Stefan Woodward

Commercially driven Sales Manager and Business Development professional with experience in account management, customer re-engagement, new business development and technical sales within industrial manufacturing, recycling, forestry, arboriculture and engineering sectors. Currently working with Saturn Machine Knives, a UK-based manufacturer and supplier of industrial machine knives, wear parts and tooling, supporting customers across recycling, plastics, sawmills, biomass, tree surgery, rail vegetation, waste processing and manufacturing. Strong focus on building long-term customer relationships, identifying new markets, developing strategic supply partnerships and using data-led prospecting to uncover growth opportunities.

Experienced in managing a significant sales pipeline, visiting customers on site, understanding technical requirements and converting opportunities into repeat business.

Sales & Business Development Manager at Saturn Machine Knives Ltd (2026-04 – Present)

UK manufacturer and supplier of industrial machine knives, blades, wear parts and consumables supporting recycling, plastics, sawmills, biomass, arboriculture, rail vegetation and manufacturing.

• Managed and developed a personal sales pipeline of around £200,000 per month across existing customers and new business opportunities.
• Grew quoted sales opportunities from around £80,000 to £300,000 in the first month, converting over 70% into closed orders.
• Closed over 190 orders with a combined value exceeding £500,000.
• Built and maintained customer relationships across recycling, plastics, biomass, sawmills, tree surgery, waste management and engineering.
• Carried out customer site visits to review machinery, understand wear-part requirements and identify opportunities for blades, knives, regrinds, spare sets and consumables.
• Used Salesforce data, historic spend reports and purchasing patterns to identify underperforming accounts, lapsed customers and high-potential growth opportunities.
• Developed targeted re-engagement campaigns for customers with reduced spend, historic purchasing gaps or missed repeat-order cycles.
• Used AI tools including ChatGPT alongside data analytics and CRM reporting to identify new customers, research markets, analyse customer fit and create targeted sales approaches.
• Researched and built prospect clusters across Lindner, ELDAN, THM, MVM, cross-flow shredders, hooked shredders, granulators, chipper blades, arboriculture consumables and bulk oil supply.
• Created account deep-dives covering machinery, sector, spend history, decision-makers and likely product opportunities.
• Supported technical discussions around shredder blades, granulator knives, chipper blades, counter knives, screens, holders, hammers, wear plates and regrinds.
• Developed commercial opportunities around ELDAN recycling machinery consumables, THM TQZ 1600 fixing plates, fragmentation chains and MVM grinding machine parts.
• Built structured approaches for strategic customers including planned stockholding, call-off orders, annual usage reviews and backup tooling sets.
• Worked with internal teams and directors to identify new supply routes and improve competitiveness on specialist wear parts.
• Managed follow-ups across live quotes, open enquiries, site visit actions and long-term strategic accounts.
• Promoted Saturn's UK manufacturing capability through lead-time, quality, reverse engineering and urgent-requirement solutions.
• Developed bulk Rotatech oil opportunities across tree surgery, arboriculture, forestry and rail vegetation customers, including 1000L IBC supply and sample-led campaigns.
• Created customer-specific email campaigns based on previous spend, machinery type and purchasing history.
• Developed relationships with customers including JMC Recycling Systems, Eurocell Recycle Derbyshire, AMCOR, Meltog, BSW Sawmills, Alpha Polymers, Shredding Machinery Solutions, Glennon Brothers, Axion Recycling, Bright Green Plastics, Summit Systems, County Plastics and F J Church & Sons.
• Built a strong pipeline of reactivated existing-business opportunities by reconnecting with accounts that had not ordered for several years, including customers last active between 2020 and 2025.

Freelance Business Consultant at Self-employed (2026-02 – 2026-04)

• Advised an importation company on strategic growth initiatives and market expansion opportunities in the food and drink industry.
• Identified and developed potential contract opportunities with major clients including hotel chains, Amazon, Tesco and Michelin-starred restaurants.
• Supported negotiations and relationship-building with key stakeholders to secure commercial partnerships.
• Delivered approximately £20,000 in additional revenue through debt consolidation strategies and ad hoc sales activities.
• Provided insights on supply-chain positioning, pricing strategies and competitive market entry.
• Contributed to increased revenue potential through targeted business development strategies.

Owner & Managing Director at Vettura Motors Limited (2014-10 – 2026-01)

• Founded and scaled a commercial business from start-up to £3m+ annual turnover through disciplined sales strategy and commercial control.
• Delivered consistent monthly sales performance against targets, demonstrating strong forecasting, pipeline management and KPI ownership.
• Managed pricing, margin and stock turn in a competitive marketplace, balancing volume, profitability and cash flow.
• Used market data and trend analysis to inform buying decisions, range selection and pricing strategy.
• Built long-term customer and B2B relationships through consultative, value-led selling.
• Negotiated supplier terms to secure competitive pricing and reliable supply.
• Led and developed a team of five staff with full responsibility for performance, operations and P&L.
• Managed route-to-market and channel sales across B2B and B2C environments.
• Achieved multiple industry customer service awards, driving repeat business and brand reputation.