Shakil Dharas

Dynamic and commercially focused senior executive with 15+ years of experience leading sales, operations, business development, and organisational growth across multiple sectors including childcare, healthcare, automotive leasing, fuel distribution, and retail. Proven track record of delivering revenue growth, operational excellence, stakeholder engagement, and high-performing teams. Skilled in strategic planning, business transformation, regulatory compliance, safeguarding, and commercial leadership.

Adept at building scalable businesses, managing acquisitions, and driving sustainable growth while maintaining exceptional customer and employee engagement.

Managing Director | Head of HR | Designated Safeguarding Lead - Sapling & Stone Care

(2026-01)

Founded and launched a residential children's care organisation operating within Ofsted regulatory frameworks. Leading business strategy, workforce planning, HR operations, safeguarding, compliance, and site development. Secured multiple residential care properties and managed registration processes. Developed safeguarding frameworks, operational policies, and governance structures. Driving long-term organisational growth and service excellence.

• Successfully established the organisation from concept to operational readiness.
• Implemented safeguarding and compliance systems aligned with statutory requirements.
• Created scalable business and staffing models supporting future expansion.

Chief Executive Officer - Group 12 Limited

(2024-06 - 2025-11)

Directed overall business strategy and operations for a growing nursery group. Led acquisitions, service development, financial planning, and stakeholder engagement. Maintained safeguarding excellence and regulatory compliance across multiple locations. Built and developed senior leadership teams.

• Delivered strategic growth through acquisitions and operational improvements.
• Enhanced organisational performance and parent satisfaction levels.
• Strengthened leadership capability across the business.

Business Manager - Harvest Energy / Prax Group

(2022-05 - 2024-06)

Managed dealer relationships and developed new business opportunities nationwide. Expanded fuel supply partnerships and strengthened commercial performance. Oversaw dealer standards, compliance, and operational performance.

• Increased dealer network and fuel volume growth.
• Secured long-term commercial agreements with key partners.
• Improved dealer performance and customer retention.

Co-Founder & Commercial Director - Ready2Lease Ltd

(2020-11 - 2022-05)

Co-founded a vehicle leasing brokerage focused on SME and corporate markets. Designed sales processes, commercial strategies, and partnership frameworks. Managed supplier relationships and business development activities.

• Achieved 30% lead conversion rate.
• Established strategic partnerships supporting business growth.
• Created scalable account management processes.

Sales Manager – Corporate Accounts - LeasePlan

(2018-09 - 2020-11)

• Increased rental profitability by 25%.
• Improved Net Promoter Score by 70 points.
• Achieved 4% funded fleet growth.
• Generated £300,000 additional revenue through new service initiatives.
• Increased customer wallet share to over 85%.

Internal Sales Manager – SME Direct - Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions

(2016-06 - 2018-09)

• Improved renewal rates from 15% to 45%.
• Delivered £360,000 additional business volume.
• Managed £25 million sales budget.
• Successfully launched new dealer channels and growth initiatives.

Sales Manager (Telesales) - The Fuel Card Group / DCC Plc

(2015-09 - 2016-06)

• Contributed to successful £2.1 million government contract wins.
• Increased customer retention value from £5.2 million to £7.3 million.
• Improved departmental profitability by 22%.

New Business Team Leader - The Fuel Card Group / DCC Plc

(2012-11 - 2015-08)

• Achieved 127% of sales targets and 144% of profit targets.
• Generated over 7 million litres in fuel sales.
• Developed high-performing sales teams and coaching programmes.

Sales Trainer - The Fuel Card Group / DCC Plc

(2012-06 - 2012-11)

Designed and delivered sales training programmes. Improved staff retention by 32%. Developed coaching frameworks and performance improvement initiatives.

Account Manager - The Fuel Card Group / DCC Plc

(2011-11 - 2012-06)

Managed client acquisition and account development. Recognised twice as 'Star of the Month' for exceptional performance.

Director - Formula SMS Ltd

(2011-02 - 2011-11)

Founded and managed a business providing SMS marketing solutions. Delivered tailored marketing campaigns for SMEs.

Duty Manager - Tesco Plc

(2007-05 - 2011-01)

Managed large-scale retail operations and workforce activities. Ensured operational efficiency and merchandising standards.

Trainee Manager - Asda

(1997-02 - 2007-05)

Completed management development programme focused on retail operations and leadership.

CIPD Level 5 - People Management