Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Languages
Timeline
Generic
Jennifer Atkinson

Jennifer Atkinson

Stony ,Buckinghamshiore

Summary

Driven Commercial leader with knack for strategic leadership and transformative results. Led multiple high-stakes projects that streamlined operations and boosted profitability. Known for fostering collaborative team environments and driving innovative solutions that align with organisational goals.

Experienced in mergers and aquisitions as part of the management team of four who led IFF's divesture of FSI ingredients.




Overview

24
24
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education

Work History

Vice President Commercial - EMEA

Natara Ltd
Hartlepool
08.2023 - Current
  • Guided Natara's transformation from an IFF business unit
  • Addressed operational challenges to enhance efficiency and profitability
  • Directed EAME sales and served as KAM for IFF Globally.
  • Led Pricing project with external partner to maximise pricing with a projected 4 Million USD return expected in 2025
  • Led implementation of Salesforce as a global CRM solution for Natara
  • Global commercial lead for ERP upgrade project
  • Created enhanced Customer based business plans, driving performance improvement
  • Analysed sales reports to identify trends and optimise sales strategies developing Natara's 5 year plan
  • Managed team of 2 KAMS across EAME region.
  • Applied critical thinking to analyse problems, evaluate solutions and select best decisions.
  • Produced sales and performance reports and delivered to senior management and stakeholders.
  • Generated sales forecasts to inform resource allocation and project management.
  • Fostered positive relationships with customers to enhance loyalty and retention.
  • Fostered a positive team environment, resulting in increased morale and performance amongst staff members.

Commercial Director - EAME

FSI (an IFF company)
Hartlepool
02.2018 - 07.2023
  • Overall responsability for commercial activity across EAME with 3 direct reports.
  • Global KAM for Givaudan, Firmenich and Kerry. Regional KAM for Symrise and Mane.
  • Produced and implemented strategic commercial plans to grow profit and meet organisational objectives.
  • Implemented effective pricing strategies, balancing competitiveness with profitability.
  • Represented organisation to public at trade exhibitions and conventions, driving awareness of FSI
  • Forged strategic partnerships internally and externally to increase performance
  • Acted as point of contact for high-level queries and represented team at senior leadership meetings.
  • Defined business strategies and roadmaps to drive performance across sales, promotions and marketing departments.
  • Assessed competitor activity and devised effective counter-strategies.
  • Fostered a culture of continuous improvement within the commercial team.


Global Business Development Manager - Ingredients

Frutarom
Hartlepool
01.2012 - 02.2018
  • Used multi-source data to determine pricing optimisation targets.
  • Managed multiple partner relationships and internal projects simultaneously in fast-paced work environment.
  • Led cross-functional teams in development and execution of global business strategies.
  • Supported front-line sales teams with well-coordinated administrative operations.
  • Facilitated training programmes for sales development and skill enhancement .
  • Enhanced stakeholder communication through regular reporting and updates.
  • Co-ordinated planning and execution of targeted sales and marketing strategies.
  • Analysed sales reports to identify trends and update strategies.
  • Implemented a local CRM system to capture and analyse global sales activity.
  • Led Global project to harmonise regulatory documentation and branding.

Senior Buyer

Frutarom
Hartlepool
09.2009 - 12.2011
  • Liaised with finance department for budget planning and control.
  • Managed tender process, interviewing and comparing bids to maximise contract terms.
  • Monitored market trends, staying ahead of industry changes.
  • Established long-term contracts for steady supply flow.
  • Optimised procurement processes with streamlined strategies.
  • Negotiated contract terms and awarded supplier contracts to achieve optimum business profits.
  • Maintained strong working relationships with suppliers and vendors to obtain favourable contract terms.

Commercial supervisor

Frutarom
Billingham, Stockton-on-Tees
02.2007 - 08.2009
  • Day to Day management the customer service team and senior buyer 5 direct reports.
  • Key Service contact for IFF, Givaudan and Firmenich.
  • Implemented customer complaint response strategies, providing rapid and effective follow up to ensure customer satisfaction.
  • Liaised with other departments for streamlined workflow processes.
  • Delivered exceptional service by handling complex enquiries promptly and professionally.
  • Devised activity and service plans to meet customer requirements.
  • Streamlined customer queries for expedited resolutions.
  • Led Daily meetings to ensure alignment between Operations and CS and the effective KPI monitoring.

Customer service representative

Frutarom
Billingham, Stockton-on-Tees
01.2003 - 02.2007
  • Developed strong relationships with customers fostering brand loyalty and repeat business.
  • Participated in regular training to maintain up-to-date knowledge on company products and policies.
  • Handled phone, email and social media enquiries with consistent customer service across multiple channels.
  • Maintained excellent working relations with numerous external clients, providing timely quotes and shipping information.
  • Collaborated with sales team for streamlined order fulfilment process.
  • Liaised effectively between sales, warehouse, logistics departments to resolve any discrepancies in orders.

QC Analyst

Frutarom
Billingham, Stockton-on-Tees
11.2000 - 02.2003
  • Maintained specification conformance through rigorous product testing.
  • Performed testing procedures in line with standard testing methods to guarantee compliant operations.
  • Kept databases updated with relevant technical documentation and reports.
  • Certified batch documentation against quality, regulatory and company standards.
  • Maintained up-to-date equipment records and logbooks, ready for audits at all times.
  • Monitored product quality data and highlighted trends for analysis.
  • Collaborated with production team to reduce manufacturing defects.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Applied Science and Forensic measurement

University of Teesside
Middlesbrough
09.1996 - 04.2000

A-Levels - Chemistry and Biology

Macmillan College
Teesside
09.1994 - 04.1996

GCSEs - 11 GCSE Grade C and above including English, Science and Maths

Macmillan College
Teesside
09.1990 - 04.1994

Skills

  • Territory and account management
  • Interpersonal communication
  • Performance tracking and evaluations
  • Organisational change management
  • Ethical decision making
  • Marketing and sales strategies
  • Results-Driven approach
  • Strategic thinking
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Cross functional collaboration
  • Resilience under pressure

Affiliations

  • Cooking, travel and running

Languages

English
Native
Italian
Intermediate

Timeline

Vice President Commercial - EMEA

Natara Ltd
08.2023 - Current

Commercial Director - EAME

FSI (an IFF company)
02.2018 - 07.2023

Global Business Development Manager - Ingredients

Frutarom
01.2012 - 02.2018

Senior Buyer

Frutarom
09.2009 - 12.2011

Commercial supervisor

Frutarom
02.2007 - 08.2009

Customer service representative

Frutarom
01.2003 - 02.2007

QC Analyst

Frutarom
11.2000 - 02.2003

Bachelor of Science - Applied Science and Forensic measurement

University of Teesside
09.1996 - 04.2000

A-Levels - Chemistry and Biology

Macmillan College
09.1994 - 04.1996

GCSEs - 11 GCSE Grade C and above including English, Science and Maths

Macmillan College
09.1990 - 04.1994

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Jennifer Atkinson