Giles Brighton
Elvington, York,North Yorkshire
Summary
Experienced professional with a strong background in project management and a comprehensive understanding of the FMCG market. Demonstrates broad business function exposure and expertise in the own label product development cycle. Proficient in Microsoft Office suite, aiming to leverage skills to drive successful project outcomes and contribute to organisational growth.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
8
8
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Portfolio Manager
Greencore
Selby, North Yorkshire
2022.08 - 2026.01
- Directed portfolio management for Greencore’s Ambient and Frozen business, overseeing 500-600 SKUs across two sites.
- Led up to 170 projects simultaneously through a seven-stage gate process, collaborating with Operations, Commercial, Product Development, Finance, and Technical teams.
- Responded to customer briefs and market insights to inform product range prioritisation decisions.
- Conducted regular portfolio reviews to enhance profitability and guide product delisting strategies.
- Communicated Portfolio Performance regularly to the senior team for strategic alignment.
- Assisted Head of Portfolio in establishing long-term strategy goals.
- Conducted product launch reviews to ensure alignment with volume and financial targets.
- Achieved timely launches for all projects, meeting customer expectations.
- Enhanced total portfolio margin by 3.5% in previous year.
- Developed a unique toolkit for monitoring projects progress
- Made "Champion" new ITP/IBP process, contributing to its development.
- Recognised as a member of 'Team of the Year' in 2025 for over 220 successful NPD/EPD launches and 70 packaging changes.
Business Account Manager
Greencore
Selby, North Yorkshire
2020.10 - 2022.08
- Transitioned from Maternity Cover to permanent role, reporting to Head of Sales.
- Managed all Tesco Grocery accounts, expanding responsibilities to include M&S and Coop.
- Picked up ongoing projects, ensuring successful launches.
- Collaborated with Category Managers and NPD team to inform future product development.
- Formulated Convenience strategy to enhance market presence.
- Achieved successful launch of nine new products in Tesco, generating over £1m annual turnover.
- Delivered two complete CPIs within six months.
- Increased product listings in M&S..
Bar Manager
Swallow Hall Golf Club
Wheldrake, York
2020.07 - 2020.09
- Engaged in employment as job market stabilised following conclusion of previous contract prior to Covid lockdown
National Account Manager - Convenience - Interim
Gorilla Glue Europe Ltd
2019.05 - 2020.02
- Investigated feasibility of introducing Gorilla and O'Keeffe's brands into Convenience sector.
- Gained understanding of market routes within Convenience sector.
- Developed and presented Convenience Strategy to Board and entire organisation.
- Commenced implementation by securing permanent or trial listings.
- Achieved full business buy-in on Convenience Strategy.
- Secured listings with Coop, SPAR RDCs, Fishhill, and two third-party suppliers.
- Successfully conducted trial in Scotmid.
- Completed two-day Mental Health First Aid course by MHFA England.
Customer Business Manager
Nestle Confectionery
York
2017.02 - 2019.01
- Managed £20m+ confectionery sales into Nisa, reporting to Convenience Channel Controller.
- Management Customer Business Executive and annual marketing budget of £460k, including £150k media spend.
- Negotiated and implemented nearly 100 promotions each year.
- Achieved +1.6% sales growth in declining market for Nisa.
- Drove +13.8% increase in sales out of Nisa, surpassing total confectionery growth of +12.5%.
- Secured price increases on all SKUs in a critical category.
- Obtained listings for PMP packs across two key categories.
- Launched new products with enhanced media support and in-store space allocation.
National Account Manager
Quorn Foods
Stokesley
2014.09 - 2016.11
National Account Manager - Interim
Giovanni Rana UK Ltd
Doncaster
2014.03 - 2014.08
National Account Manager / Sales Controller
Malton Foods Ltd
Malton, North Yorkshire
2011.04 - 2013.11
Business Development Manager – Retail
Farmhouse Potato Bakers Ltd
Bridlington, East Riding of Yorkshire
2009.05 - 2011.03
Business Account Manager – Convenience
Bendicks (Mayfair) Ltd
Winchester, Hampshire
2004.01 - 2008.12
Senior Production Planner
Sara Lee Frozen Desserts / Hibernia Foods
Bridlington, East Riding of Yorkshire
1999.06 - 2003.12
Production Planner
Malton Foods (Malton Bacon Factory)
Malton, North Yorkshire
1996.03 - 1999.06
Education
BEng (Hons) - Civil Engineering
University of Nottingham
1992.09 - 1995.05
A-Levels - Mathematics with Mechanics, Chemistry, Physics, General Studies
N.E.W. College
Pontefract 1990.09 - 1992.05
GCSEs -
Normanton Freeston High School
1986.09 - 1990.05
Skills
- Project and Account Management
- FMCG Market Understanding
- Broad business function exposure
- Understanding of Own Label product development cycle
- Microsoft office suite proficiency
Personal Interests
- Football – I am an FA qualified coach, currently managing / coaching a men's open age team and for 10 years was the club Welfare Officer
- Golf – Been a member of a club, and now play socially with a current handicap of 17.
- Music - Love listening to and finding new music as well as attending gigs / festivals.
- Photography – Amateur level but enjoy experimenting to get those perfect shots
Accomplishments
- Member of Team of the Year in 2025
- Selected to be part of the Colleague Forum
- Selected to be part of steering team for internal business awards
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Portfolio Manager
Greencore
2022.08 - 2026.01
Business Account Manager
Greencore
2020.10 - 2022.08
Bar Manager
Swallow Hall Golf Club
2020.07 - 2020.09
National Account Manager - Convenience - Interim
Gorilla Glue Europe Ltd
2019.05 - 2020.02
Customer Business Manager
Nestle Confectionery
2017.02 - 2019.01
National Account Manager
Quorn Foods
2014.09 - 2016.11
National Account Manager - Interim
Giovanni Rana UK Ltd
2014.03 - 2014.08
National Account Manager / Sales Controller
Malton Foods Ltd
2011.04 - 2013.11
Business Development Manager – Retail
Farmhouse Potato Bakers Ltd
2009.05 - 2011.03
Business Account Manager – Convenience
Bendicks (Mayfair) Ltd
2004.01 - 2008.12
Senior Production Planner
Sara Lee Frozen Desserts / Hibernia Foods
1999.06 - 2003.12
Production Planner
Malton Foods (Malton Bacon Factory)
1996.03 - 1999.06
BEng (Hons) - Civil Engineering
University of Nottingham
1992.09 - 1995.05
A-Levels - Mathematics with Mechanics, Chemistry, Physics, General Studies
N.E.W. College
1990.09 - 1992.05
GCSEs -
Normanton Freeston High School
1986.09 - 1990.05