Assistant To Commercial Director
O.I. Foods
London, United Kingdom
O.I. Food manufacturing, marketed and distributed chilled and frozen ready meals to major multiple retailers; as a branded proposition and private label. The business revenues exceeded £4m and employed 84 employees producing on average 150,000 meals per week. In 2005 O.I. Foods was granted the Royal Warrant by his Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales to manufacture under license Duchy Original branded meals.Joined the business in its introduction phase with the objective of setting up initial operations and played a hands-on role in growing the business until 2006.• Assisted in the development of new markets and sales channels to secure increased distribution for OI products.• Developed interpersonal skills in managing relationships with key clients.• Developed key skills in researching potential clients, lead generation, PR, Marketing and effective techniques in closing sales deals with major Blue chip customers, including Sainsbury, Tesco, Waitrose, Morrison, Booths and Galeries Lafayette• Worked with PR & Marketing Agencies for sales and marketing strategies.• Helped generate £ 2 Million in revenue.• Designed and introduced systems for operations and sales during the rapid growth of the business.• Organised and directed an 8 person sales force tasked with closing sales, generating revenue.Extra Achievements• Helped Manage the Operations, Logistics and Distribution of the business including successful NPD, design, product launches, promotions and marketing with Retail and Food Service Consumers.• Assisted in financial models, costs analysis, monthly management accounts, cash flow projections and tax returns.• Running invoice finance management, EDI ordering systems• Maintaining successful business relationships with Banks, Suppliers and Customers• Assisted with fund raising through Venture Capitalists
