed wider business on sales and margin, while also rationalizing vendor base and assortment to make the category easier for the customer to shop. Led negotiations with key vendors to increase rebates and deliver bottom line cash the profit and loss sheet within the first 4 months. Show less

Delivered new product developments for the European stationery market. Complete control of the product development processes and portfolio. This includes the development of product briefs, RFQ creation, supplier response analysis, sampling, testing, product set up and product launch.Also worked to design and refresh the branding of key brands for Office Depot including Foray, Office Depot and Niceday. This included working with design teams on packaging refreshes, style guides and… Show more Delivered new product developments for the European stationery market. Complete control of the product development processes and portfolio. This includes the development of product briefs, RFQ creation, supplier response analysis, sampling, testing, product set up and product launch.Also worked to design and refresh the branding of key brands for Office Depot including Foray, Office Depot and Niceday. This included working with design teams on packaging refreshes, style guides and finished product artwork. Working with a global vendor base of manufacturers and distributors (including Far East sourcing, the Americas and Europe) to develop market leading products that align to the brand strategy. Complete Management of the product life cycle from concept and delivery to end of sale and product life extensions. This included existing product management including vendor negotiations on price, rebate and any redesigns required. Key Achievement: Delivered the largest new product development in the last 11 years at Office Depot. Show less

Managing a key category for the UK business. Devising the trading strategy and successful tactical execution to achieve margin and sales growth. Developing a range to suit the strategy and target customer then selling the range through an omni-sales channels including e-commerce, catalogue, telecoms and large corporate contract sales teams and tender.Managing a global supplier base to provide a strong promotional calendar, enhanced rebates and form strong relationships to… Show more Managing a key category for the UK business. Devising the trading strategy and successful tactical execution to achieve margin and sales growth. Developing a range to suit the strategy and target customer then selling the range through an omni-sales channels including e-commerce, catalogue, telecoms and large corporate contract sales teams and tender.Managing a global supplier base to provide a strong promotional calendar, enhanced rebates and form strong relationships to exploit market trends and fashions with innovative products and solutions.Leading a small team of staff to ensure efficient day to day running of the category, while ensuring each individual develops to their maximum potential. Show less

Assisting the category manager in managing the facilities product range, with direct management of Viking Direct catalogues both offline and online. On going development of an engaging product range for a diverse customer base through the development of innovatative customer touch points.Working with renowned suppliers to deliver promotions and products that appeal to both B2B and B2C customers.

Project managing New Product Developments for literacy, maths, languages and special needs catalogues.Worked with global vendor base to negotiate costs and drive innovative product development. While simultaneously managing special needs and TTS publishing catalogues to develop ranges and drive category growth.