Karen Dennett

Managed the Growing Media, Fertilisers & Chemicals and Tools & Machinery categories, the highest grossing categories within the Garden division, with an annual T/O of £35m. Reported directly to the Head of Trading. Wyevale Garden Centre's was the UK's largest garden centre group with 147 Centres. I grew the Wyevale Growing Media £ sales Jan to Aug 2019 YTD +14% vs the UK Growing Media market +8%. Sales were achieved through market leading promotions and strong social media showcasing the promotion and full product range. Within the Ferts & Chems range, I responsibly managed global ethical chemical issues which had high visibility in the media. Worked closely with my Merchandise Planner on WSSI reporting (weekly sales stock intake), presenting numbers and results to the Head of Trading.

Responsible for the carton-board food packaging category for Bunzl Catering Supplies, with an annual T/O of £20m, a key focus and growth area given the current plastics and sustainability environmental issues. Reported directly to the Purchasing Director. BCS is a FTSE 100 company with a global T/O of £4 billion. An incredibly fast paced industry where quickly recognising customer needs and requirements and being able to source efficiently and effectively is key to winning tenders, along with maintaining existing business. I quickly built good relationships with Bunzl internal sales teams in order to get the most comprehensive customer brief and also built strong vendor relationships in order to get the necessary quick turn around for quotes, along with the most competitive pricing.

Managing the Girls Toys & Plush categories for the UK with an annual sales turnover of £62m, along with Private Brands Girls Toys and Plush for Toys R Us EU. Direct reporting line into the Toy Buying Director and line management of a Junior Buyer, Assistant Buyer and Buyer's Assistant.