GLOBAL SOURCING MANAGER at W Brewin & Co Ltd (2013-09 – 2026-06)
Responsible for the strategic sourcing and procurement of hosiery products from international manufacturing partners.
- Identified, evaluated and developed offshore manufacturing partnerships across global markets.
- Built and maintained long-term relationships with suppliers through daily communication and regular factory visits.
- Assessed manufacturing capabilities, quality standards, ethical compliance and operational performance.
- Managed customer orders from initial specification through to production and shipment.
- Ensured accurate product specifications, CAD artwork approvals, yarn requirements and pricing structures.
- Coordinated production schedules and delivery timelines to meet customer expectations.
- Developed strong understanding of product testing requirements, audits and certification standards.
- Worked closely with sales, quality and operational teams to deliver customer-focused solutions
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER at HM Hosiery Ltd / Apto Sports (2005-10 – 2013-08)
Led business development activities across sportswear, hosiery and sporting equipment sectors.
- Identified and secured new business opportunities with leading brands and retailers.
- Managed customer relationships from initial contact through product development and delivery.
- Led product development projects covering socks, footballs, training equipment and sports apparel.
- Oversaw artwork creation, prototyping, sample approvals and production processes.
- Expanded existing accounts through new product introductions and category growth.
- Contributed significantly to the development and expansion of the Apto Sports brand.
- Managed sourcing and importing operations from Turkey and India.
SALES EXECUTIVE at W Brewin & Co Ltd (1998-07 – 2005-10)
Responsible for developing new business opportunities and growing existing customer accounts.
- Generated new business with major retail and brand customers.
- Increased sales revenues through account growth and relationship management.
- Worked closely with senior management and design teams to ensure customer satisfaction.
- Identified emerging fashion trends and market opportunities.
- Successfully reduced significant levels of obsolete stock through strategic sales initiatives.
- Managed export sales activities and distributor relationships.
- Controlled stock levels for own-brand product ranges.
- Supported the introduction and development of imported product lines.
MANUFACTURERS' AGENT at Marigold Fashions (1997-04 – 1998-07)
Operated as a self-employed agent representing the business within the sports and leisurewear sector.
- Established and developed a start-up sourcing and importing business.
- Built a customer and supplier network across the UK retail market.
- Managed all purchasing, sales and commercial activities.
- Oversaw technical product development and supplier coordination.
CUSTOMER & SALES LIAISON / FIELD SALES MANAGER / BRAND MANAGER / CONTRACT SALES MANAGER at Polisox Ltd (1985-02 – 1997-04)
Progressed through several senior commercial positions with responsibility for sales growth, customer management and brand development.
- Managed relationships with UK sales agents and European distributors.
- Analysed sales performance and market trends.
- Maintained close communication with key customers and retail accounts.
- Accompanied sales teams on strategic customer visits.
- Influenced product range development and commercial planning.
- Organised and attended industry exhibitions and trade shows.
- Managed pricing structures, sales budgets and promotional activities.
- Held responsibility for numerous major retail and branded accounts.
