Mark Vardy Email & Phone Number

Lead for commercial functions across all consumer electronic categories for new store formatsDevelop and implement a holistic review of category propositions, aligning strategy and range profile to deliver a full customer proposition including new product ranges/ service offers/ new in-store environment and in-store supplier funded “showcase” areasAnalysis of historical category performance and range architecture against competitor benchmarking. Develop new ranges to exploit market and establish requirements of target customer segments. Influence sales densities/price ceilings/price and brand mixAligning strategic direction with all work-streams: Ensure that operational implications of ranging are aligned with direction of People and Service model (review quality of store colleagues/ trade-off’s between range and boxed stock/ replenishment models/ training requirements/ retention and remuneration) Brand and format (macro layout/zoning principles/ space mix/ customer interactivity and suitability of fixtures/ adjacency of categories for attach and x-sell/ merchandising principles/ flow/ signage and POS) Work with 3rd party design agencies to deliver effective merchandising solutionsConstantly review and develop how supply chain can work most effectively for new formats. Setting availability targets/ delivery cycles/ in-store availability processes. Delivery solutions for range extensions

Working within a project team to target cost of goods savings utilising the commercial teams in the UK and across Europe.Introduce new buying processes working with external consultants to establish common processes and embed best practice aiming to transform commercial into a “world class buying organisation” Manage category deployment within a number of waves including MDA and CE categories. Quantify savings from supply base.Develop key category insights - Analysis of historical category performance and range architecture. Competitor benchmarking. Develop new ranges to exploit market and establish requirements of target customer segments. Influence sales densities/price ceilings/price and brand mixIdentify requirements for commercial “toolkit”. Work alongside IS to deliver systems of required quality on time and fit for purpose. Define commercial KPI’s and creation of DPP (direct product profitability measure)Delivery of effective training modules to ensure sustainability of programme and raise capabilities of commercial teamsLeveraging and negotiating to deliver competitive advantage

Inclusive of roles in a number of product categories including imaging/power and AV products Developing 3 year category plans and strategic direction. Delivering short-term trading targets whilst working towards medium and long-term strategic objectivesDeveloping range and supplier strategiesConducting contractual negotiations with suppliersNegotiating costs, returns agreements and marketing supportAchievementsConsistent profit and market share growth Introduction of new categories and suppliers “Power centre” and Monster cables. Others including Uniross batteries and Sennheiser/Skullcandy HeadphonesDeveloped and designed OEM strategy, licensing agreements and product ranges/packaging for JVC AV cables and PCLine brandsIntroduced vendor managed inventory and owned trials with brands Belkin and MonsterAccountable for securing significant Trading Account revenues Consolidation of supply base focusing spend on brands with highest return