Ian Blake
Yateley,Hampshire
Summary
Accomplished professional with expertise in effective time management, budgeting proficiency, and sales reporting. Demonstrates strong skills in sales solutions, budget allocation, and supply chain coordination. Proven track record in sales product development and category management, coupled with excellent communication skills and stakeholder engagement.
Driven professional offers high-level communication skills demonstrated through keen negotiation and rapport-building. Versed in networking with industry professionals to build rapport and cultivate partnerships.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Account Executive
JTI
03.2024 - 01.2025
- Successfully managed key accounts including Costco and Sainsbury's, delivering an OCC of over £37mm for Costco alone
- Executed strategic initiatives with Costco to enhance performance and drive sales
- Effectively navigated through challenges while managing Sainsbury's during a turbulent period
- Negotiated terms for Range Reviews agreements with clients
- Oversaw invoice management and external portal operations
- Played a key role in onboarding SSP (Travel Retail) to the regional Account Executive team
- Effectively created a strategic plan for key accounts inclusive of forecasting, P&L, Budget management, investment strategy & commercial direction
- Managed client portfolios for business growth and expansion.
- Produced sales and performance reports and delivered to senior management and stakeholders.
- Tracked market trends to stay ahead of the competition.
Regional Sales Manager
JTI
09.2023 - 03.2024
- Company Overview: UK
- Responsible for managing 6 Multiple account executives
- Navigating the team through the YE process & multiple challenging scenarios including reorganization, negotiations & price increases
- Key features demonstrated – Planning, organization, coaching, leadership, communication, strategic overview planning, challenging the status quo
- UK
Multiple Account Executive
JTI
03.2019 - 03.2024
- Successfully managed 14 accounts, including Wholesale, convenience, and Gas, delivering an OCC of over £6.5m per annum
- Demonstrated creativity and initiative to drive profitability through project and incentive implementation
- Managed budgets for trading agreements and projects, ensuring financial goals were met
- Developed area plans aligned with A&SP guidelines to optimize account performance
- Maintained effective communication with Territory Managers regarding account activities
- Cultivated strong relationships within key accounts to drive business growth
- Identified and pursued additional business opportunities within existing account base
- Conducted range and business reviews with key accounts to maximize product offerings
- Facilitated timely listings of new product developments to enhance sales performance
- Forecasted for direct accounts and managed allocations during budget planning
- Leveraged digital media platforms to increase sales and brand visibility
- Prioritized account importance and effectively managed time to meet objectives
Trade Marketeer
JTI
04.2009 - 03.2019
- Managed a portfolio of accounts valued at £33m per annum, with zero % budget variance
- Negotiated trading agreements with high-profile accounts to drive sales and category turnover
- Conducted business reviews using EPOS data to effectively manage account performance
- Successfully sold JTI portfolio of brands in line with yearly targets
- Cultivated relationships with key accounts to enhance JTI reputation
- Achieved yearly targets in sales, share of space, market share, new product development, and other critical business areas
- Developed and executed strategic marketing plans to increase brand visibility and drive sales in key retail channels
- Analyzed market trends and competitor positioning to identify opportunities for product differentiation and market growth
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to execute promotional campaigns and product launches aligned with brand objectives
- Leveraged data analytics to track campaign performance and provide actionable insights for continuous improvement and ROI optimization
Customer Service Manager
Argos
03.2007 - 02.2009
- Directed and oversaw a team of 15-20 staff members on weekends and 8-10 during the week
- Developed strategic plans to achieve store sales targets, including creating trackers and motivational tools for staff
- Spearheaded initiatives to boost staff morale and engagement
- Managed staff wages, incorporating forecasting and wage spend control
- Led efforts to enhance customer experience and uphold standards in the store
Retail Assistant
Argos
11.2005 - 03.2007
- Customer service
- Working the till
- Sorting deliveries and stock
Sales Assistant
Safeway Stores Ltd
09.2003 - 11.2005
- Customer service
- Cash handling
- Providing replacement cover where needed
- Training new starters
Education
GCSE - English Literature, English Language, Science double award, Maths, Media Studies, Business Studies, Physical Education, French, Geography, Religious Education
Frogmore Community College
Yateley 01.1998 - 01.2003
National Diploma In Sports (Golf) - Sports
Merritt Wood
Guildford, Surrey 01.2006 - 01.2008
Skills
- Effective time management
- Budgeting proficiency
- Sales reporting
- Sales solutions
- Budget allocation
- Supply chain coordination
- Sales product development
- Excellent communication skills
- Category Management
- Stakeholder engagement
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Additional Information
I hold a full driving license and have an active interest in football and golf.
Custom
Available on request for both Character & Professional
Affiliations
- Keen Golfer
- Football
- Start up business owner
Timeline
Account Executive
JTI
03.2024 - 01.2025
Regional Sales Manager
JTI
09.2023 - 03.2024
Multiple Account Executive
JTI
03.2019 - 03.2024
Trade Marketeer
JTI
04.2009 - 03.2019
Customer Service Manager
Argos
03.2007 - 02.2009
National Diploma In Sports (Golf) - Sports
Merritt Wood
01.2006 - 01.2008
Retail Assistant
Argos
11.2005 - 03.2007
Sales Assistant
Safeway Stores Ltd
09.2003 - 11.2005
GCSE - English Literature, English Language, Science double award, Maths, Media Studies, Business Studies, Physical Education, French, Geography, Religious Education
Frogmore Community College
01.1998 - 01.2003
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