Eindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands
Passionate operational and analytical team player with the ability to operate and deliver both independently and within the senior management team. Successful in driving organizational improvement, identifying problems/risks, developing solutions, and managing/implementing changes. Proven in setting up and leading high-performance teams and managing multiple complex projects within strict timelines without compromising quality, driving year-on-year growth. Specialties include: Category Management, Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP), Demand Forecasting, and Product Marketing, with strong capabilities in B2B purchasing and supplier negotiations. Experienced in enhancing category performance to increase profitability and efficiency, with a focus on industrial and technical sectors, MRO (Maintenance, Repair, Operations) and CDIY (Construction, Do-It-Yourself) products. Expertise in delivering new product commercialization programs, competitive analysis, product portfolio management, POS, merchandising, and packaging solutions, launch strategies, pricing and market positioning, product training, and recruitment.
RUBIX is the #1 industrial MRO distributor in Europe, with a revenue of €3.15 billion in 2023 and strong growth. We operate 900 locations across the EU, including 25 in the Benelux, and have a comprehensive omnichannel platform. Thanks to our customer-focused approach, 95% of our revenue comes from repeat customers. We serve industries such as Food & Beverage, Utilities, Automotive, Metals, Business Services, Chemicals, Packaging, Aerospace, and Pharmaceutical. Within the Benelux Competence Center Tools & General Maintenance, I am responsible for the product portfolio of tools, abrasives, and industrial equipment. This includes both leading A-brands and our exclusive brands, with an annual spend of over €30 million.
As a management team member, full accountability for the annual demand planning forecast in the Benelux region on all global brands in the product portfolio delivered out of 4 European warehouses for the B2B & B2C channels. Results: - Managing and developing the regional demand team (4 FTEs). - Achieved >95% customer fill rate (pre-covid 2019) - Increased Forecast Accuracy by +5% going from 59% to 64%. - Increased brands’ market share, ranging from +5% to +30%. - Year-on-year realization of the turnover targets of the operational department.
Took on the product & brand development challenge to accelerate the growth in the EXPERT brand by leveraging the heritage of the premium brand FACOM and gaining incremental customer listings via a strong retail presence. Results: - Project realization from kick-off to market introduction within 1.5 years. - Delivered an offensive strategic plan incl. the new product introduction roadmap, communication, and commercialization package. - >30% of products in new catalog with strong retail packaging. - Eliminated all packaging issues reducing customer returns by -70% - Finished the year of relaunch 2017 by +$4.1M, +18% growth vs 2016. - 3-year plan +31% growth vs 2016.
Category accountable for the $155M ‘Mechanics’ business unit which consisted of 8 brands encompassing 9 different market segments including industry, automotive, wholesale, and grocery. Results: - Indirect P&L responsible for year-on-year portfolio growth - Completed product portfolio review from design & packaging development, pricing, production, positioning up to delivery. - Delivered a market expansion project in Central EU introducing a Stanley branded automotive range of 1,100 mechanics products. - 3-year product plan incremental $10M sales via 64 product launches
Responsible for the development, introduction, and growth of the world's 1st Black & Decker consumer line of hand tools for the European market. Results: - Developed the 3-year growth plan and roll out in EU delivering +$10M. - Launched in 342 HomeBase stores in the UK - Q4 2012 +$1.5M sales. - In 2013 executed rollout across Nordics, Greece, Bnlx, CEE +$4M sales. - Developed product line going from target audience analysis, design, packaging, marketing, retail positioning, pricing models, production, up to distribution. - Delivered commercial product training to new colleagues and regional marketing teams. - Proactively supported large customers in the sales optimization of products with a focus on emerging markets.
Initially responsible as Customer Fulfillment Lead followed by Product Manager for the division 'Cutting & Clamping' (cutting, screw, and clamping hand tools). Results: European product management accountable for the $115M business unit. - Delivered +12% topline growth <3 years. - Commercialized +$5.6M annual new products sales growth in Europe. Demand Forecast Planning Stanley Tools for the EU Warehouse. - Improved forecast accuracy. DC fill rate from 88% up to a steady 96%.
Within Manpower Group responsible for managing 2 locations with a total of 13 FTEs.