Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Career Highlights
References
Timeline
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Saphire Lorigan

Saphire Lorigan

Auckland

Summary

With two decades of experience in the FMCG market, both in New Zealand and on the international stage, I bring expertise in account and category management. My diverse background spans across all sales channels. Throughout my career, I have consistently delivered exceptional results by leveraging market insights to develop tailored solutions that drive growth and maximize profitability. Due to the nature of my customer-facing roles, I have been able to cultivate strong relationships and drive mutually beneficial partnerships. I thrive in environments where innovation and strategic thinking are paramount.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Category Manager ECommerce

Mondelez
London, United Kingdom
09.2022 - Current
  • In this role, I leveraged my extensive FMCG expertise to develop a robust Quick Commerce strategy for the UK market. Through strategic planning and effective implementation across multiple teams and leadership levels, I successfully added an additional £5 million in Net Revenue to the UK and global e-commerce business. This achievement showcases my ability to drive tangible results through innovative business strategies.

Senior Customer Category Manager Sainsbury's

Mondelez
London, United Kingdom
03.2021 - 08.2022
  • In my role as Senior Customer Category Manager in the grocery channel, I faced the challenge of navigating the HFSS (High Fat Sugar Salt) legislation in the UK. Leveraging my extensive shopper knowledge, I led the customer on HFSS legislation, a new government mandate set to significantly decrease volumes. I successfully devised and presented robust, shopper-centric mitigation plans to prevent projected losses for both the confectionery and biscuits categories, thereby safeguarding retailer and Mondelez interests landing 5 key changes to protect sales. Additionally, I guided my team in developing similar strategies with Waitrose and Booths. This experience not only showcased my ability to adapt to regulatory changes but also demonstrated my leadership in driving effective solutions amidst industry challenges.

Senior Category Manager – ECommerce

Mondelez
London, United Kingdom
01.2018 - 05.2022
  • In my role as Senior Category Manager eCommerce, I fulfilled my aspiration by joining the e-commerce leadership team. I spearheaded the establishment of a cross-functional team dedicated to integrating data analytics and shopper insights into our e-commerce operations, driving customer influence and facilitating growth. This involved developing resources and strategies to influence internal stakeholders at MDLZ, ensuring alignment with European and Global leadership teams to secure necessary resources for the UK e-commerce market. Within one year, our customer ratings, measured by Advantage score, surged from the bottom to position 9, and within two years, we advanced to position 2. I take immense pride in my key role in this achievement, showcasing our team's ability to drive significant progress.

Customer Development Manager Tesco E-Commerce

Mondelez
London, United Kingdom
07.2017 - 12.2017

Chief Warmth Officer

Smart Merino
Global
02.2016 - 06.2017
  • I embarked on an entrepreneurial venture with the creation of SmartMerino.com. This not only fuelled my passion for travel but also served as a platform to deepen my understanding of e-commerce dynamics. Through Smart Merino, I introduced premium New Zealand-made merino wool base layers to a global audience, leveraging channels like my personal website and Amazon UK. This dual pursuit allowed me to strike a balance between continued professional growth and personal fulfilment.

Customer Category Manager Discounters

Mondelez
London, United Kingdom
06.2015 - 02.2016
  • As a Customer Category Manager in the UK's discounter grocery channel, my primary responsibility was to drive sales growth and enhance shopper engagement within the confectionery and biscuits categories. I collaborated closely with retailers to optimize category performance, focusing on increasing both volume and value. Simultaneously, I ensured that Mondelez remained strategically positioned to leverage the channel's rapid expansion without compromising our established plans with super and hypermarkets. By aligning deep insights into customer needs with MDLZ objectives, I effectively identified and capitalized on growth opportunities, resulting in an additional £10.2M in Net Revenue.

Customer Category Manager Wholesale & Convenience

Mondelez
London, United Kingdom
11.2012 - 06.2015

National Field Sales Manager

Mondelez
Auckland, New Zealand
01.2012 - 11.2012

National Key Account Manager - Woolworths

Mondelez
Auckland, New Zealand
01.2011 - 01.2012

National Key Account Manager - Oils/Forecourts

Cadbury
Auckland, New Zealand
10.2009 - 12.2010

Key Account Executive

Cadbury
Auckland, New Zealand
05.2008 - 09.2009

Territory Manager & Merchandiser Roles

Cadbury
Auckland, New Zealand
10.2004 - 05.2008

Education

Certificate in Business - Business

Auckland University of Technology
Auckland New Zealand

Skills

  • Business strategy
  • Shopper & Consumer market analysis
  • Data Analysis
  • Category Management
  • Sales
  • Negotiation
  • Communication
  • Relationship building

Career Highlights

  • NZ sales team of the year award - role Field Sales Manager
  • BP account manager of the year recognition award
  • NZ grocery awards - runner up supplier of the year Woolworths
  • Price marked packs sell in for wholesale/convenience channel
  • HFSS sell in to Sainsbury's

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Senior Category Manager ECommerce

Mondelez
09.2022 - Current

Senior Customer Category Manager Sainsbury's

Mondelez
03.2021 - 08.2022

Senior Category Manager – ECommerce

Mondelez
01.2018 - 05.2022

Customer Development Manager Tesco E-Commerce

Mondelez
07.2017 - 12.2017

Chief Warmth Officer

Smart Merino
02.2016 - 06.2017

Customer Category Manager Discounters

Mondelez
06.2015 - 02.2016

Customer Category Manager Wholesale & Convenience

Mondelez
11.2012 - 06.2015

National Field Sales Manager

Mondelez
01.2012 - 11.2012

National Key Account Manager - Woolworths

Mondelez
01.2011 - 01.2012

National Key Account Manager - Oils/Forecourts

Cadbury
10.2009 - 12.2010

Key Account Executive

Cadbury
05.2008 - 09.2009

Territory Manager & Merchandiser Roles

Cadbury
10.2004 - 05.2008

Certificate in Business - Business

Auckland University of Technology
Saphire Lorigan