RICHARD BAKER
london,London
Summary
Results-driven Bilingual Business Development Manager with 10 years of experience in selling high-value technical products and solutions. Generates new business and enhances revenue across international markets through strategic sales and partner management. Delivers multi-million-pound sales via consultative selling, leveraging competitive intelligence and cross-functional collaboration to optimise commercial strategies and pipeline performance.
Overview
1
1
Language
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Business Development Manager
Furukawa Electric Europe Ltd
02.2018 - Current
- Focused on selling Fusion Splicers and other FTTH products throughout the MEA region.
- Managed sales and customer support to deliver comprehensive service to clients.
- Oversaw a multi-region distribution network spanning Africa, Europe and the Middle East.
- Delivered competitive-intelligence pricing insights to Product Management and R&D to guide strategic decisions.
- Identified, qualified and onboarded new distributors to expand market reach.
- Applied deep technical knowledge of complex hardware solutions and advanced technology products.
- Collaborated closely with R&D and Product Management teams on next-generation product development and strategic roadmaps.
- Delivered detailed tender presentations for major infrastructure and technology projects.
- Provided comprehensive product demonstrations and technical training for specialized hardware and accessory lines
- Analysed competitive intelligence to inform R&D, marketing, and production strategies for product roadmap development.
- Drove revenue growth by leveraging industry expertise and engaging key stakeholders, particularly in emerging markets.
- Reviewed and optimised sales processes, improving efficiency and tailoring selling approaches to diverse client needs.
- Increased revenue by successfully selling across multi-jurisdictional offices and international markets.
- Facilitated collaboration between customers and R&D to develop bespoke photonic solutions.
- Supported customers throughout the full sales lifecycle, from onboarding to after-sales service.
- Surpassed annual sales targets by more than 10%.
- Grew specialty splicer sales from 5% to over 25% of total revenue within three years.
- Maintained sales performance to surpass £3 million annually. in annual sales consistently.
Account Manager
SJP Business Media
10.2017 - 02.2018
- Managing global accounts and understanding clients' objectives and deadlines.
- Executed sales across multiple product lines, increasing customer engagement through tailored solutions. Responsibilities included:
- Leveraging existing networks and creating new relationships;
- Anticipating clients' needs and planning sales trajectory and aligning with conferences and publications;
- Maintaining accurate records, sales forecast and activity reports;
- Managing high-profile conferences and events and providing aftersales support to clients; and
International Sales Manager
Global Telecom Business
11.2016 - 10.2017
- Managing global accounts and understanding clients' objectives and deadlines;
- Delivering month on month revenue across multiple platforms with well-designed long-term packages;
- Retained existing customers while developing a precise CRM system for improved account management.
- Managing network of events, organising sponsorship and generating monthly revenue circa. ?20K (70% new business);
- Selling portfolio of events, publications, digital activity and managing active pipeline;
- Networking within the telco sector and identifying key influencers and decision makers and targeting such individuals;
- Sold diverse GTB brand products, addressing specific customer needs and preferences.
Account Manager
Financial Times
01.2015 - 11.2016
- Solely responsible for the gaining new business, creating leads, maintaining relationship and upselling to existing B2B clients. Performed various tasks to support business functions.
- Building relationships with existing clients worldwide to develop new revenue opportunities;
- Developed new business opportunities for two financial publications, enhancing monthly revenue streams.
- Selling corporate licences to two of the largest banking corporations in the world;
- Working with Marketing and Lead Generation teams to qualify opportunities and assuming responsibility to drive opportunities forward and ensure they are followed-up appropriately.
- Liaising with customers (principally by email and telephone) at Board level within their Finance and/or Purchasing Departments;
- Understanding of Capital Requirements Directive IV, MiFID II and Basel III frameworks to tailor pitches and maximise sales;
- Contacted and re-engaged lapsed customers to restore bookings and strengthen relationships.
- Developing relationships by attending, for example, exhibitions and trade fairs; and
Education
BA (Hons) -
Sheffield Hallam University
CFOT -
Fiber Optic Association
Skills
- Speciality Fiber Optic Technical Sales
- Sales strategy
- Emerging Market Strategies
- New customer development
- Sales Enablement
- Tender presentations
- Product Showcasing
- Sales training
- C-level negotiation
- Maintaining customer relationships
- Delivering financial results
- SalesForce and Office proficiency
- Target driven
SKILS AND INTERESTS
Language: Fluent English and Spanish written and oral communications.
SKILS AND INTERESTS
Science, Literature, Classic Cinema. Travel (Lived in Spain for 8 years).
Timeline
Business Development Manager
Furukawa Electric Europe Ltd
02.2018 - Current
Account Manager
SJP Business Media
10.2017 - 02.2018
International Sales Manager
Global Telecom Business
11.2016 - 10.2017
Account Manager
Financial Times
01.2015 - 11.2016
BA (Hons) -
Sheffield Hallam University
CFOT -
Fiber Optic Association