Resolve start up problems re major new production line already eight months overdue, breathe life into sales dept, clarify commercial contract and accounting issues; assist in sale of Company and its 70 employees.
Through constant pressure on supplier and staff and detailed analysis of problems, the production line was up and running fourteen weeks after I started.
On the sales side I successfully launched new products and marketing tools and also obtained more shelf space from supermarkets as well as opening up new sales avenues. I also resurrected dormant relationships with regional distributors.
I negotiated substantial price reductions with suppliers, increased factory throughput by over 20% and improved delivery by changing logistics.
During my assignment the French parent company was taken over and, in spite of the substantial improvements I had made, the new owners asked me to close the Spanish operation, which had suffered from under-investment and heavy losses over a long period of time.
I closed the site single handed and in an orderly fashion, with correct service to customers to the end and little stock write off, negotiating with both unions and local authorities, enduring work to rule, strikes and written threats to my person.
PrintView recommendation letter from the French Company ChairmanInterim Manager (Managing Director or Financial Director) since April 1997, based Madrid working both in France and Spain.
British national speaking perfect French and excellent Spanish.
Hands-on, pragmatic, natural leader.