Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Custom
Timeline
Generic

Matthew Tofts

Saffron Walden ,Essex

Summary

Results-oriented professional with expertise in category management and pricing strategy development. Proven track record in leveraging consumer insights and competitive analysis to drive successful product launches. Skilled in vendor negotiation and procurement practices, ensuring supply chain efficiency. Experienced in utilizing business intelligence tools to enhance merchandising techniques and deliver exceptional customer service.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education

Work history

Assistant Category Manager P&H / K&B

Huws Gray
Pampisford, Cambridgeshire
02.2021 - Current
  • Optimised vendor contracts to secure favourable terms and conditions while supporting strong relationships.
  • Assisted in assessing consumer behaviour trends to inform tailored marketing strategies.
  • Contributed to the development of pricing policies aimed at maximising profitability.
  • Attended trade fairs to gather insights on industry developments and competitor products.
  • Conducted comprehensive spend analysis for cost saving opportunities identification.
  • Ensured compliance with company policies whilst managing supplier contracts.
  • Monitored contract performance for continuous improvement opportunities exploitation.
  • Analysed market trends to inform purchasing decisions.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends for competitive advantage gain.
  • Fostered strong relationships with suppliers, enhancing negotiation capabilities.
  • Mitigated risks associated with supply chain disruptions through proactive planning.
  • Developed strategic sourcing strategies to improve supplier relationships.
  • Managed and negotiated contracts for cost reduction and efficiency.
  • Organised special sales at specific times to drive customer engagement and move high volumes of products.

Sales supervisor P&H

Huws Gray
Saffron Walden, Essex
04.2016 - 02.2021
  • Enhanced store reputation through delivery of exceptional customer service.
  • Executed promotional campaigns which improved product visibility.
  • Managed inventory effectively to sustain optimal stock levels.
  • Boosted store reputation by delivering top-notch customer service.
  • Implemented promotional campaigns, leading to increased product visibility.
  • Oversaw inventory management for maintaining optimal stock levels.
  • Upheld high-quality standards in all sales activities, reflecting positively on brand image.
  • Streamlined the sales process through effective leadership.
  • Coordinated with other departments to ensure smooth operations.
  • Delegated tasks effectively, ensuring team productivity was maximised.
  • Established strong client relationships which resulted in repeat business.
  • Delivered excellent customer service by addressing and resolving issues promptly.
  • Managed customer queries to improve overall service experience.
  • Supervised the sales team, enhancing their performance and productivity.

Engineer

Wards Water / Dolphin Water Solutions
Braintree, Essex
09.2014 - 04.2016

* Service / Installed / Maintained all kinds of water treatment across the UK


* Both domestic & commercial

Sales assistant P&H

Ridgeons
Saffron Walden , Essex
01.2006 - 09.2014
  • Demonstrated products effectively leading to increased sales conversions.
  • Utilised excellent communication skills to provide detailed product information.
  • Handled high-pressure situations calmly, keeping store operation seamless during peak hours.
  • Built strong relationships with regular customers for repeat business.

Education

High School Diploma - N/A

Saffron Walden County High School
Saffron Walden, Essex
09.1994 - 06.1999

Skills

  • Customer-Oriented thinking
  • Pricing strategy knowledge
  • Supply chain familiarity
  • Range reviewing
  • P and L management
  • Category insights identification
  • Business intelligence tools
  • Brand development insight
  • Procurement practices
  • Merchandising techniques
  • Vendor negotiation
  • Supplier evaluation
  • Brand marketing
  • Competitive analysis
  • Promotion planning
  • Product development
  • Vendor management
  • Market understanding
  • Category Management
  • Customer service-oriented
  • Decision-Making prowess
  • Consumer insight
  • Contract management
  • Pricing strategy development
  • Spend analysis
  • Initiative taking
  • Time efficiency
  • Product launch expertise
  • Public relations acumen
  • Resilience under pressure

Custom

I've spent the best part of the last 24 - 25 years in the plumbing & heating industry both behind and in front of the trade counter.


Two years on the road for a commercial / domestic water filtration firm installing / servicing all manner of related products.


Returned to the shop ( same company / location ) & took on the role of supervisor running one of Ridgeons / Huws Gray largest pluming offerings until I joined head office in my current role as an assistant procurement manager for P&H / K&B.


Timeline

Assistant Category Manager P&H / K&B

Huws Gray
02.2021 - Current

Sales supervisor P&H

Huws Gray
04.2016 - 02.2021

Engineer

Wards Water / Dolphin Water Solutions
09.2014 - 04.2016

Sales assistant P&H

Ridgeons
01.2006 - 09.2014

High School Diploma - N/A

Saffron Walden County High School
09.1994 - 06.1999
Matthew Tofts