Robert Sharkie
Christchurch,Woodend
Summary
I am a driven and highly motivated sales and business developer who thrives on challenges and achieving results. I have the ability to see and contribute to the future vision, but consider my greatest skills to be my ability to effectively execute tactical and operational initiatives whilst developing people to be their absolute best.
My goal is to work for a company I respect, am able work on challenging initiatives and that I am passionate about, and to work with innovative and inspiring people who have vision, drive and want to achieve results.
I am a determined professional with an engaging personality displaying a courteous attitude to both employees and customers. Committed to providing a high level of service and for finding ways to improve processes.
Overview
44
44
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Executive Officer
Ashburton Trading Society/ Ruralco NZ Ltd
07.2016 - 09.2023
- Established foundational processes for business operations.
- Managed partnerships and strategic business relationships by negotiating contract terms and handling conflicts.
- Built productive relationships with industry partners and competitors to support strategic business objectives.
- Made large-scale financial decisions and supervised company spending to reduce material losses and maximise profits.
- Built a structure that provided support and development of our people.
- Successfully transferred the operating brand to Ruralco with zero fallout.
- Grew the business by $100M by empowering staff and engaging effectively with customers to create long term partnership's.
- Created a culture of "can do"and desire to "be successful"
- Embedded a Health, Safety, and Wellness ethos across the entire business.
General Manager, Farm Supplies
Ashburton Trading Society
05.2015 - 07.2016
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organisational growth.
- Maximized efficiency by coaching and mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, company procedures, and technology systems.
Rural Bloke
HRL (Hazlett Rural Ltd)
01.2011 - 04.2015
- Following from my departure from PGW I proceeded to establish a unique farm supplies model within the HRL business
- With my colleague we successfully established this business with minimal people, no bricks & mortar or inventory
- This developed quickly with people dealing with people plus a “can do” and “no road blocks” approach
- The business now complements livestock, insurance, and finance providing an increasing contribution to the wider business.
Regional Manager Canterbury
PGW (PGG Wrightson)
01.2009 - 01.2010
- Following the companies shift from business line to geographical led management I became fully responsible for the total Canterbury/West Coast region with accountability for all core business units including Rural Supplies, Livestock, Real Estate, plus dotted line accountability for Finance and Insurance
- With annual revenue in excess of $50m, 9 retail stores, 48 field based reps, agents and client account management staff the role encompassed all client facing requirements from sales & operations to business administration.
South Island Sales Manager
PGW
01.2007 - 01.2009
- Responsible for the South Island retail store and field sales operations including 4 district sales managers, 52 retail stores and 210 sales and operations staff
- With annual retail revenue in excess of $200m this role focused wholly on driving sales and operational performance in the rural supplies retail business unit.
National Field Sales Manager
PGW
01.2005 - 01.2007
- Following the multiple mergers of Wrightson, PGG, W&K and Fruitfed Supplies I secured the national role accountable for amalgamating field sales operations
- The role had direct accountability for 9 territory sales managers, 110 technical field staff and the national key account management team
- The role had shared P&L accountability with the national retail manager and including numerous complexities resulting from the merger of four different businesses including staff & management restructuring, introducing performance management, culture issues, developing and bedding in new business strategy, practices and policies.
District Manager
Wrightson Ltd
01.2004 - 01.2005
District Manager
Wrightson Ltd
01.2001 - 01.2004
Business Development Manager
Wrightson Ltd
01.1999 - 01.2001
Regional Manager CRT Farmers Ltd
CRT
01.1996 - 01.1999
Regional Manager CRT Farmers Ltd
CRT
01.1994 - 01.1996
Various roles encompassing store management, livestock agent, merchandise rep
Wrightson Ltd
01.1980 - 01.1994
Education
No Degree - Institute of Directors/ Governance Course
Westlake Governance
Auckland, NZ07.2017
High School Diploma -
Motueka High School
Motueka, NZ05.1980
Skills
- Driving performance
- Thrive in challenging environments
- Vision and Strategy development
- Client focus - retention and growth
- Professional Relationship Development
- Decision making
- Management of financials
- Broad relationships in the agricultural industry across NZ
- Fully conversant in Human Resources and the Health, Safety, and Wellness area's of business
- A wide and varied career within the agricultural servicing industry
Competitive Advantage
- Sales Driver
- Leader & Motivator
- Strategy Execution
- Business Development
- Understands that PEOPLE are our greatest asset
- Respect within the industry
- History of success within the industry
- Committed to NZ Agriculture and the long term viability for all participants
Family
I am married to Karen for 36 years and we have 2 adult children that are married, with 5 grandchildren.
All of them are domiciled in Canterbury and our respective families are domiciled in Motueka apart from my elder sister who lives in Auckland.
I have committed myself to succeeding in my career goals and I have been fortunate to have the ongoing support from my family in all that I do.
Hobbies and Interests
- Following my families various activities and career paths
- Grandchildren are a delight that I cherish daily
- Numerous outdoor and sporting interests
- I have an interest in classic cars that I indulge in and would like to do more as time and finances allow
Timeline
Chief Executive Officer
Ashburton Trading Society/ Ruralco NZ Ltd
07.2016 - 09.2023
General Manager, Farm Supplies
Ashburton Trading Society
05.2015 - 07.2016
Rural Bloke
HRL (Hazlett Rural Ltd)
01.2011 - 04.2015
Regional Manager Canterbury
PGW (PGG Wrightson)
01.2009 - 01.2010
South Island Sales Manager
PGW
01.2007 - 01.2009
National Field Sales Manager
PGW
01.2005 - 01.2007
District Manager
Wrightson Ltd
01.2004 - 01.2005
District Manager
Wrightson Ltd
01.2001 - 01.2004
Business Development Manager
Wrightson Ltd
01.1999 - 01.2001
Regional Manager CRT Farmers Ltd
CRT
01.1996 - 01.1999
Regional Manager CRT Farmers Ltd
CRT
01.1994 - 01.1996
Various roles encompassing store management, livestock agent, merchandise rep
Wrightson Ltd
01.1980 - 01.1994
No Degree - Institute of Directors/ Governance Course
Westlake Governance
High School Diploma -
Motueka High School
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