SIMON BUSWELL
Auckland,AUK
Summary
A commercially astute, results-driven executive with 15+ years of experience in B2B and B2C environments, and 8+ years in senior leadership roles. Proven success in driving commercial growth, developing product ranges, building strong supplier and client partnerships, and leading high-performing teams across national retail networks. Skilled at aligning commercial goals with human insight-connecting with stakeholders across all levels to build trust, influence outcomes, and deliver long-term results.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
National Commercial, Product & Development Manager
Flooring Xtra Licensing Ltd
06.2021 - Current
- Manage all aspects of 27 key national contracts across group home builders, aged care, insurance, renovation, and retail.
- Source, negotiate, and execute new commercial agreements of national significance.
- Provide pricing and reporting oversight across 61 stores for all key clients.
- Guide and support 48 managing owners and staff in commercial, volume builder, and retail markets.
- Lead business planning and strategic development across the network.
- Chair product team meetings, lead supplier negotiations, and manage product launches.
- Develop exclusive ranges based on market analysis and consumer insight.
- Represent Flooring Xtra at key industry events and client conferences.
National Commercial, Retail Training & Development Manager
Flooring Xtra Licensing Ltd
07.2020 - 06.2021
- Integrated responsibilities post-COVID restructure to support stores in both sales capability and commercial delivery.
- Designed and delivered training to staff, managers, and owners across 61 stores.
- Created and embedded online training modules via new digital platform.
- Facilitated business planning sessions focused on operations, marketing, and financials.
National Retail Training & Development Manager
Flooring Xtra Licensing Ltd
11.2018 - 07.2020
- Designed and delivered national sales and leadership training-both face-to-face and online, developing 20+ online training modules.
- Facilitated annual store visits, business "health checks" and business planning sessions across 61 stores.
- Managed national installer training programs on communication and team dynamics.
National Commercial Manager
Flooring Xtra Licensing Ltd
07.2017 - 07.2020
- Increased national commercial sales via new agreements by over 75%.
- Oversaw key client relationships and business development within commercial sectors.
- Led pricing strategy, supplier negotiations, and RFPs.
- Represented Flooring Xtra at industry conferences and commercial partner events.
Project/Contracts Manager
Flooring Junction Ltd
10.2009 - 07.2017
- Managed commercial and residential flooring projects, from pricing to installation.
- Led aged care refurbishment programs across 12 Auckland locations.
- Contributed to 5 consecutive years of budget outperformance and sustained business growth.
Education
Bachelor of Business Studies - Marketing Major
Massey University
Albany01.2009
University Entrance/Bursary -
Rangitoto College
01.2003
Skills
- Stakeholder Engagement – Expert at engaging internal and external stakeholders across sales, coaching, strategic planning, and execution
- Strategic & Commercial Thinking – Proven ability to align business insights with customer drivers and market trends
- Negotiation & Influence – Deep experience in commercial negotiations, supplier engagement and RFPs
- People-centered leadership – natural curiosity about people's motivations and strengths, with a focus on building clarity and momentum toward shared goals
- Strategic Planning & Business Development
- Budgeting & Financial Forecasting
- National Account & Key Client Management
- Product Launch & Category Development
- Commercial & Supplier Negotiation
- Team Leadership & Capability Building
Hobbies and Interests
- Spending time with family
- Long-distance running
- Surfing
- Golf
Values
- Authenticity
- Integrity
- Influence
- Dedication
- Honesty
- Resilience
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
National Commercial, Product & Development Manager
Flooring Xtra Licensing Ltd
06.2021 - Current
National Commercial, Retail Training & Development Manager
Flooring Xtra Licensing Ltd
07.2020 - 06.2021
National Retail Training & Development Manager
Flooring Xtra Licensing Ltd
11.2018 - 07.2020
National Commercial Manager
Flooring Xtra Licensing Ltd
07.2017 - 07.2020
Project/Contracts Manager
Flooring Junction Ltd
10.2009 - 07.2017
Bachelor of Business Studies - Marketing Major
Massey University
University Entrance/Bursary -
Rangitoto College
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