Paul Simpson
COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR-LEVEL LEADER | STRATEGIC SALES LEADERSHIP | P&L & FIELD OPERATIONS EXCELLENCE
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About
Commercial and Sales Leader with 20+ years' experience delivering profitable growth across FMCG, retail, wholesale and field marketing sectors. Proven track record of leading multi-million-pound client portfolios, managing large-scale field operations and developing strategic partnerships with blue-chip brands including British American Tobacco, Weetabix, Monster Energy, Mondelez and Carabao. Experienced in P&L ownership, operational transformation, business development and commercial strategy, with a strong track record of driving revenue growth, improving ROI and building / maintaining high-performing teams.
Experience
Account Controller - Acosta Group Europe - UK
(2022-01)
Lead a £4.5m national field sales operation across the UK with full P&L accountability, managing a team of 76 and delivering a nationwide field marketing programme for British American Tobacco. Act as the senior client partner responsible for programme performance, strategic planning and commercial delivery. Led quarterly business reviews that secured continued client investment (c£1.2m incremental) and strengthened strategic partnership with BAT.
- Develop annual and quarterly business plans aligned to client objectives, commercial targets and field execution priorities.
- Lead regular business reviews, presenting performance insights, strategic recommendations and continuous improvement initiatives to senior stakeholders.
- Delivered ongoing ROI improvements through data-led resource planning, performance optimisation and targeted field activation strategies.
- Identified operational efficiencies that increased programme effectiveness while maintaining service levels and commercial performance.
- Built trusted client relationships through consistent delivery against KPIs, supporting long-term programme retention and contract stability.
- Delivered ROI improvements through data-led territory planning and resource optimisation, increasing field productivity while managing a £4.5m programme budget.
- Revenue growth 8.7%
- Cost savings 16.3%
- Contract renewals secured 100%
- Team engagement improvements 4.4% YoY
- KPI delivery rates 99.8%
National Account Manager - Weetabix Food Company - UK
(2021-01 - 2022-12)
Led commercial strategy and customer development across Co-op, Nisa and SPAR, creating joint business plans that delivered sustainable growth, increased distribution and strengthened customer partnerships.
- Developed strategic growth plans aligned with customer and category objectives.
- Delivered joint business plans focused on revenue growth, promotional effectiveness and improved return on investment.
- Built strong senior stakeholder relationships that supported customer retention and long-term partnership development.
National Account Manager - Weetabix Food Company - UK
(2020-01 - 2021-12)
Managed strategic wholesale partnerships across the UK, delivering sales growth, distribution expansion and commercial execution.
- Developed annual customer AOP's / JPB's, driving commercial growth and customer retention.
- Improved promotional effectiveness by c11.3% through performance evaluation and ROI-focused planning.
- Collaborated with senior customer stakeholders on growth strategies and annual planning cycles.
National Sales Manager - REL Field Marketing - UK
(2019-01 - 2020-12)
Built and led a national wholesale field sales team, delivering strategic objectives across Booker, Bestway, Batleys and Unitas and into the Independent, MOG's and Symbols.
- Worked closely with Weetabix and wholesale partners to align field activity with commercial objectives.
- Developed field activation plans that increased customer engagement and improved ROI.
- Strengthened client relationships through consistent programme delivery and proactive performance management.
Divisional Sales Manager - REL Field Marketing - UK
(2019-01 - 2019-12)
Led a 32+ person field sales team delivering national campaign objectives and retail execution excellence for Mondelez.
- Improved field productivity through targeted coaching and performance management by c4.9%.
- Implemented best-practice execution standards that enhanced campaign effectiveness and return on programme investment +27.2%.
National Sales Manager - Atomic (Ceuta Group) - UK
(2016-01 - 2019-12)
Played a key role in scaling Carabao from launch to national distribution, supporting growth into more than 16,000 retail outlets and developing major retail partnerships.
- Created strategic growth plans supporting rapid national expansion.
- Built and retained key customer partnerships during a period of significant business growth.
Head Of Business Development - Hunter Mann Recruitment - UK
(2014-01 - 2016-12)
Developed and executed business growth strategy, securing major contracts including Amazon and creating new revenue streams that accelerated company growth c+23%, building senior stakeholder relationships and managing the full business development lifecycle from prospecting through to negotiation and implementation. Focused on developing long-term client partnerships, ensuring successful onboarding and creating a platform for repeat business and ongoing account growth.
Senior Leadership Roles - Monster Energy - UK
(2010-01 - 2014-12)
Delivered route-to-market transformation, increased Central London distribution from 44% to 82% in three months and supported international expansion through the launch of the Austria & Switzerland operations as Country Manager.
Education
GCSEs - Maths, English and Science
People Management Enhancement Programme
Negotiation, Influencing, Coaching & Leadership Training
Mental Health First Aider Certification - MHFA England
Commercial Acumen & Strategic Leadership
P&L Management Training
Client Relationship Management
Change Management & Operational Excellence
Data-Driven Decision Making
