Michele Burrows
Sherborne,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
43
43
years of professional experience
Work History
New Business Manager/ Area Business Manager
Bidfood-Lee Mill
Plymouth , Devon
01.2018 - 01.2026
- Managed 180 accounts across sectors such as manufacturing, hospitality, and care homes.
- Supported sales growth through cultivating relationships with end users.
- Enhanced sales methods to better attract, develop, and retain customers.
- Created new business partnerships to boost customer acquisition and revenue generation.
- 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.
- Built new business partnerships to drive customer acquisition and generate revenue.
- Represented the company at trade shows and conferences, fostering relationships with industry stakeholders.
National Account Manager
Ministry of Cake-Taunton
01.2014 - 07.2018
- Managed independent foodservice buying groups across UK and Ireland.
- Supported annual turnover growth through consistent sales and customer engagement activities.
- Assisted in developing customer relationships to drive 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 a portfolio of key accounts, fostering long-term relationships through strategic communication.
- Actioned customer feedback to enhance product and service provisions.
Head of Sales & Marketing
Northwing Nurseries
Taunton, Somerset
07.1998 - 01.2014
- Supported family business growth during early childhood years.
- Facilitated negotiations of contracts with key clients to establish long-term partnerships.
- Assisted in forming alliances with industry influencers to enhance brand visibility.
Key Accounts Manager Education Specialist
Hunt's Food Group-Sherborne
Sherborne , Dorset
02.1983 - 06.1998
- Key Accounts with over £1.5M turnover.
- This included local councils contracts, new business, and always striving to hit targets, as my focus is always on new business while looking after the top 20% of the existing ledger.
Education
All GCSE -
Stanchester School
Stoke-Sub-Hamdon, Somerset07.1985
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
Custom Section
GCSE or equivalent
Personal Information
- Total Experience: 38
- Industry: Sales
Timeline
New Business Manager/ Area Business Manager
Bidfood-Lee Mill
01.2018 - 01.2026
National Account Manager
Ministry of Cake-Taunton
01.2014 - 07.2018
Head of Sales & Marketing
Northwing Nurseries
07.1998 - 01.2014
Key Accounts Manager Education Specialist
Hunt's Food Group-Sherborne
02.1983 - 06.1998
All GCSE -
Stanchester School