University: Keele University 2003-2007 - BA Business Economics

Post MDS Role:  Pineapple Demand Planner, Dole Fresh UK

Dole Fresh UK Limited (Secondment 3 & 4), May 2009 - May 2010

Demand Planner (Secondment 4)

Work as a Demand Planner; supporting the banana Procurement team, Suppliers, Transport, Ripeners and Port staff in planning and executing necessary operations.

Responsibilities

• Planning the arrival of fruit e.g. type, quantity, and source from overseas and communicating the availability to depots
• Generating availability when shortages occur
• Stock allocation, stock reconciliation (daily, for depot and 3rd party ports), stock tracking, updating rolling stock and consignment setup
• Organising fruit intakes/loading of spot purchases from ports to depots, give aways, pack changes, extra sales

Achievements

• Recognised and retained by the Procurement team as a full time Demand Planner although originally I was acting as cover for someone on holiday
• I contributed greatly to the re-shaping of the ‘intake’ setup process and consignment setup which has reduced costly mistakes
• I have made many small changes to the excel sheets we use for planning intakes. Although individually these changes are small, collectively these changes have had a recognised/positive impact on efficiency

Sales and Marketing Executive (Secondment 3)

Work as a Sales & Marketing Executive; to support the day to day operations within the Commercial department and also work in the marketing team to support the Customer Strategy & Marketing Manager on sales initiatives, business planning and marketing activity.

Responsibilities

• Daily sales tracking, compilation of sales orders which are required by the Key Account Managers
• Fielding enquiries relating to product, customer and consumer and deliver reports within an agreed deadline
• Produce a retailer pricing profiles on a weekly basis
• Develop and deliver category reviews on all key product areas
• Supporting marketing with the development of the Dole Fresh UK web site; including compilation of content, images and editorial

Achievements

• Competently delivered category reports on weekly/monthly basis
• Fulfilled all responsibilities
• Organised and sourced merchandising/promotional material

Chingford Fruit Limited (Secondment 2), October 2008 - May 2009

Assistant Technical Manager - Role Objective

To act as a cross over resource for the Technical managers in all categories (citrus, top fruit, stone fruit and organic) as well as Commercial department.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for completing the ‘Red Praire Box End Label Project’.  My target was to get all direct international suppliers to conform to a specific label format stipulated by Sainsburys
• Completed an alternative pesticides document specifically for top fruit production with a view to reducing chemical pesticide usage
• Provided administration of pesticide documentation for the citrus category
• Solely responsible for the daily handling of all store claims for every category

Achievements

• I successfully completed the box end label project bringing all but 4 non responsive suppliers to conformity. This project required me to greatly build up my technical knowledge with regards to bar codes and also helped me develop my administration skills
• I created an alternative pesticides document detailing pests and diseases affecting top fruit and the alternative treatments for those problems e.g. biological, mechanical, herbal controls and cultural practices. This project has greatly enhanced my technical and product knowledge with regards to fruit in general, not just top fruit.  Time management, prioritization and organisation were other skills that were further developed
• Fully managed the store claims process, provided training to other staff members. This very customer focused role helped further develop my communication and negotiation skills

Humber VHB (Secondment 1), May 2008 - October 2008

Quality Controller - Role Objective

Was to trial alternative packaging for the cut & bunched herb range in order to extend shelf life throughout the supply chain, with emphasis on alternative packaging at retail stage and ambient storage.

Responsibilities

• Worked closely with Quality Assurance team in order to identify product quality issues
• Made contacts, liaised with experts for advice, and arranged meetings
• Researched packaging market for suitable materials and techniques
• Organised and carried out various experiments/trial works. Collated and analysed data
• Communicated with Directors and senior mangers to update on development and trial findings

Achievements

• I organised several trials and carried them out successfully, my planning and organising skills have developed greatly as a result of this
• Submitted a report aiding in the decision making of a new technology investment
• The complied report also highlighted several areas which if developed further could have a positive impact on the business trade
• Built a good relationship with many packaging related businesses and suppliers
• Presented to Directors and senior managers on regular basis which allowed my abilities and confidence in presenting to develop. Achieved objective