E-Commerce / Category Manager
Al Futtaim - Plug Ins
Total years of experience :28 years, 7 months
Plug Ins is an multi-store electrical retailer based in the UAE and part of the Al Futtaim retail group. I initially joined the business as a category manager in the commercial department responsible for the day to day trading of the audio visual area, having quickly proven myself in this area I was given additional responsibilities of launching and trading the web shop as well as managing key projects within the business. I saw an opportunity to improve our customer proposition by simplifying our existing ranges and developing our own brand, through introducing direct factory purchasing and rationalizing our supplier base I was able to introduce a range of own label accessories and significantly increase profitability. I developed a sourcing strategy, launching a new brand in cables, accessories, batteries and promotional buys, these ranges exceeded sales budgets and delivered highly profitable sales, and therefore I have continued to expand into further product sectors and was appointed Import Manager, most recently launching our own brand of smartphones. This range has just launched and has already become one of our top brands in this growth area, delivering strong sales and the highest margins within the category.
I took time out to travel and am now seeking a new opportunity
Play.com - Buyer Computing
September 2011 - July 2012
This role gave me the opportunity to broaden my e-commerce experience, recognising that this is the fastest growing sector within retail. I quickly established myself as an integral member of the commercial team, managing the day to day trading of the PC Shop category through a period of significant change resulting from the takeover by Rakuten and the evolving business model.
Self Employed Project Manager
January 2010 - September 2011
I took the decision to resign from my commercial employment at B&Q to concentrate on a personal project, and fulfill a life-long ambition. I undertook and completed a large scale property re-development with my wife in Winchester, restoring a derelict 1930's cottage into a modern family home.
It was an extensive structural rebuild of which I was involved in every aspect, it was a varied and challenging role, from arranging financing, designing the layout of the property with the aid of an architect, using my commercial skills to negotiate costs, source materials and manage a team of contractors. I made decisions on-site in 'real time' and where health and safety would allow, I got my hands dirty!
This was an extremely satisfying project, which was completed on time and more importantly within budget. We enjoyed a living in the property for a short period time and due to employment relocation have successfully re- financed and rented this property.
B&Q PLC - Assistant Buyer Heating & Cooling
April 2005 - January 2010)
My role at B&Q involved me working within a busy and fast paced commercial department where I took sole responsibility for buying spot heating and cooling, dehumidifiers, ladders and housewares. In the absence of a senior buyer and on a regular basis I would take responsibility and manage the entire trading category which also included fires, surrounds and air-conditioning. As an experienced buyer, I had one direct report in the category buying assistant and was accountable for the trading of my product areas, owning the selection process and implementation of seasonal range reviews, all related negotiations, formulating and presenting strategic and promotional plans, and managing the overall change process.
Readers Isle of Wight Limited - Product Development Manager Dining
November 2003 - April 2005
Readers is a family owned company which manufactures homewares and lighting products and also acts as a specialist sourcing agent, working on behalf of a number of major UK multiple retailers, Woolworths and Next to name a few. In addition to this core business they operate six retail outlets, a mail order business and a branded housewares range that is sold to department stores across the UK. My role as product development manager within the housewares department involved me working in close contact with factories and retail management teams. I was responsible for interpreting client briefs and converting these into actual product ranges, through the process of selection and sourcing products both for specific retailers and for own brand ranges.
Paul Murray PLC - Field Sales Rep
July 2002 - November 2003
Paul Murray PLC is an independent wholesaler retailing a portfolio of brands targeted the health and beauty sector. The company sources ranges and selects products to be branded and re-packaged and then distributed via a sales force to local pharmacy and health and beauty outlets throughout the UK.
Having previously worked for the company I knew the products and sector well and was offered a role as a temporary field sales representative, covering vacant patches. My role consisted of selling to existing independent and corporate customers, achieving an increased annual spend by +16% as well as identifying and developing new business account opportunities and winning back lapsed accounts. Following a successful introduction this position was made permanent.
ABCAZ - Category Manager
August 2000 - July 2002
ABCAZ is an Internet company that was set up to utilise the Internet to bring consumers and bricks and mortar retailers together. I was part of the initial management team from conception to a company of 70 +staff, I recruited and managed a team of 14 within the compilation team.
I was responsible for developing the business plan and establishing the initial business model, responsible for creating and establishing the Sports & Leisure, DIY & Gardening and Motoring product categories. This included range and supplier selection and producing additional web content to support the sales, such as buyer's guides, gift finders.
I opted to take voluntary redundancy during a time when the business were scaling back and looking at a cost saving restructure, keen to progress my career I understood the value of sales experience in the commercial industry I accepted a position within a local wholesaler to develop my sales skills.
Argos Limited - Assistant Buyer DIY
September 1998 - August 2000
My role at Argos, gave me the grounding in a highly commercial environment where I learnt the principles of a retail buying department. Working cross functionally with QA, Marketing, Supply, Merchandising and Finance to deliver company targets and successful trading and promotional range plans.
Working in a varied range of product categories during my time at Argos, including Core DIY, Power & Hand Tools, Gardening, Decorative, Automotive, this gave me a broad knowledge and exposed me to many markets in which I was able to liaise with and negotiate with suppliers building positive working relationships.
Creating and development promotional campaigns, preparing range selections for senior management sign off presentations, and taking full responsibility for the buying and trading of Automotive, Electrical Accessories and Batteries categories.
Having gained a sound understanding of retail buying within the Home Retail Group, I left to pursue a role in which I could increase my experience to a web based business.
Paul Murray PLC - Product Controller
May 1995 - September 1998
I started work here as a warehouse operative in the holidays whilst I studied at university. After two successful summers I was offered the newly created position of product controller and rather than pursue a more academic pathway I decided to accept this position.
I held buying responsibilities for sourcing health and beauty products, ordering & maintaining these products and ranges in stock to support an annual turnover in excess of £1.5m. I sourced products from the Far East, managing the sourcing and selection process, negotiating pricing and completing factory assessments and appraisals. Responsible for all product costing, calculating costs after importing, shipping and duty and then setting retail prices which were market competitive and delivered company margin aspirations.
Being part of a small business I was involved in many aspects of the business including customer relations, dealing with customer queries and updating them on new product developments. Briefing the sales teams, creating and updating product files, maintaining product and stock files, implementing quality procedures and ensuring quality control at all times.
Training and Qualifications Professional Certificate in Management Aug 1998 Open University
HND Design & Communication July 1995 Solent University, Southampton
2AS level & 1 A level July 1993 Peter Symonds College, Winchester
11 GSCE Passes Sept 1991 Thornden School, Chandler Ford Dale Carnegie Training & Team leading Gap Partnership - The Skilled Negotiator