29 Jan WiW Top Talent: Kelly Roberts, Sales Manager Wholesale, CCEP
At WiW our mission is to highlight positive female role models in wholesale, particularly fresh faces and aspiring talent. So we’re kicking off 2018 with a NEW WiW Top Talent Spotlight.
First up is Kelly Roberts, Sales Manager Wholesale. Coca-Cola European Partners (CCEP) who tells us about the toughest moment in her career, her aspirations for the future what she loves about working in wholesale …
Name: Kelly Roberts
Job title: Sales Manager Wholesale. Coca-Cola European Partners (CCEP)
How long have you worked in your current job? Just over a year and a half
What are your day-to-day responsibilities?
I encourage, manage and develop a team of field sales professionals to surpass set business targets. We work with wholesale accounts including Nationals, Buying Groups and Independents made up of all different environments including Cash & Carry, Delivered and Licensed.
I have a large territory where I travel out to meet my team and customers to support them with the Joint Business Plans we have put in place whilst working to support CCEP Brands.
How long have you worked in wholesale?
This time around 1 ½ years (since starting this role) but a few years ago in a previous role at CCEP I used to work with wholesalers on their Digital agenda, including researching in to how a wholesalers website should be laid out (taxonomy) most effectively for best shopper experience!
What’s been the toughest moment in your career?
I wouldn’t say toughest but certainly the most nerve-wracking was presenting at our annual Sales Conference to about 900 Coca-Cola colleagues highlighting some of the plans we have with our wholesalers in Field Sales in 2018.
How about the most rewarding?
I have had several roles in Head Office at CCEP. I loved working on projects and watching the plans come to life in the market place with our consumers.
What do you love most about your job?
There are two areas that I love most about my job. 1 – I love being with customers! Every day and every visit brings different challenges. 2 – I love coaching people and watching them as they develop. Teaching them skills that you see them use effectively later is very rewarding!
Where would you like to be in five years?
Hummm… well if I won the lottery I would be travelling the world… but realistically, I am career-driven and would like to get promoted to the next level (we call it ‘Senior Manager’) – perhaps in Field Sales, but I have great opportunities at CCEP to move around departments and functions so I can develop my skills.
How do you like your eggs?
I prefer eggs if they are making a nice Victoria Sponge Cake! But poached on toast with smoked salmon!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Never give up, anything is possible, just keep honest and true to yourself.
What’s the best book or film you’ve ever read?
I love reading about people who have the same mentality as me that ‘anything is possible’ so reading Richard Branson’s Autobiography was really interesting.
If you could change one thing about your job what would it be?
As I cover a large territory I can travel quite long distances. A chauffer driven car would be helpful so I could do my emails on the go!!
Is there anyone you really look up to – who is it and why?
Well, I get my career driven side from my Dad (Mark), who had a very successful career as Managing Director in the food industry before he recently retired (he also worked with wholesalers!) I have always aspired to do as well as he did with his career. But for someone famous, perhaps Sir Alan Sugar! He is a marmite character, but you can’t knock what a successful businessman he has been.
He has had the guts to go after his dreams, be a true entrepreneur and to stand his ground (I also love an episode of the apprentice!)
Know someone who should appear on WiW’s Top Talent Blog? Email info@newerapr.co.uk
Register for WiW Speed Networking on April 26, 2018 here. Download the Women in Wholesale Media Pack 2018.
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