Core Skills

 

Leadership & People Management

 

• Leadership & Team Development

• Training & Development

• Adaptability & Strategic Vision

• Collaboration Across Teams

• Negotiation & Stakeholder Engagement

• Cross-Cultural Communication

Commercial & Strategic Skills

 

• Business Development & Growth (B2B & B2C)

• Global Procurement & Supplier Negotiation

• Account Management & Client Relationships

• Budgeting & Forecasting

• Digital Marketing Strategy

• Contract Negotiation

• AI Strategy

• International Business

• SME Start Ups

• e-commerce

 

 

Operations & Performance Management

 

• Operational Strategy & Execution

• Change & Transformation Management

• Supply Chain & Logistics Management

• Continuous Improvement

• Performance Measurement & Reporting

• Risk & Compliance Oversight

 

About Richard Mann – Commercial & Operations Professional

Location & Availability

I’m based in Stoke-on-Trent, UK, ideally positioned within a 50-mile radius of Manchester and Birmingham, with excellent access to major transport links across the North West, West Midlands, East Midlands, and London. I’m open to new opportunities—on-site, hybrid,  UK or internationally-based.

What I Offer

I excel in international business development, e-commerce product sourcing, procurement, and strategic management. My experience includes forging strategic alliances, managing large product portfolios, and championing procurement strategies both domestically and internationally—all with a focus on identifying efficiencies, reducing costs, and building market momentum.

I combine traditional expertise in forging alliances, managing high-value portfolios, and driving efficiency with advanced automation, AI tools, and digital systems. My work consistently reduces costs, accelerates market entry, and delivers scalable, tech-powered growth.

How I Work

In my interim consultancy roles, I’ve partnered with SMEs to drive market entry, reengineer costs, and launch innovative product initiatives tailored to client-specific goals. I bring flexible, results-driven leadership that maximises impact while staying aligned with organisational values.

Career Journey Highlights

• Founder – Point One Consulting UK Ltd (2023–Present): Established a consultancy delivering strategic business solutions for SMEs and entrepreneurs, with a focus on business development, procurement, commercial strategy and AI-powered automation. 

• Owner / Director (2021–2023): Spearheaded multiple B2C and B2B e-commerce ventures—from launch to exit—honing entrepreneurial agility and strategic risk-taking.
• General Manager (2020–2021): Oversaw e-commerce development, recruitment, regulatory compliance, product portfolio strategy, and property leasing operations.
• Head of Product (2018–2020): Led product strategy, life-cycle management, and NPD initiatives across retail and commercial sectors, consistently improving market positioning.
• Global Sourcing Manager (2009–2018): Delivered in-depth category management, supplier evaluation, cost analysis, negotiation strategy, and risk mitigation within the B2B DIY/building sector.
• National Accounts Manager (2007–2009): Managed key accounts—including B&Q, Topps Tiles, Wolseley Group, and Travis Perkins—consistently meeting sales targets through stakeholder alignment and strategic communications.

 



Situated within a 50-mile  journey to Manchester & Birmingham with excellent transport links to North West, West Midlands, East Midlands &  London.

Summary

Following the sale and disposition of previous business interests, I have engaged in providing consultancy services on a project and freelance basis while seeking new employment opportunities. This period of transition has allowed me to apply my skills in business development, market entry strategies, and product innovation. I have successfully managed and supervised various projects, achieving outcomes that align with the distinct requirements of each client.

 Commercially driven and operationally hands-on professional with a deep background in international procurement, business development, and SME start-up growth. My career spans over 20 years across manufacturing, e-commerce, and the building materials sector, where I’ve built businesses, led sourcing operations across Europe and Asia, and developed scalable strategies that deliver results
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From launching my own seven-figure import company to managing global supplier networks and directing national account relationships, I’ve always focused on turning commercial goals into operational success. Whether negotiating directly with factories in China and India or managing UK-based teams through digital transitions.

Led the development of innovative AI-driven platforms focused on legal analysis, financial audit, and strategic business consulting. This work has required a blend of commercial insight, compliance expertise, and digital transformation skills, enabling me to design solutions that improve decision-making, reduce costs, and strengthen regulatory compliance for businesses. By building and refining tools that integrate financial review, legal frameworks, and tax optimisation, I have demonstrated strong capability in business strategy, product development, and the practical application of emerging technologies to deliver measurable value for clients.