Nicola Manning
Wakefield,West Yorkshire
Summary
A highly motivated and results-driven sales professional with over 15 years of experience in field sales, account management, and business development. Adept at forging strong relationships, achieving targets, and driving return on investment for clients and retailers. A strategic thinker with excellent communication, negotiation, and analytical skills, capable of working independently or as part of a team. Thrives under pressure, demonstrating strong time management and a commitment to delivering excellence in every task. Recognised for exceptional performance, with a proven ability to increase sales, enhance brand visibility, and identify growth opportunities.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work history
Field Sales Executive
Acosta Europe - Nestle Confectionery
04.2021 - 03.2025
- Managing and developing a high-performing sales territory within the convenience channel for Nestlé Confectionery
- Responsible for maximising distribution, visibility, and sales performance across key retail accounts
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with key decision-makers
- Driving sales through effective product distribution and placement
- Ensuring compliance with planograms and promotional strategies
- Launching new products and ensuring sell-through of the Nestlé portfolio
- Negotiating with retailers to secure premium shelf space and promotional opportunities
- Utilising data to track performance and optimise sales strategies
- Identifying and capitalising on new business opportunities
- Key Achievements:
- Team Insight Champion – recognised for delivering actionable insights while adhering to competition law
- Finalist for 'FSE of the Year' (2022) – selected from across the entire Acosta Europe business
Examinations Invigilator
The Morley Academy
11.2016 - 04.2021
- Provided exam support to ensure smooth and fair exam processes in accordance with school regulations
- Assisting the Head Invigilator in exam preparation and execution
- Supervising students while ensuring compliance with strict exam protocols
- Setting up exam rooms within regulatory tolerance
- Handling student queries and ensuring a professional, distraction-free environment
Area Sales Manager
Kenwood Delonghi
04.2007 - 09.2012
- Managed a portfolio of regional accounts, ensuring optimal product distribution and achieving sales and profit targets in alignment with corporate strategy
- Developing and maintaining relationships with key retail accounts
- Identifying new business opportunities and driving sales growth
- Monitoring and managing an account portfolio to ensure profitability
- Acting as the liaison between head office and retail partners to streamline operations
- Competitor analysis and reporting insights to support strategic decisions
- Leading new product launches within designated accounts
Business Development Manager
Frontline Ltd
05.2005 - 03.2007
- Managed category development for four major magazine publishers
- Resolved retailer queries to maintain strong working relationships
- Grew and optimised a territory of 80+ retail stores
Display & Distribution Sales Representative
CPM - Masterfoods
08.2004 - 05.2005
- Increased product availability across retail channels
- Delivered 10,000+ new distribution points annually
- Identified and pioneered new retail opportunities
Area Development Representative
GlaxoSmithKline
03.2003 - 07.2004
- Drove sales growth, distribution, and visibility of GSK products
- Worked across OTC medicines, dental products, and nutritional care
- Prospected, negotiated, and placed service cooler units
Education
NVQ Travel and Tourism - Level 1 and Level 2
GCSE’s - grading A-C
Skills
- Sales & Business Development - Proven ability to drive revenue growth and develop high performing territories
- Account & Relationship Management - Expertise in forging strong partnerships with retailers and clients
- Strategic Negotiation - Experienced in securing premium shelf space, promotions and trade agreements
- Data-Driven Decision Making - Skilled in sales analytics and insights to optimize performance
- Product Launch & Category Management - Strong track record in introducing new products within retail environments
- Time Management & Organisation - Capable of prioritising workloads, meeting deadlines, and thrives under pressure
References
Available upon request
Timeline
Field Sales Executive
Acosta Europe - Nestle Confectionery
04.2021 - 03.2025
Examinations Invigilator
The Morley Academy
11.2016 - 04.2021
Area Sales Manager
Kenwood Delonghi
04.2007 - 09.2012
Business Development Manager
Frontline Ltd
05.2005 - 03.2007
Display & Distribution Sales Representative
CPM - Masterfoods
08.2004 - 05.2005
Area Development Representative
GlaxoSmithKline
03.2003 - 07.2004
GCSE’s - grading A-C
NVQ Travel and Tourism - Level 1 and Level 2
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