philip checkley

Responsible for P&L of the plates business, leading a cross-functional team, within a matrix organisation. The key challenge was the creation and deployment of a robust plan to return the business to its previous levels of profitability, following the financial crisis. This included a root-and-branch approach to top line revenue improvements through deep analysis of the product portfolio across channels and geographies. It also required similarly intense work on the cost base, addressing plant and manning configurations. During this time I led two major strategic investment case proposals; one for capital investment in capability and the other in a down-stream value-added manufacturing operation in the renewable energy sector. I also led a multi-functional project that brought to market an innovative service solution, providing custom-made products in ex-stock lead-times, which won a Tata Group European innovation award.

Responsible for all operational and strategic marketing activities within the structural sections and plates portfolio, covering revenues of approximately £800 million per annum. Led initiatives that improved customer insight, new product development, channel analysis and strategy. Managed a team of seven marketers. Delivered detailed competitor analysis used for tactical and strategic purposes. Re-invigorated customer insight processes to include customer surveys and voice of the customer. Delivered a new suite of print and digital communications materials and media. Led a multi-functional project that brought to market an innovative service solution, providing custom-made products in ex-stock leadtimes, which won a Tata Group European innovation award. Owned the three-year business marketing plans, delivering successfully on all key elements.

As a graduate in British Steel, I enjoyed a range of technical and commercial roles. These included being asked to help set up a commercial operation in Turkey and being Area Sales Manager for pre-painted steel in diverse geographies that included USA, Scandinavia, Africa and the Middle East. I was able to demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and cultural flexibility while in these roles. Key achievements in my early career included the largest ever sale of electrical steels in Turkey, as well as the single largest UK contract for structural steel house frames when I was Sales Manager in a small business working in the housebuilding sector. Through these various roles I was able to apply a highly numerate approach.

Responsible for the optimisation of macro and micro mix for a portfolio of products within the Tata Steel Europe product range, working with sector-oriented sales and marketing teams. Delivered product and marketing training. Led Pricing Excellence initiatives, developing a number of company-first analyses, MIS tools, processes and training programmes. I deployed a new Value Proposition approach across the organisation, training sales and marketing staff in its application. I also created the company's new product pricing methodology, again training the product marketing and product management organisations in its use. I was responsible for product knowledge training across the company's entire product portfolio

Having designed and developed the key elements of the company's pricing initiative, which has delivered structural EBITDA improvements of over €100 million in four years, I am now responsible for ensuring the company has all the tools, methodologies and skills to fulfil them. This includes data and systems, training and enablement, processes and governance. I work closely with senior colleagues in the sales, marketing and finance functions to ensure pricing performance is sustained, including the setting of company pricing policy, negotiation preparation and pricing analytics. I am established as the company point of reference in the area of contract duration and price risk management.

A Single Honours batchelor's degree in Metallurgy and Materials Science

I participated in the WBS Distance Learning MBA, completing all core and optional modules with high marks. I was awarded my MBA, with Distinction, with particular credit received for my final year Strategic Marketing dissertation on the European shipbuilding industry

Activities and Societies: MetSoc