- Tech enthusiast, passionate about exploring the latest advancements and innovations
- Sustainable Tech Innovations
- Adventure Travel
- Outdoor Recreation
Ryan Hollis
Senior Business Development Manager
Auckland
Summary
Results-driven Sales & Revenue Manager with 15+ years of experience in sales, business development, and operational leadership across diverse industries including technology, hospitality, and education. Demonstrated success in driving market expansion, surpassing sales targets, and cultivating valuable client relationships. Adept at B2B and B2C sales, forging strategic partnerships, and ensuring customer retention. Proficient in managing sales cycles, optimizing customer acquisition costs, and implementing growth initiatives to enhance lifetime value. Committed to delivering customer-centric solutions and scaling businesses in competitive markets.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Head of Growth
Watchful
Auckland, Auckland
11.2023 - 02.2025
- Company Overview: Watchful is an AI SaaS company that provides intelligent security software solutions to enhance monitoring and surveillance operations. Our platform uses AI and automation to improve the efficiency and response times of security companies, monitoring stations, and in-house security operations centers (SOCs)
- Led go-to-market strategy for US market entry, achieving $700K ARR in 10 months by spearheading outbound sales and customer acquisition
- Developed and nurtured strategic partnerships with high-profile clients, leveraging data-driven insights to secure deals
- Built and managed a targeted prospecting list using tools like Lusha, LinkedIn, and Fiverr to identify and engage key decision-makers
- Managed sales team and implemented consultative selling techniques to optimize sales cycle efficiency and customer success
- Reached out to potential customers via telephone, email, and in-person inquiries.
- Built long-lasting client relationships through excellent customer service and consistent followups.
Head of Schools & Commercial Growth
Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT)
Auckland
10.2020 - 10.2023
- Company Overview: Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT) is a tertiary education provider in New Zealand, offering a wide range of vocational and academic programs across various industries, including trades, business, health, and technology
- Secured $800K in new revenue through a strategic up-skill initiative, driving long-term partnerships with external stakeholders in the education sector
- Closed a $250K partnership with an existing client by leveraging data-driven insights
- Trained and mentored a team of 32 professionals, fostering career growth and promotions
- Oversaw operational leadership for academic departments, managing curriculum development, and fostering collaboration to improve educational outcomes
- Achieved the highest NPS (Net Promoter Score) across MIT of 7.8, with a 94% participation on employee satisfaction during the covid period
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Successfully managed crises situations on campus while maintaining transparency among stakeholders.
- Strengthened relationships with local businesses for internships or sponsorships resulting in increased hands-on experience opportunities for students.
National Sales Director
ResDiary
Auckland
02.2015 - 09.2020
- Company Overview: ResDiary is a cloud-based Hospitality reservation and table management system used by restaurants, cafés, and hospitality businesses to manage bookings, optimize seating, and enhance customer experiences
- Grew the company's presence in New Zealand by 145% in first 15 months.
- Delivered consistent revenue growth, contributing to the successful adoption of ResDiary's booking systems across New Zealand's hospitality industry
- Implemented pipeline management techniques and sales automation to streamline customer acquisition and retention
- Developed and implemented effective sales strategies and led nationwide sales team members to achieve sales targets.
- Liaised with marketing and product development departments to maintain brand consistency.
- Regularly exceeded quarterly sales targets through diligent prospecting and follow-up activities with prospective clients.
Venues Manager
HIPGROUP
Auckland
04.2014 - 01.2015
- Managed large hospitality teams and led sales efforts to grow customer engagement and profitability
- Maximized cost-effectiveness by complying with budget, labor and revenue benchmarks.
- Maintained updated knowledge of industry trends, competitor offerings, and market demands to inform strategic decisions about future event offerings at the venue.
- Evaluated customer feedback on a regular basis to identify areas for improvement within venue operations and implemented necessary changes accordingly.
- Managed staff scheduling, hiring, and training to ensure a high level of service quality at all times.
Head of Restaurant Operations
Swan At The Globe Theatre
07.2012 - 03.2014
- Met, greeted, and encouraged feedback from customers and used feedback to implement positive changes within restaurant.
- Managed all aspects of daily operations, including managing budgets, inventory control, and vendor relations.
Director of Food & Beverage
Mandeville Hotel
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Managed large hospitality teams and led sales efforts to grow customer engagement and profitability
Food & Beverage Manager
The Cadogan Hotel
01.2008 - 01.2011
- Managed large hospitality teams and led sales efforts to grow customer engagement and profitability
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Hospitality Management
Central University of Technology
South Africa 01.2002 - 11.2005
Skills
- B2B SaaS Sales Experience
- Enterprise Sales
- Market Entry Strategy
- Sales Pipeline Coordination
- Client-Focused Selling Techniques
- CRM (Pipedrive, Salesforce, HubSpot)
- Financial Performance Management
- Forecasting
- Strategic Planning
- Customer Loyalty Development
- Conversion Rate Improvement
- Effective Negotiation Skills
Websites
Accomplishments
- Launched a NZ-based SaaS startup in the US, achieving $700K ARR in 10 months.
- Grew client base by 145% in 15 months, leading market penetration and customer acquisition.
- Closed a $250K deal by leveraging data insights and fostering strong client relationships.
- Secured $800K in new revenue through strategic initiatives, improving operational efficiencies by 20%.
- Successfully led teams, driving sales growth and optimizing sales processes.
- Implemented a sales training program that improved conversion rates by 35%.
Interests
Timeline
Head of Growth
Watchful
11.2023 - 02.2025
Head of Schools & Commercial Growth
Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT)
10.2020 - 10.2023
National Sales Director
ResDiary
02.2015 - 09.2020
Venues Manager
HIPGROUP
04.2014 - 01.2015
Head of Restaurant Operations
Swan At The Globe Theatre
07.2012 - 03.2014
Director of Food & Beverage
Mandeville Hotel
01.2011 - 01.2012
Food & Beverage Manager
The Cadogan Hotel
01.2008 - 01.2011
Some College (No Degree) - Hospitality Management
Central University of Technology
01.2002 - 11.2005
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