Robert Edward Ives
Boston Spa
Summary
Key Account Manager with 5 years’ experience driving profitable growth and building strong customer relationships. Strong in data-led account planning, pricing optimisation, and delivering joint business plans. Known for clear communication, commercial focus, and effective execution. Looking to progress into a role with greater ownership and impact
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Key Account Manager – Costco Co-op WS & Costcutter
Arla Foods, Leeds
Leeds
2025.04 - 2026.01
- Negotiated the 2026 JBP, securing wider distribution, an improved range, and uplift in both value and volume.
- Delivered 24% value and volume growth at Co-op WS through new listings and optimised promotional activity.
- Strengthened relationships with Co-op WS and Costcutter by improving communication and aligning commercial priorities.
- Opened new routes to market, resolving NI supply issues and expanding distribution across Nisa and Costcutter NI stores.
- Introduced the Circana sales system, enhancing visibility of sales, ROS, and distribution gaps to drive better decisions
Business Manager – Buying Groups & Acquired Costco
Arla Foods, Leeds
Leeds
2023.03 - 2023.04
- Delivered over 19% value and volume growth at Costco through effective stakeholder alignment and precise promotion execution.
- Achieved 94% forecast accuracy by solidifying promotional volume commitments with Costco.
- Secured six incremental listings achieving 100% distribution, generating £1.1m in additional revenue.
- Optimised a £120k marketing budget with a focus on in-depot and online activations, resulting in over 23% volume growth.
- Negotiated annual Joint Business Plans and CPI for 2024, resulting in double-digit profit growth.
Business Executive – Buying Groups/Convenience
Arla Foods, Leeds
Leeds
2022.03 - 2023.03
- Managed partnerships with Unitas, Sugro, NBC, and Confex, delivering stronger trading performance across 80 member accounts through JBP execution.
- Delivered 74% value and volume growth via strategic distribution expansion and pricing optimisation.
- Opened 38 new trading accounts for Arla Milk-Based Beverages, generating approximately £1.7m in incremental value.
- Executed a £100k activation plan to boost brand visibility and expand distribution reach.
- Secured listings for Starbucks RTD, Arla Protein RTD, and Cocio through effective cross-functional collaboration.
- Maintained 91% forecast accuracy over 12 months, improving service levels and reducing waste.
Commercial Graduate Scheme, E-commerce & Foodservice Business Exec (x2 rotations)
Arla Foods, Leeds
Leeds
2020.09 - 2022.03
- Held full P&L responsibility across retail, wholesale, and end‑user accounts, delivering £60k incremental value growth.
- Negotiated CPI increases aligned to dairy commodity indices to protect revenue and margin.
- Maintained strong forecast accuracy and streamlined processes to ensure efficient supply–demand balance.
- Led sustainability commercialisation initiatives and supported strategic programmes including the Eat Stronger campaign
- Conducted value‑chain analysis to reduce costs and improve operational efficiency through consolidated ordering.
- Built shortage, daily EPOS, and sales‑vs‑forecast trackers to improve visibility and accelerate KPI delivery
Graduate Trainee
Watershed Printing and Packaging, Leeds
Leeds
2019.06 - 2020.04
- Drove revenue growth, securing £45k in new business in 6 months through proactive B2B pipeline development and contract negotiation.
- Identified and developed new business opportunities through effective research and communication
- Completed cross-functional rotations in Marketing, Operations, and Customer Service to strengthen commercial capability.
- Project‑managed a small team to redesign recognition and reward practices, improving production team engagement.
Sales Assistant & Frozen Foods Supervisor
Morrison’s, Wetherby
Wetherby
2012.05 - 2018.08
- Led a small team in the Frozen Foods department, setting priorities and performance standards to deliver consistent results.
- Managed inventory and ordering to maintain strong on-shelf availability while minimising waste.
- Drove sales through accurate planogram execution and effective promotional merchandising, consistently hitting KPIs.
Education
BA honours Degree - Business and Management
Leeds Trinity University
Leeds 2014.09 - 2017.05
A-level & GCSE - Physical Education, Psychology, Business Studies
Ashville College
Harrogate 2010.01 - 2013.01
Skills
- Business development
- Account management
- Complex problem resolution
- Presentation proficiency
- Persuasive selling
- Relationship development
- Negotiation
- Market trend awareness
Personal Information
Title: Key Account Manager
Interests
- Long-standing involvement in tennis, football, and padel, reflecting teamwork, resilience, and competitive mindset
- Avid follower of global business and markets; regularly engage with leading business media to sharpen commercial acumen and strategic perspective
- Global outlook, having spent a significant period in 2018 in Thailand, strengthening cultural awareness, independence, and adaptability
Accomplishments
'Rising Star in Wholesale' finalist 2024
'Key Driver of Growth' internal award 2024
Timeline
Key Account Manager – Costco Co-op WS & Costcutter
Arla Foods, Leeds
2025.04 - 2026.01
Business Manager – Buying Groups & Acquired Costco
Arla Foods, Leeds
2023.03 - 2023.04
Business Executive – Buying Groups/Convenience
Arla Foods, Leeds
2022.03 - 2023.03
Commercial Graduate Scheme, E-commerce & Foodservice Business Exec (x2 rotations)
Arla Foods, Leeds
2020.09 - 2022.03
Graduate Trainee
Watershed Printing and Packaging, Leeds
2019.06 - 2020.04
BA honours Degree - Business and Management
Leeds Trinity University
2014.09 - 2017.05
Sales Assistant & Frozen Foods Supervisor
Morrison’s, Wetherby
2012.05 - 2018.08
A-level & GCSE - Physical Education, Psychology, Business Studies
Ashville College
2010.01 - 2013.01