My role is in the procurement of new business/growers as well the expansion of our existing core business. To work with and develop a strategy with our main customers along with identifying and developing new markets for the Favco Group - domestic & overseas (F&V plus 'bolt on businesses' Unique Australian (& NZ) Groceries and Meat for the Chinese Retailer)Favco have a team and offices in the US and China. Who is Favco? Favco established in 1999 with the coming together of two long serving and experienced fresh produce industry families.Combined 70 years experience within the Fruit and Vegetable Industry the 2 families had not only the vision and passion to develop Favco, but the experience and knowledge to back it up. The company today consists of a thriving team of people, including 2nd generation family members. They pride themselves on being innovative, forward thinkers delivering great service.This is reflected in the company's desire to re-invest back into the industry.The Favco team has built its domestic and export business since inception on 'good old family values and personal integrity' Favco supplies major supermarket chains and independent retail groups as well as secondary wholesalers, the food service/hospitality industry and export customers. Research and development is a vital component of the Favco Group. Favco works closely with the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, with whom we are actively involved in the development of new varieties. This will assist sustainability into the future - very much a part of the Favco long term vision and strategic plan. Whether Favco is supplying the domestic market or the export market, our philosophy remains the same - together as a team (incorporating our own farms and our growing partners) Favco continue to grow/produce/own orchards of Citrus and Mangoes in the Mundubbera and Dimbulah growing regions in QLD. Continued focus on 'Quality, Service and Value'

Coming fresh out of retail, this is where I learnt about the wholesale produce business with a strong enthusiastic team of people.

What was my Business Manager role within marketing?I managed and led the marketing and advertising planning for Woolworths Supermarkets nationally including the media plan; ensured communications were executed in line with both business and marketing strategies. Managed and led the online marketing including the social media component, ensured true integration within all marketing. Worked very closely with all the media types including the TV stations and press media.I was in charge of the finance within the marketing department as well;• I effectively monitored and managed the usage of financial resources ($100m+ account)• Performance of expenditure to budget management and projection of expenses and ensured the goals were met and they were.• Expenditure within budget - accuracy of financial forecasts• Also managed all permanent store signage projectsI didn't do all the above without a great team of people.A mention of my past team: My digital team: I had a fantastic digital team reporting to me. FYI June-July-August 2011 the team had been able to deliver a Woolworths Supermarkets Facebook Page, QR codes within Woolworths and the very successful Woolworths iPhone APP - went to number 1 the first day in the APP store, in a very short period of time it had over 1 million downloads (supported by the IT team and Tigerspike)My planning and media team were a strong team, always looking for media opportunities and balancing the finance side. My media and planning (finance) co-ordinator was just a 'gem'My Brand ID & Development Asst Business Mgr: perfectionist and very dedicated, understood 'speed to market' All worked closely and built strong relationships with Woolworths agencies at the time; Hulsbosh, Mitchells and M&C.With a little work before I left, the three Asst Business Managers reporting to me were all promoted to Business Managers not long after I left Woolworths.........and for a bit of fun I appeared in a couple of the Woolworths TV commercials

Commenced in stores as a Store Trainee Manager, moved into fresh foods as a part of my training during the 'Fresh Food People' launch, then become a Group Manager Produce in charge of 14 stores and the team within the produce departments. Moved into a National Produce Field Buying role in Central and then North Qld. Transferred to Sydney 1999 as an Asst Business Manager, not long afterwards promoted to Business Manager.Business Manager role within Produce (fruit/vegetables/hard produce/floral)I was responsible for a number of categories and accountabilities for sales growth, profit target achievement, replenishment targets, supplier relationship maintenance, supply forecasts, category objective strategy (COS) and shared objective plan (SOP) management and leadership of team members.-Promotional planning-Involvement, setting and implementing of future strategies within Produce-Management of (CODB) cost of doing business-Improvement on ROFE-Ensured compliance within company policies and procedures-Provided mentor support for the team-Ensured adequate training for team members-Assisted in igniting and motivating the team-Provided and fostered leadership-Worked closely with our growers-suppliers, building strong working relationships, which many continue today outside of my time with Woolworths.Also during this period of time I headed up the project for the roll out of the new distribution centers across every state for fresh foods.Over a period of time I conducted the Senior Business Manager relief within Produce with one period being over a 14 months ($3.2b business leading 130 team members, 7 days a week) Within that period the entire team not only achieved but exceeded the set KPIs.I was proudly awarded the BUSINESS MANAGER OF THE YEAR IN 2005. A number of months prior to moving into Marketing I did some strategic work for a number of other fresh food departments before a short period working in Thomas Dux and Project Galaxy (SAP project)