Gavin Jones

Commercial Director and International Business Executive with more than twenty-five years of international commercial leadership experience delivering sustainable business growth through strategic sales, technical solution selling and business development. An entrepreneurial and commercially focused leader with a proven record of establishing, developing and growing successful businesses from start-up through to mature commercial operations. Extensive experience selling high-value technical products and capital equipment, negotiating international supplier agreements, developing strategic partnerships and leading commercial operations across manufacturing, healthcare and distribution sectors.

Recognised for building long-term customer relationships, identifying new market opportunities and delivering profitable commercial growth through consultative selling, operational excellence and strong commercial leadership.

Commercial & Business Development Consultant - Self-Employed

(1998-01)

Providing commercial consultancy and strategic business development services to organisations requiring experienced commercial leadership, operational improvement and business growth support.

• Deliver international commercial growth strategies across manufacturing, engineering, technology and technical product sectors.
• Advise directors and business owners on organisational development.
• Design operational structures that improve profitability and efficiency.
• Develop business plans supporting new ventures and expansion.
• Lead restructuring projects.
• Develop management reporting systems.
• Coordinate investor presentations and executive planning.
• Support business launches, product introductions and commercial implementation.

Commercial Director & Founder - Leo Eye Centre

(2001-01 - 2026-01)

Founded Leo Eye Centre and developed the organisation into a respected specialist provider of ophthalmic services and advanced diagnostic solutions. Responsible for every aspect of commercial leadership including strategic planning, sales development, marketing, financial management, procurement, supplier negotiations, recruitment and operational management.

• Founded the business from initial concept and secured investment through detailed business planning.
• Successfully developed sustainable commercial growth through strategic business development.
• Built long-term relationships with professional clients, senior stakeholders and commercial partners.
• Negotiated supplier agreements with international manufacturers.
• Managed company budgets, profitability and financial planning.
• Developed new revenue streams through service expansion.
• Introduced new technologies and technical capital equipment.
• Recruited, trained and developed multidisciplinary teams.
• Maintained exceptional customer satisfaction whilst achieving commercial objectives.

Managing Director & Founder - Leo Optical Manufacturing

(2003-01 - 2015-01)

Established a specialist manufacturing business producing ophthalmic products for professional healthcare markets. Responsible for commercial strategy, manufacturing operations, purchasing, production planning and business performance.

• Designed and established a precision manufacturing operation.
• Specified, procured, commissioned and integrated specialist production equipment.
• Negotiated international purchasing agreements.
• Developed production systems improving quality and efficiency.
• Reduced manufacturing costs through process improvement.
• Managed pricing strategy and commercial profitability.
• Integrated manufacturing into the wider Leo Eye Centre operation.

Managing Director & Founder - Leo Optical Frames

(2007-01 - 2013-01)

Created an international wholesale business supplying independent optical practices throughout the United Kingdom.

• Acquired an established London business to accelerate market entry.
• Developed long-term supplier relationships throughout Italy and China.
• Designed and launched proprietary eyewear collections.
• Managed international sourcing, procurement, logistics and supplier performance across Europe and Asia.
• Expanded wholesale distribution through targeted business development.
• Built strong relationships with independent retailers nationwide.

Area Sales Manager - Nidek Medical Instruments

(1999-01 - 2001-01)

Sold high-value technical capital equipment through consultative sales processes involving demonstrations, technical evaluation, customer training and long-term account development.

• Managed sales of high-value technical capital equipment across an assigned territory.
• Developed new business opportunities through consultative solution selling and executive relationship management.
• Delivered technical product demonstrations, customer training and post-sales support.
• Managed key customer accounts and consistently achieved commercial sales targets.
• Worked closely with technical specialists and customers to deliver tailored commercial solutions.
• Consistently achieved or exceeded territory sales targets.
• Developed long-term relationships with hospitals, consultants and independent practices.
• Successfully introduced advanced technical capital equipment into new and existing accounts.

Area Sales Manager - Grafton Optical Medical Instruments

(1997-01 - 1999-01)

Responsible for business development and technical sales of specialist technical capital equipment. Developed strong relationships with independent practices, hospitals and healthcare professionals whilst consistently achieving sales objectives.

• Expanded business across the assigned territory through proactive business development.
• Built strong customer relationships resulting in repeat business and account growth.
• Delivered technical product demonstrations and commercial support to customers.

Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) - Ophthalmic Dispensing - Anglia Ruskin University