Swapnil Kuwalekar
Auckland,AUK
Summary
Client-focused Sales and Marketing Manager offering diverse experience in new business development, customer service, business management and project coordination and execution. Quickly builds relationships with both new clients and business audiences with existing network in current FMCG sector (FSNI and FSSI). Quick-learning with excellent multi-tasking skills and mastery of new technology. Commended for innovation and creative problem-solving to address business challenges.
Forward-thinking team leader skilled at operating departments efficiently to meet goals. Successful background matching employees with roles for maximum performance. Proactive and hardworking individual focused on continuous operational improvement.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
National Sales and Marketing Manager
Gluten Free Store Limited
Auckland, Auckland
08.2015 - 12.2021
- Created sales network on a national level for Foodstuffs New Zealand.
- Initiated radical overhaul of company best practices resulted more than 30% increase in revenue for financial year 2016-2017 2017-2018 and 2018-2019.
- Enhanced and redefined organizational structure to maintain company's competitive edge across national territories.
- Chaired weekly meetings with executive leadership to identify opportunities for improvement, establish milestones and tailor products to individual markets.
- Oversaw and improved deliveries through proactive coordination of daily operations resulted in efficient distribution of goods throughout New Zealand.
- Hired exceptional candidates and led staff to maximize productivity and eliminate process lags.
- Oversaw office operations for organization by processing vital documentation, obtaining insurance verification and matter pertaining to financial and government institutions.
- Spearheaded business operations by consistently seeking methods to improve profitability through cost containment and revenue generation. Significant increase in revenue observed prior to pandemic.
- Led company to successful product launch and growth by developing initial product road map and go-to-market strategy. Played vital role in defining future direction of organization, resulting in engagement with various non conventional distribution channels
- Identified market product demands and customer trends to bring in new customers and retain existing ones.
- Promoted positive customer experience through day-to-day supervision and management of supermarket shelf space through agent network.
- Generated and developed leads, using networking and customer management system (through MYOB) to acquire new clients.
- Assisted with marketing strategy creation and advertising initiatives to better promote facility to public.
- Handled problematic customers and maintained excellent customer service.
Regional Manager
GS1
Auckland, Auckland
03.2010 - 08.2015
- Managed territory from Taupo North to Cape Reinga as well as Pacific Islands
- Increased Customer engagement in the territory by more than 40%, demonstrated in biannual customer survey
- Managed over 10 customer engagements per day
- Increased net sales volume by more than 50% year over year consecutively for 4 years
- Developed vendor network of contacts to drive down costs and increase revenues.
- Developed promotional plans to complement national sales and customer engagement initiatives.
- Developed brand expansion initiatives across sales, marketing and advertising campaigns.
- Boosted brand growth by devising strategic network and marketing tactics.
- Attracted new clientele and developed customer relationships by hosting product-focused events.
- Led targeted training programs to educate staff on product benefits and service capabilities.
- Worked diligently to resolve unique and recurring complaints, promoting loyalty and enhancing operations.
Business Development Manager
PMP Limited
Auckland, Auckland
10.2008 - 03.2010
- Coordinated innovative strategies to accomplish marketing objectives and boost long-term profitability.
- Played vital role in getting many national accounts including Les Mills, Giltrap group, Progressive enterprise, NZCU. Resulted in generating 30% increase in revenue through unconventional channels.
- Negotiated, prepared and signed contracts with major financial institutions including Westpac, NZCU. Financial sector license revenue grew more than 400%
- Researched and identified opportunities for account growth, account penetration and market expansion.
- Partnered with business teams and IT personnel to align project goals with business strategy and define project milestones.
- Consistently exceeded quotas through penetration of new accounts.
- Compiled product, market and customer data to generate informed sales and profit projections.
- Established relationships with key decision-makers within customer's organization to promote growth and retention.
- Applied consultative selling techniques to prospect senior management to close business.
- Incorporated product changes into marketing messages to drive customer engagement and maximize profits.
Education
Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management - Business Management
University of Auckland
Auckland, AUK05.2005
Certificate in Project Management - Project Management
George Washington University
Auckland, AUK10.2005
Bachelor of Science -
University of Bombay
Mumbai05.1993
Skills
- Business growth and retention
- Business Development
- Budget Control and Cost Reduction
- Quality Assurance
- Performance Assessment
- Finance and Accounting Oversight
- Originality, Creativity and Promotional Campaign Development
- Sales Promotion and Direct Sales
- Customer Service Management and Customer Relations
- Presentation Development and Delivery
- Sales Coaching
- Inventory Tracking and Management
- Multitasking and Prioritization
- Business Forecasting
- Process Development and Streamlining
Accomplishments
- Created sales network through Foodstuffs North Island and South Island Stores. Successfully launched suite of products with coordination with Foodstuffs' category manager (ambient and chilled)
- Successfully created intense food safety plan, complaint with Ministry Of Primary Industry .
- Documented and resolved operational which led to significant operational efficiencies and cost reduction.
- Collaborated with team of 4 food technologists in the development of Food safety Plan to deliver compliant food safety plan within 4 weeks.
- Resolved product issues through consumer testing and gained consumer insight through personal interaction with the customer, online as well as offline.
- Achieved significant customer engagement by deploying unique customer engagement strategy online as well as offline.
- Successfully launched first Gluten Free Fresh Pasta in local market, played vital role right from conceptualizing through to execution. Finally this product was nominated for New Zealand Food Awards.
- Successfully bid for and created profile to be supplier for "Lunch for School" program for Ministry of Education
Hobbies
I am a great believer of a philosophy of subtle mind and healthy body. This led to preference towards an active lifestyle. We as a family have always enjoyed exploring new places and wondering around in wilderness. As a sport Badminton has played a vital role through most of my life. As a pastime I find a great pleasure in reading a good book, this helps me recover mentally and stabilize thought process. I have an inclination towards non fiction, with special interest in the history and philosophy. At the same time I thoroughly enjoy good music and is particularly fond of melodious songs with fine lyrics.
Active Plasma Donor and Registered Organ donor
I have been actively donating plasma since last 15 years with New Zealand Blood Society. In New Zealand plasma helps vulnerable segment of the society. Each bottle of plasma helps three children with Leukemia, burn victims, people affected with COVID 19 and so on. This is a service to the society and I highly believe in this cause. As an extension to this initiative I am also a registered organ donor.
Timeline
National Sales and Marketing Manager
Gluten Free Store Limited
08.2015 - 12.2021
Regional Manager
GS1
03.2010 - 08.2015
Business Development Manager
PMP Limited
10.2008 - 03.2010
Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management - Business Management
University of Auckland
Certificate in Project Management - Project Management
George Washington University
Bachelor of Science -
University of Bombay