Rodney Lingham

2022– Present (Business Concluding)

Strategic Sales & Account Management

• Wholesale Growth: Managed high-volume accounts with major national trade partners, including BNT, Repco, and service station networks across New Zealand, enhancing market presence.
• Consultative Sales: Specialized in "difficult-to-find" sourcing, leveraging global supplier networks to fulfill specific client needs under tight deadlines.
• Digital Marketing: Executed targeted e-marketing campaigns and database management, driving weekly promotions that consistently met ambitious sales targets.

Technical Expertise & Operations

• Precision Specification: Expertly matched complex components for European and American marques (BMW, VAG, Jaguar, Fiat) using VIN-specific data to ensure 100% order accuracy.
• Systems Proficiency: Power user of industry-standard parts systems (Partslink24, ETK, ETKA) and financial platforms (Xero) for seamless end-to-end transactions.
• Supply Chain: Managed the full lifecycle of the product—from international importing and stocktake to domestic freight logistics and final delivery.

Customer Excellence

• Maintained high retention rates through dedicated after-care and provided technical support post-purchase.

Brand Ambassador | Nespresso (Harvey Norman, Briscoes, Noel Leeming) | 2020 - 2022

• Sales & Demos: Drove premium appliance sales through live machine demonstrations and consultative "lifestyle" selling in high-traffic retail environments
• Performance Reporting: Achieved daily sales KPIs and provided detailed weekend reporting on customer trends and inventory sell-through.
• Brand Representation: Maintained elite merchandising standards and fostered strong relationships with "Big Box" retail partners to maximize floor presence.

• Team Leadership: Promoted to 2IC; responsible for training and managing new team members and coordinating workflows to ensure regional targets were met.
• Stakeholder Liaison: Acted as the primary link between store managers (PNS, Countdown, New World) and agency HQ to align display builds with national marketing strategies.
• Brand Portfolio Management: Managed visual merchandising and stock integrity for Tier-1 global brands (P&G), including Gillette, Oral B, and Olay, ensuring premium shelf presence and stock availability.
• Data Reporting: Executed precise reporting on stock levels and display performance, using data to inform inventory replenishment and promotional success.

• High-Level Consulting: Conducted in-depth health and lifestyle consultations, utilizing active listening and "positive psychology" to identify needs and provide bespoke solutions.
• Educational Leadership: Founded a training academy; designed and delivered curriculum for lifestyle consultants, demonstrating the ability to simplify complex information for diverse audiences.
• Published Author: Authored 20+ titles and self-help e-books, showcasing advanced written communication skills and the ability to build brand authority from the ground up.
• Client Relationship Management: Built and maintained a private practice based on trust, retention, and holistic "after-care"—skills directly transferable to high-touch sales and client-facing roles.

• Merchandising Cadbury (Mondalez) Products, General Mills, PZ Cussons.

• High-Value Negotiation: Managed the end-to-end sales process for domestic properties, expertly negotiating terms between buyers and sellers to achieve optimal market results.
• Market Appraisal & Advisory: Conducted detailed property valuations and provided strategic advice to vendors on market positioning, a skill directly transferable to technical automotive and luxury retail pricing.
• Consultative Showcasing: Developed and delivered persuasive property presentations, highlighting key features and lifestyle benefits to convert high-intent prospects into successful purchasers.
• Contractual & Admin Excellence: Handled all legal documentation and administrative requirements with 100% accuracy, ensuring compliance within a highly regulated industry.

• E-Commerce & Import: Established and managed a web-based enterprise specializing in the importation and distribution of luxury automotive accessories and herbal pharmaceutical products.
• Luxury Fleet Management: Owned and operated a fleet of five Jaguar sedans catering to high-net-worth (VIP) international and local clientele; managed all logistics, vehicle maintenance, and VIP relations.
• Event Coordination: Spearheaded large-scale fundraising events for various charities, managing everything from sponsorship acquisition to event logistics.

• Operational Leadership: Promoted from Assistant Marketing Manager to General Manager; oversaw total business operations, including staff training, rostering, and accounts.
• Fleet & Logistics: Managed complex tour scheduling and vehicle maintenance for a high-end limousine service across the Christchurch and Greater South Island regions.
• Sales & Marketing: Represented the company at national trade shows and managed high-volume customer inquiries, quotes, and booking conversions.

• Customer enquiries, staff management, organising limousines, marketing at trade shows.