Stephen Mather
Sunnyside,United Kingdom
Summary
Results-driven senior commercial leader with more than 20 years' experience in wholesale, dealer networks, and retail operations. Proven track record of delivering multi-million-pound revenue growth, improving profitability, and leading high-performing sales teams across the UK. Experienced in contract negotiation, strategic account development, and driving transformation programmes including ERP migration. Highly skilled in building trusted partnerships and maximising commercial performance across diverse customer portfolios.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Regional Director – North, Midlands and Scotland
Vow Wholesale Ltd
Sheffield
01.2016 - 10.2025
- Managed £90m Dealer business within VOW Wholesale channel, driving significant revenue growth.
- Oversaw nine direct reporting Account Managers to enhance team performance.
- Focused on Divisional Contribution across 150 major Dealer partners, maximising profitability.
- Negotiated trading terms for contracts exceeding £3m, securing favourable agreements.
- Assessed net profitability by customer to inform strategic decisions.
- Led VOW Specials department, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
- Served as key sales lead for ERP migration, facilitating seamless transition.
- Led and mentored teams, empowering individual career development as well as team achievements.
- Drove company mission and values, representing organisation at meetings and industry events.
- Achieved business objectives and benchmarks through strategic planning.
- Deployed promotional campaigns to complement regional initiatives.
- Coordinated hiring, recruitment and training strategies to build successful administrative team.
Regional Director – North & Scotland
Vow Wholesale Ltd
Sheffield
03.2013 - 12.2015
- Oversaw £55m Dealer business in VOW Wholesale channel.
- Managed five direct reporting Account Managers to enhance team performance.
- Focused on Divisional Contribution across 150 key Dealer partners.
- Negotiated trading terms for multiple contracts exceeding £3m each.
- Monitored net profitability by customer to drive financial performance.
- Oversaw talent acquisition efforts for building a high-performing team.
- Led and mentored teams, empowering individual career development as well as team achievements.
Business Development Manager
Vow Europe Ltd
Sheffield
03.2009 - 03.2013
- Managed 35 strategic accounts, focusing on high turnover and maintenance.
- Emphasised net profitability in all account management activities.
- Gathered business information to develop comprehensive business plans.
- Identified growth opportunities through strong relationship-building with clients.
- Devised comprehensive business plans, enabling sustainable growth.
- Drove revenue growth with innovative sales strategies.
- Secured new business opportunities by cultivating strong relationships with potential clients.
- Identified market trends, resulting in enhanced product offerings.
- Fostered client relationships, leading to increased brand loyalty.
- Executed successful product launches, driving market penetration.
- Developed strategic partnerships for sustained growth.
- Consistently exceeded revenue targets through new account development.
Account Manager
Vow Europe Ltd
Sheffield
10.2005 - 02.2009
- Achieved Account Manager of the Year accolade in 2007.
- Generated £2 million turnover growth within territory in 2007.
- Transitioned seven key accounts valued at £1.75 million from major competitor.
- Oversaw sales and profitability of accounts worth £11 million.
- Established strong rapport with clients through regular communication.
- Achieved client satisfaction by managing key accounts effectively.
- Negotiated contracts to secure profitable deals.
- Prepared detailed reports to provide insight into account performance.
- Delivered high level of service to clients to maintain and extend relationships for future business opportunities.
- Handled customer concerns and complaints to resolve issues and build loyalty.
- Represented company at industry events, networking to increase client engagement and identify new opportunities.
- Built rapport with new and existing customers to boost client retention.
Territory Manager
Paperclip International
Kingsway, London
08.2002 - 09.2005
- Merchandised and replenished stock in national accounts to ensure product availability.
- Prospected new business opportunities to expand customer base and increase sales.
- Sold core and seasonal products to existing customers within designated territory.
Store Manager
First Sport
Hull
08.2000 - 05.2002
- Achieved £3.5 million turnover as manager of first new concept store.
- Supervised 40 full-time and part-time staff to enhance operational efficiency.
- Completed induction training for new store managers, ensuring effective onboarding.
- Received nomination for manager of the year for outstanding performance.
Store manager
First Sport
Darlington
05.1999 - 07.2000
- Achieved reduction of annual stock loss from 3% to 0.1%.
- Increased turnover by 20% through strategic initiatives.
- Awarded for acquiring the highest number of personal accounts.
- Trained managers on effective store layout techniques.
Store manager
First Sport
Hartlepool
10.1998 - 03.1999
- Cultivated management skills in a low turnover store environment.
- Developed an exceptional sales team through targeted training and mentorship.
- Acquired knowledge of budgetary controls to optimise financial performance.
- Introduced staff target and reward scheme to enhance motivation and productivity.
Assistant Manager
First Sport
Darlington
03.1998 - 09.1998
- Facilitated daily store operations to ensure smooth functioning.
- Conducted staff recruitment to build a skilled team.
- Implemented staff inductions and ongoing training to enhance employee performance.
- Completed Core Management Training Programme to improve managerial skills.
Full Time Sales Progressing To Supervisor
First Sport
Metrocentre
07.1993 - 02.1998
- Completed internal 'Selling for Success' training course to enhance sales skills.
- Contributed to team awarded 'Store of the Year' in 1996.
- Achieved promotion to supervisor in February 1998.
- Oversaw customer service operations and motivated staff to achieve targets.
Education
N.V.Q Levels 2 and 3 - Customer Service
Spring Skills
Newcastle 01.1996 - 01.1997
Greencroft Comprehensive School
Co. Durham 01.1989 - 01.1993
Skills
- Strategic leadership
- Sales and business development
- Commercial management
- Contract negotiation
- Team management
- Stakeholder management
- Operational improvement
- Analytical skills
- Profitability analysis
- Mentorship and coaching
Summary of qualifications
- 1993 – 2000 First Sport Ltd Internal H/O Training
- Selling For Success
- Train The Trainer
- Core Management
- Managing Human Resources
- High Flyers
- Management Development Programme
- Administration
- Stock Management
Affiliations
- My two sons are passionate about football and both play in Sunday League, so a lot of my weekends are spent supporting them
- I am passionate about skiing and have enjoyed numerous trips over the years, beginning in high school
- Five-a-side football is my weekly Monday night ritual.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Regional Director – North, Midlands and Scotland
Vow Wholesale Ltd
01.2016 - 10.2025
Regional Director – North & Scotland
Vow Wholesale Ltd
03.2013 - 12.2015
Business Development Manager
Vow Europe Ltd
03.2009 - 03.2013
Account Manager
Vow Europe Ltd
10.2005 - 02.2009
Territory Manager
Paperclip International
08.2002 - 09.2005
Store Manager
First Sport
08.2000 - 05.2002
Store manager
First Sport
05.1999 - 07.2000
Store manager
First Sport
10.1998 - 03.1999
Assistant Manager
First Sport
03.1998 - 09.1998
N.V.Q Levels 2 and 3 - Customer Service
Spring Skills
01.1996 - 01.1997
Full Time Sales Progressing To Supervisor
First Sport
07.1993 - 02.1998
Greencroft Comprehensive School
01.1989 - 01.1993