Robert Kitching Email & Phone Number

United Kingdom

One of the principal lighting suppliers to many of the leading retailers in the UK, with expertise in the design and development of bespoke decorative lighting.KEY ACHIEVEMENTS:• Responsibility for National Accounts with sales turnover in excess of £10M (approx 1000 sku’s).• Management of key Accounts including John Lewis, BHS, Homebase, Focus, B&Q, Laura Ashley, Matalan, Amazon, TK Maxx, Debenhams, Argos, Disney, Lombok, Oka, GLTC.• Managing products and price architecture… Show more One of the principal lighting suppliers to many of the leading retailers in the UK, with expertise in the design and development of bespoke decorative lighting.KEY ACHIEVEMENTS:• Responsibility for National Accounts with sales turnover in excess of £10M (approx 1000 sku’s).• Management of key Accounts including John Lewis, BHS, Homebase, Focus, B&Q, Laura Ashley, Matalan, Amazon, TK Maxx, Debenhams, Argos, Disney, Lombok, Oka, GLTC.• Managing products and price architecture within customer portfolio and presenting new ranges.• Negotiating trading agreements and prices with key customers. • Responsible for developing business strategy for existing Accounts, as well as sourcing and generating new business.• Introduction of Disney licensed products into the Helix portfolio.• Evaluating current and future market trends, reviewing EPOS data, comp shopping, implementing competitor database and working closely with designers to establish direction of NPD initiatives.• Working with buyers and merchandising teams to ensure a high level of service is delivered for the seasonal range reviews, adhering to critical paths and pricing requirements.• Implementation of activity-based costings to ensure best possible efficiencies within the business.• Conducting UK and overseas buying/sourcing trips with customers (China and Europe).• Responsible for management and clearance of end of range discontinued stock.• Management of a team of Account Managers and Administrators.• Implementation of staff appraisal system, including performance management. Show less

Manufacturer and distributor of domestic household lighting products supplying to key high street/DIY retailers.KEY ACHIEVEMENTS:• Total responsibility for National Accounts circa £6.5M turnover.• Responsible for team of Account Managers and Coordinators.• Developed existing Accounts and secured new business with B&Q, Next, Laura Ashley, The Pier and Debenhams.• Managed transfer of domestic supplied business to direct import for key customers.• Facilitated the transfer… Show more Manufacturer and distributor of domestic household lighting products supplying to key high street/DIY retailers.KEY ACHIEVEMENTS:• Total responsibility for National Accounts circa £6.5M turnover.• Responsible for team of Account Managers and Coordinators.• Developed existing Accounts and secured new business with B&Q, Next, Laura Ashley, The Pier and Debenhams.• Managed transfer of domestic supplied business to direct import for key customers.• Facilitated the transfer and restructure of production from UK manufacture to Far Eastern supply to provide margin enhancement and improve cost base.• Far Eastern buying trips with key customers to develop bespoke product ranges.• Managed external merchandising agencies to ensure smooth introduction of new ranges. Show less