GITA SAHOTA
Manchester
Summary
PERSONAL PROFILE A confident, results driven, self-motivated and resourceful individual, who thrives on working to exceed expectations and targets. Worked with many recognized brands. Extensive experience in sales, business development and account management. A passion to deliver outstanding account management and understand the high importance of building solid relationships with clients. Possess excellent interpersonal, influencing, communication and negotiation skills. Effective team player, working proactively and cooperates willingly with others at all levels. Owned and managed a café restaurant including working as a chef.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work history
Regional Account Manager
McCain Foods GB
Scarborough, North Yorkshire
09.2023 - Current
- Covering Northwest of England dealing with multi site operators from leisure, casual dining, QSR and pub groups.
- Won business with Odeon worth 500k.
- Pursued new business opportunities by forging strong networks and contacting potential buyers.
- Represented company at Trade events, networking to increase client engagement and identify new opportunities.
Regional Sales Manager
Vibrant Foods (Asian Food Brands)
London
10.2020 - 08.2023
- Managed accounts for independent retailers, online businesses, cash & carries, and wholesalers.
- Developed and negotiated joint business plans with large accounts.
- Increased sales by 26% during the first year of tenure.
- Secured £250K contract with Bestway cash & carry.
- Established strong relationships with existing customers while identifying new business opportunities.
- Delivered high-level service, fostering customer confidence and loyalty.
- Collaborated closely with the marketing department to align sales forecasts and inventory needs.
National Account Manager
Riverside Foods (Frozen poultry)
01.2016 - 08.2020
- Winning and managing new business
- Building customers relationships to support sales growth
- Exhibiting at trade shows and presenting products at sales meetings
- Managing own diary and supporting existing accounts
- Set up group terms with Buying groups
- Won business within wholesale/cash & carrys and foodservice companies
- Increased sales by 20% equating to £1.5 million revenue
Business Development Manager
AG Barr
06.2013 - 12.2015
- Promoting awareness of Rubicon Ice cream brand
- Account managing independents retailers and cash & carrys supporting existing accounts as well as finding new business
- Working closely with Asda and Tesco supermarkets
- Won business with Manchester Superstore (6 shops in Northwest)
- Set up accounts with Pakeezah Superstore in Bradford worth £100k
- 10% increase in new business gained through referrals from existing customers
- Arranged and participated in sampling events
Field Sales Executive
Nestle Confectionery
York
01.2012 - 04.2013
- Covering maternity leave - Visiting independent retailers, marketing and selling nestle products to existing customers in Northwest region
- Deliver agreed distribution, visibility, new business and volume sales set every period
- Build and maintained strong relationships at store management level
- Won new business on monthly basis worth £10k
- Exceeding KPI targets
- Consistently ranked in first 2 achievers in team of 11
- Maintained top 15th place amongst 180 in National team
National Sales Executive
Prime Overseas Properties
Manchester
07.2006 - 12.2011
- Attending overseas property exhibitions nationally and dealt with clients face to face from qualified appointments
- Sold overseas viewing trips to clients for Turkey, Spain, Cyprus, Bulgaria and Portugal
- Advised clients on buying procedure and financing on their investment property
- Sold £1 million property in Thailand to a UK customer which earned the company highest commission
- Won award for employee of the month in 2008 for selling a property in Cyprus worth £600k
- Top Performer (Ranked 2 out of 22 in 2011), (Ranked 1 out of 20 in 2010) and (Ranked 4 out of 18 in 2009)
- Set up successful referral programme from completed deals which increased turnover by 20%
- Participated in TV advertising campaign to Asian market.
Education
Basic Food Hygiene Certificate - Food Technology
Manchester City Council
ManchesterEx Sell Training - excellence in field selling program - Sales
Nestle Confectionary
YorkBTEC National Diploma - Business And Finance
Stockport College
StockportInterests
Entertaining friends, cooking, hot yoga and travelling.
Timeline
Regional Account Manager
McCain Foods GB
09.2023 - Current
Regional Sales Manager
Vibrant Foods (Asian Food Brands)
10.2020 - 08.2023
National Account Manager
Riverside Foods (Frozen poultry)
01.2016 - 08.2020
Business Development Manager
AG Barr
06.2013 - 12.2015
Field Sales Executive
Nestle Confectionery
01.2012 - 04.2013
National Sales Executive
Prime Overseas Properties
07.2006 - 12.2011
Basic Food Hygiene Certificate - Food Technology
Manchester City Council
Ex Sell Training - excellence in field selling program - Sales
Nestle Confectionary
BTEC National Diploma - Business And Finance
Stockport College