Studied Business Computing & IT BSc at
Aston University
Customer Business Development (Sales)
Graduate
After surfing the net to identify companies that
would provide the best career opportunities
Gurdeep was drawn to AkzoNobel and its
Graduate Development Programme.
‘'My aspirations are for a career in a
commercial role in either sales or marketing.
I wanted to work with successful brands and
the AkzoNobel portfolio contains some of the
biggest and most well known brands in the
decorative paints market, such as Dulux and
Cuprinol. As a global business the company
also offers opportunities to work with people
from different geographic markets. I was also
attracted by the company's ‘can do' culture.
From the first stage of the recruitment process
I knew the company was a good fit for me and
subsequently I've found my ideas' are always
listened to, senior managers are accessible
and support is always available.
I've joined the Graduate Development
Programme as Customer Business Executive
in the Homebase team. It's a customer facing
and commercial role and I am responsible for
the instore marketing activity of our specialty
brands in Homebase, one of the biggest DIY
retailers in the UK. All retail markets are
under pressure which makes this an exciting
and dynamic environment to work in. My
role is varied, diverse and no two days are
ever the same. In the morning I could be
working with design agencies to develop new
point of sale or designing an advertisement
for a DIY magazine. In the afternoon I could
be presenting activation plans for our latest
innovations to the buyer or working with our
account managers to understand our sales for
the week and develop promotion plans.
I've also been able to take on additional
responsibilities including the development
of a Woodcare Training initiative to train all
Homebase store staff on Cuprinol products.
The programme has developed my
understanding of a whole host of topics
such as business financials, commercial
understanding and business planning. In
addition AkzoNobel also runs a number of
academies in marketing and sales which
offer dedicated training on topics including
category management, negotiation and
effective communication.
The most satisfying aspect of my role is that
it is value adding. I've had responsibility and
ownership from day one and am expected
to grow the business. I controlled my own
marketing budget and have been the lead
point of contact on many projects. I am now
looking forward to completing my second
year placement in the trade side of the
business and build on my sales experience."
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