Nic Townsend Email & Phone Number

United Kingdom

Managed all marketing and research activity for UK division of international company. Budget of c. 500k Euros.Key member in launch of new range encompassing market and scientific research to ensure market fit products - new media launch with web, catalogue, advertising and PR.

• Directed the creative development of the Group’s entire bakery product portfolio, supplying over 1700 food outlets throughout the UK, with sole management responsibility for the £250K brand management budget.• Rationalised the sandwich portfolio through market research, and introduction of award-winning categories.• As a key member of the Group’s marketing team, undertook strategic marketing planning, involving extensive new product development and promotions.• Researched and commissioned packaging solutions, advertising and all marketing collateral, which is produced by internal and external design, PR and media agencies.• Devised, developed and implemented new business ideas (based on the needs of the marketplace), leading to the launch of innovative new products and market-leading concepts for food courts and café outlets throughout the country.

Directed the creative development of the Group's entire bakery product portfolio, supplying over 1700 food outlets throughout the UK, with sole management responsibility for the £250K brand management budget.Rationalised the sandwich portfolio through market research, and introduction of award-winning categories: Premium (luxury), Star Choice (fortnightly specials), Balanced Choice (healthy) and Choice (traditional).As a key member of the Group's marketing team, undertook strategic marketing planning, involving extensive new product development and promotions.Researched and commissioned packaging solutions, advertising and all marketing collateral, which is produced by internal and external design, PR and media agencies.Devised, developed and implemented new business ideas (based on the needs of the marketplace), leading to the launch of innovative new products and market-leading concepts for food courts and café outlets throughout the country.Oversaw the entire production process, from development through to multi-site manufacturing, implementation, marketing and customer evaluation of the final product.

Evaluated sites for suitability as Upper Crust, Ritazza and (formerly) StopGap outlets before successfully launching brands into multiple units within tight timeframes.Provided effective ongoing support throughout the implementation of Compass brands and oversaw the "training the trainers" development process.Assisted Regional Brand Support Manager in providing brand and management support to Eurest Airport Service and Eurest Support Services across the country.

Successfully designed unit templates and oversaw category management of food product portfolio for 444 staff restaurants under a new management contract.Responsible for the research and development of menu and product specifications for a six-month trial in 17 staff restaurants, in particular the creation and implementation of a generic bread offer.Utilised a £500K marketing budget in the controlled development and distribution of signage, marketing information and new product development.

Managed the implementation of the Upper Crust sandwich, StopGap retail (now rebranded) and Ritazza coffee outlets across a major sales region.Significantly increased gross profit margins by raising the value of the company's coffee offer by introducing the premier Ritazza brand across the region.Successfully opened major StopGap retail outlets in Dublin and Leeds, and at the Compass Finance headquarters, as well as many local openings of StopGaps and Upper Crust outlets.Trained the staff development trainers who were involved with the introduction of the Ritazza brand.

Successfully introduced the Upper Crust brand into the restaurant.Oversaw operations of the Upper Crust staff restaurant with 300 personnel.

Professional Diploma

Btec Diploma Hotel, Catering & Institutional Operations

A Levels & 'O'S