Darren Spooner
Retford
Summary
I'm a sales and business development leader with more than 20 years' experience helping businesses grow through strong relationships, practical solutions and a hands-on approach. I enjoy developing people just as much as developing business, having led and supported high-performing external sales teams while managing key national accounts across the UK and Ireland. Alongside my commercial career, I serve as Chairman of the Midland Section of the Brewing, Food & Beverage Industry Association and Head Coach of Yorkshire Disability County Cricket (Pursuit 2nd XI), where I continue to develop people, build teams and encourage inclusive leadership.
Overview
1
1
Certification
28
28
years of professional experience
Work history
Business Development Manager / External Sales Mana
Moody Direct Ltd
2016.01 - Current
- Grew sales across the UK and Ireland by developing new business opportunities and strengthening long-term customer relationships.
- Managed a portfolio of key national accounts, leading commercial negotiations, contract renewals and pricing agreements.
- Identified new markets and strategic partnership opportunities to deliver sustainable revenue growth.
- Led, coached and developed the External Sales Team, providing day-to-day management, performance support, mentoring and territory planning to maximise results.
- Worked closely with internal departments to improve customer experience and deliver commercial objectives.
- Built sales strategies, managed forecasts and pipeline activity, and contributed to budgeting and business planning.
- Successfully secured major contracts through competitive tenders and relationship-led selling.
Key Achievements
- Grew overall turnover from £4.5m to £9m
- Managed a team of External salespeople
- Surpassed target year on year
- Grew turnover of large procurement integrator from £29k to over £500k per year
Sales Account Manager
Moody Direct Ltd
2013.01 - 2016.01
- Managed a portfolio of key customer accounts across the UK, building long-term relationships and increasing account value.
- Identified opportunities to introduce new products and services, delivering consistent sales growth.
- Worked closely with internal teams to ensure high levels of customer service and successful project delivery.
Sales Representative
Moody Direct Ltd
2005.01 - 2013.01
- Developed new business while maintaining strong relationships with existing customers across an assigned territory.
- Consistently achieved and exceeded sales targets through proactive account management.
- Built a reputation for excellent customer service, helping to secure repeat business and referrals.
Buyer
Moody Direct Ltd
1999.01 - 2005.01
- Managed supplier relationships across the UK, Europe and Asia, negotiating competitive pricing and supply agreements.
- Supported stock planning and purchasing decisions to maintain product availability and improve profitability.
- Worked with suppliers to identify new product opportunities and improve supply chain performanc
Skills
- Business Development & Relationship Management
- Team Leadership & Coaching
- National Account Management
- Commercial Negotiation
- Sales Strategy & Territory Development
- Mentoring & Performance Management
- Customer Retention & Growth
- Forecasting & Pipeline Management
- Budget & Commercial Planning
- Stakeholder Engagement
Career Highlights
- 25+ years' progression with Moody, advancing from Buyer to Business Development Manager.
- Led and developed the External Sales Team across the UK & Ireland.
- Built long-term partnerships with national accounts and secured high-value commercial contracts.
- Chairman of the Midland Section of the Brewing, Food & Beverage Industry Association.
- Head Coach of Yorkshire Disability County Cricket (Pursuit 2nd XI).
Certification
- ECB Core Coach Qualification
- GNVQ Advanced Level – Business Studies
- NVQ Level 2 – Retail Operations
- NVQ Level 2 & 3 – Distribution & Warehouse Operations
- Ongoing professional development in leadership, negotiation and coaching
GOVERNANCE & SPORT LEADERSHIP
- Midland Section, Brewing, Food & Beverage Industry Association, Chairman, Provide regional leadership, chair committee meetings, uphold governance standards, and strengthen stakeholder engagement across member organisations.
- Yorkshire Disability County Cricket (Pursuit 2nd XI), Head Coach, Lead performance pathway for disability county players, deliver inclusive coaching programmes, and support individual and team development in competitive environments.
Timeline
Business Development Manager / External Sales Mana
Moody Direct Ltd
2016.01 - Current
Sales Account Manager
Moody Direct Ltd
2013.01 - 2016.01
Sales Representative
Moody Direct Ltd
2005.01 - 2013.01
Buyer
Moody Direct Ltd
1999.01 - 2005.01