Steve Gillespie

Ideal Bathrooms, established in 1981 is the UK's largest national bathroom distributor.

Financial controller for the UK's largest national bathroom distributor. A key member of the senior management board leading a finance team of seven. Head of finance driving strategic change and developing financial strategy whilst maintaining and improving business controls . Managing commercial and supplier relationships. Key Achievements • Reduced operating working capital by 22% in first 12 months • Increased year on year PBIT by 8% in year one • Increased ROACE by 4% in year one

Initially working for Lloyd Fraser Holdings as Group Commercial Accountant in this customer facing and highly commercial role covering three of their major third party logistics operations in the retail sector. I transferred to Travis Perkins under TUPE regulations when one of the contracts I had responsibility for was taken in house. Within this role I was responsible for managing the full retail operation and various merchant operations. I also provide full strategic, detailed management information to support senior directors and operational colleagues with their decision making.

Overseeing and providing financial support to three open book contracts, for two major retailers in the DIY and home improvement market. Managing the customer relationship from a finance perspective with day to day customer contact, leading and presenting financial and operational information on a regular basis. Driving through best practice procedures across the group.

A key member of the on-site senior management team. A business partner to the site general manager and HR team. This was a key customer facing role for top 4 grocery multiple managing a team of twelve on-site colleagues in a busy and time pressured retail distribution environment.