John O'Sullivan
Dublin
Summary
Commercially driven growth leader with a proven record of scaling brands, winning strategic partnerships, and delivering revenue growth across Ireland, UK, and international markets. Combines entrepreneurial success with elite high-performance leadership developed through a 15-year professional football career. Highly effective at opening doors, building trusted relationships, leading teams, and converting commercial opportunities into long-term revenue streams. Brings strong commercial instinct, executive presence, and resilience to fast-paced, competitive environments. Experienced across FMCG, health & wellbeing, sport, education, and growth-stage businesses.
Trusted relationship builder with a warm, authentic, and high-energy leadership style. Known for creating strong partnerships, motivating teams, and bringing momentum to growth environments. Combines humility with competitiveness and strong execution focus.
Experienced with leading and managing teams to achieve operational excellence. Utilizes strategic planning and effective communication to drive team performance. Track record of fostering collaborative environment and meeting organizational objectives.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Commercial & Business Development Lead
WELL CAN'D WATER
Republic Of Ireland
06.2022 - Current
- Managed strategic partnerships and sales strategies to support operational scalability and market growth in both domestic and international arenas for a fast-growth consumer brand.
- Key Achievements:
- Developed and executed commercial growth initiatives to fulfill shareholder and investor ambitions.
- Expanded brand presence across Ireland, UK, Europe and US markets through distributor and retail partnerships
- Developed and managed significant partnerships with major clients, including Sysco, Aramark, BWG, UNFI, and Celtic Marketing, to drive mutual success.
- Built and managed robust sales pipeline through networking, outbound development, referrals, and CRM-led opportunity management
- Designed go-to-market strategies tailored to regional market dynamics and customer demand.
- Negotiated commercial agreements that improved market penetration and long-term account value.
- Produced revenue forecasts, pipeline reporting, and growth insights for leadership decision-making.
- Led procurement planning to ensure cost efficiency, continuity of supply and inventory optimizations.
- Worked cross-functionally with operations, logistics and partners to ensure successful onboarding and delivery.
- Supported hiring, onboarding and development of team capability during scale-up growth phase.
- Developed strategic partnerships to enhance market presence and drive revenue growth.
- Led cross-functional teams in executing business development initiatives and operational improvements.
Sports Contributor (Live Television)
Ireland AM – Virgin Media Television
IRELAND
01.2025 - Current
- Delivered live sports segments on national breakfast television.
- Covered football and rugby, providing concise analysis and discussion.
- Contributed to a live studio environment alongside existing presenters.
- Demonstrated strong on-camera communication and adaptability under live broadcast conditions.
- Collaborated with production staff to prepare content for live air.
- Collaborated with production teams to ensure seamless show operations and timely execution of segments.
First Team Manager
MAYNOOTH UNIVERSITY
08.2025 - Current
- Lead manager of university football programme competing in a high-performance environment.
- Key Contributions:
- Responsible for leadership, standards, culture, and performance outcomes
- Built high-accountability team environment focused on discipline and development.
- Led team to 2025 College Finals
- Apply coaching, motivation, tactical planning, and people leadership skills.
- Led cross-functional teams to enhance project outcomes and streamline operations.
- Developed training programs that improved team performance and employee engagement.
15-Year Elite Playing Career
UK & Ireland
08.2010 - 12.2025
- Highly successful professional football career across leading clubs in England and Ireland.
- Career Highlights:
- 400+ senior professional appearances (Blackburn Rovers, Blackpool, Barnsley, Carlisle United, Dundee United, Bury, Accrington Stanley, Morecambe, Bohemians, Shelbourne)
- League of Ireland Champion
- Multiple promotions within English league system
- Represented Ireland at U15, U16, U17, U19 & U21 levels
- Executive Value Derived from Elite Sport:
- Leadership under pressure
- Resilience and mental toughness
- Team ship and accountability
- Consistent performance standards
- Competitive mindset
- Discipline and professionalism.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
Skills
- Commercial Strategy & Revenue Growth
- Business Development & New Market Entry
- Key Account Management
- Strategic Partnerships
- Sales Leadership & Pipeline Management
- Negotiation & Influencing
- Brand Expansion & Route-to-Market Strategy
- Team Leadership & Performance Culture
- Forecasting, Reporting & Commercial Planning
- Stakeholder Management
- Procurement & Supply Chain Coordination
- High-Performance Leadership
Accomplishments
- League of Ireland Champion – contributed to title-winning campaign
Certification
- Business Management
- Sport Psychology
- UEFA B License
- Safeguarding Certification
- Ongoing leadership and commercial development
Timeline
First Team Manager
MAYNOOTH UNIVERSITY
08.2025 - Current
Sports Contributor (Live Television)
Ireland AM – Virgin Media Television
01.2025 - Current
Commercial & Business Development Lead
WELL CAN'D WATER
06.2022 - Current
15-Year Elite Playing Career
UK & Ireland
08.2010 - 12.2025