Jay Newton
Sales Director
London,ENG
Summary
I specialise in international business development across a variety of sectors, including gifting, kitchenware, stationery, toys, beauty, and games. With over 19 years of experience in scaling businesses, building sales teams and forging key partnerships, I have excellent industry expertise and contacts. I like to bring positive and motivating energy to any team i work with.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Sales
Tinc UK
Stationery, Gifting, And Toys
12.2022 - Current
- Spearheaded international sales expansion, achieving a 40% YOY growth by acquiring 8 new distributors and securing several high-profile accounts
- Drove £2M in new business by negotiating key partnerships with major UK retailers John Lewis, WHS, Sainsbury’s and travel retail giants Lagardere and DFS Asia
- Developed and implemented strategic sales plans to penetrate high-potential markets like the USA, UK, Germany, Spain and Australia exceeding targets by 20%
- Led go-to-market initiatives for new product launches and regional entries; developing product positioning, sales forecasting, and customer engagement strategies to maximize brand presence and revenue in key international markets
- Led high-level negotiations for multi-market contracts with global retailers and distributors, ensuring agreements were aligned with the company’s strategic goals
- Led cross-functional teams, collaborating with marketing, product development, and operations to align strategies and ensure a seamless customer experience
- Oversaw sales forecasting, budgeting, pricing and margin optimization across all accounts
Senior International Sales Manager EMEA
Core Home NY
Homeware, Games, Hydration, Gifting
10.2020 - 12.2022
- Led the successful international launch of 5 US-based brands through strategic partnerships with key accounts, distributors, and private label channels, boosting market visibility and sales.
- Negotiated and closed high-value deals with Carrefour and Tesco, growing Tesco’ssales to £2.4 million in the first year by developing and managing 10+ product ranges across Cook, Pet, Dine, Gift, and Stationery categories.
- Drove international growth by onboarding key distributors and securing new accounts in the homeware, gaming, hydration, and gifting sectors, expanding brand presence and revenue.
- Collaborated with senior leadership to optimise pricing, margin structures, and profitability strategies, ensuring alignment with overarching business goals.
- Managed all aspects of pricing, margin optimisation, and cost structures, ensuring alignment with both market dynamics and company profitability targets.
Sales Director
Wild & Wolf
Gifting, Homeware, Toys And Beauty
10.2018 - 12.2022
- Led the expansion of 9 premium brands across EMEA and APAC securing new business and increasing sales from $4M to $11M
- Expanded international distribution by onboarding several new distributors and key accounts resulting in 45% YOY growth
- Oversaw the creation and execution of annual and monthly sales plans for over 30 markets ensuring alignment of sales objectives whilst maximising revenue growth and profitability
- Managed sales forecasting, budgeting, pricing and performance tracking to ensure revenue and profitability targets were consistently met
- Led a team of 2 direct reports and fostered a culture of collaboration, accountability, and excellence
- Provided coaching and performance management, driving both individual and team success
Senior International Sales Manager
Joseph Joseph Ltd
Kitchen And Homeware
03.2015 - 02.2018
- Delivered 25% YOY growth across 30+ global markets, vastly exceeding targets and securing lasting new customer relationships
- Secured and nurtured relationships with major retail partners such as John Lewis, El Corte Ingles, Carrefour and Globus
- Led successful product launches across multiple channels, growing category presence and increasing retail listings by over 30% in competitive markets
- Negotiated key contracts with customers to drive sales, improve margin, increase product listings and ensure companies goals were being met
- Developed tailored go-to-market strategies, focusing on product positioning, market research, and customer engagement
- Led continuous improvement initiatives by using data-driven insights to inform sales strategies and decision-making processes
- Built and led a highly motivated teams, establishing performance metrics and incentive structures that contributed to sustained growth
- Monitored industry trends and competitor activity to proactively adapt sales strategies
International Sales Manager
Bollman Group
Fashion Accessories
03.2008 - 10.2014
- Managed a diverse portfolio across EMEA and South America, growing annual sales by 15-20% despite economic challenges
- Developed new distributor relationships, adding 8 new distributors and 6 agents, and expanded market coverage taking sales from 3M to 7M
- Held full P&L accountability for the region, managing the sales budget and forecasting, and driving profitability for key accounts
- Successfully negotiated contract terms and built long-term relationships with partners like Galeries Lafayette, El Corte Ingles, Carrefour and Stockmann
International Sales Executive
Lulu Guinness
Fashion Accessories
02.2007 - 03.2008
- Managed key accounts across international markets, contributing to overall growth and expansion of the brand in the USA and Europe
- Taking on 50 new customers and increasing sales by 25%
National Sales Manager
Lacoste (Sydney)
Fashion Apparel And Accessories
06.2005 - 12.2006
- Led national wholesale strategy and B2B across Australia, driving 30% revenue growth and managing high-profile customers like David Jones and Meyer
Education
BBA - Business And Administration
UWE Bristol University
United Kingdom 04.2001 -
Skills
- Growth strategies
- Leadership
- Account Management
- Business Development
- International sales
- Deal Closure
Timeline
Head of Sales
Tinc UK
12.2022 - Current
Senior International Sales Manager EMEA
Core Home NY
10.2020 - 12.2022
Sales Director
Wild & Wolf
10.2018 - 12.2022
Senior International Sales Manager
Joseph Joseph Ltd
03.2015 - 02.2018
International Sales Manager
Bollman Group
03.2008 - 10.2014
International Sales Executive
Lulu Guinness
02.2007 - 03.2008
National Sales Manager
Lacoste (Sydney)
06.2005 - 12.2006
BBA - Business And Administration
UWE Bristol University
04.2001 -