Michele Burrows
Milborne Port,Dorset
Summary
- Proven experience in trading, business development, and commercial sales management
- Strong record of sales growth and GP generation
- Excellent commercial negotiation and relationship management skills.
- Well-connected within the industry, with a network of relevant contacts. Strong analytical skills and ability to manage margin performance Can work collaboratively with Finance, Operations, and Logistics to ensure smooth execution of all trading activity.
- Confident communicator, able to influence and build trust at all levels.
Overview
42
42
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
New Business Manager/ Area Business Manager
Bidfood-Lee Mill
Plymouth , Devon
01.2018 - 01.2026
- Established new business partnerships that increased customer acquisition and revenue.
- Built new business partnerships to drive customer acquisition and generate revenue.
- Cultivated relationships with end users to drive sales growth.
- Enhanced sales methods to better attract, develop, and retain customers.
- Managed 180 accounts across sectors such as manufacturing, hospitality, and care homes.
- Kept detailed records of sales activities and compared trends to identify opportunities.
- Set pricing and delivery terms aligned with current market trends and costs.
- Evaluated strategies for strengths and weaknesses, adjusting approaches to maintain sales.
- Offered seasonal and special discounts to increase customer engagement through promotions.
- Represented company at trade shows and conferences, building relationships with industry stakeholders.
National Account Manager
Ministry of Cake-Taunton
Taunton, Somerset
01.2013 - 07.2015
- Managed independent foodservice buying groups across UK and Ireland.
- Supported annual turnover growth through consistent sales and customer engagement activities.
- Developed customer relationships that contributed to sales growth.
- Facilitated communication with key customers via meetings, calls, and trade events.
- Provided dependable customer service to foster trustworthy partnerships.
- Identified commercial risks and reported findings to senior staff.
- Assisted with monitoring profit and loss and contributed to margin enhancement efforts.
- Supported marketing and promotional activities aligned with category sales goals.
- Resolved client issues promptly to maintain high levels of satisfaction and loyalty.
- Oversaw portfolio of key accounts, fostering long-term relationships through strategic communication to enhance client satisfaction.
- Actioned customer feedback to improve product and service offerings.
NASM
English Cheesecake Company
London , UK
01.2013 - 12.2013
- Collaborated with team members to achieve target results.
- Managed complaints with calm, clear communication and problem-solving.
- Achieved service time and quality targets.
- Engaged with customers to better understand needs and deliver excellent service.
- Built and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
Business Manager
3663
Plymouth , Devon
06.2008 - 12.2012
- Coordinated management of 180 accounts across sectors including manufacturing, hospitality, and care homes.
Assisted in sales growth by building relationships with end users.
Supported enhancement of sales methods to attract, develop, and retain customers.
Helped establish business partnerships to improve customer acquisition and revenue generation.
Maintained records of sales activities and analysed trends to identify opportunities.
Set pricing and delivery terms in accordance with market trends and costs.
Evaluated strategies for strengths and weaknesses, adjusting approaches as needed.
Provided seasonal and special discounts to boost customer engagement through promotions.
Represented the company at trade shows and conferences, fostering relationships with industry stakeholders.
Key Accounts Manager Education Part-time
Hunt's Food Group-Sherborne
Sherborne , Dorset
02.2006 - 06.2008
- Supported relationship-building initiatives that identified potential opportunities.
- Assisted in delivering educational resources across five schools, managing a budget of approximately £150k annually.
- Oversaw turnover of £550k for Planet Pain.
- Coordinated with LACA to facilitate a telemarketing gathering focused on education coverage.
- Organised the company's trade show stand and executed marketing campaigns to enhance sales outreach.
- Engaged in negotiations with suppliers to develop a specialised food education brochure.
- Delivered presentations to staff members on two significant contracts, enhancing presentation skills.
Head of Sales & Marketing Part-time
Northwing Nurseries
Taunton, Somerset
07.1998 - 01.2008
- Supported family business growth during my children's early years.
- Oversaw sales marketing administration and contracts nationally and regionally.
- Achieved turnover of £350,000 per annum.
- Secured contracts with multiple garden centres.
- Increased sales by 24% year on year.
- Won the largest contract at Northwing Nurseries; a seven-garden centre deal worth £850,000 over six years.
- Supplied key promotional lines to end users.
- Assisted North Somerset Council and supported third-party tenders.
- Facilitated negotiations of contracts with key clients to establish long-term partnerships.
- Helped form alliances with industry influencers to enhance brand visibility.
Area Sales Representative
Hunts Foodservice
Sherborne , Dorset
10.1983 - 05.1998
- Facilitated effective communication and managed time efficiently to achieve sales targets.
- Contributed to sales growth by prospecting leads, conducting cold calls, and closing deals.
- Resolved customer inquiries, issues, and complaints in person and over the phone to foster positive relationships.
- Established communication channels with clients to inform them about new products and services.
- Sustained productive relationships with existing customers through diligent follow-up post-sales.
- Expanded customer base by identifying needs and providing relevant products.
Education
All GCSE -
Stanchester School
Stoke-Sub-Hamdon, Somerset1983
Skills
- Communication skills
- Account management
- Microsoft Office
- CRM systems
- Customer relationship management
- Sales strategy development
- Market analysis
- Customer engagement
- Data analysis
- Prospecting techniques
- Telemarketing
- B2B sales
- Sales
- Microsoft Excel
- Negotiation
- Customer service
- Business development
- Direct sales
- Contract negotiation
- Client relationship management
- Level 2 WBS
Custom Section
GCSE or equivalent
Certification
- Level 2 WBS
Personal Information
- Total Years Experience: 38
- Industry: Sales Foodservice/Packaging
Timeline
New Business Manager/ Area Business Manager
Bidfood-Lee Mill
01.2018 - 01.2026
National Account Manager
Ministry of Cake-Taunton
01.2013 - 07.2015
NASM
English Cheesecake Company
01.2013 - 12.2013
Business Manager
3663
06.2008 - 12.2012
Key Accounts Manager Education Part-time
Hunt's Food Group-Sherborne
02.2006 - 06.2008
Head of Sales & Marketing Part-time
Northwing Nurseries
07.1998 - 01.2008
Area Sales Representative
Hunts Foodservice
10.1983 - 05.1998
All GCSE -
Stanchester School