As Sales Operations Manager, I am responsible for overseeing and developing an effective sales process to enable our sales team to meet their targets. As part of this, I manage our CRM system and am responsible for ensuring it's effective implementation across the sales team. I am also responsible for producing dashboards and reports which are used by the senior leadership team to make decisions which are driven by data. Lastly, I am responsible for a team of 6 Sales Support Managers, who handle enquries, quotes & processing orders. I work with the team to drive process improvements, improve data quality and reduce admin time.

There is no such typical day in my role at Gripple; I am involved in a range of activities including:
- Work with a variety of stakeholders to develop and produce Power BI Dashboards to suit their requirements
- Analysing Sales & CRM Data to provide data-driven insights
- Leading CRM Steering Group meetings to identify user painpoints and develop solutions
- Managing projects to improve processes within the Sales Support function
- Conducting regular 1:1's and team meetings
- Reporting spend & rebate figures to key counterparts within our National Distribution partners

One of the best parts of the role is being able to have an impact! From analysing the data to identifying the outcomes, I am then involved in implementing the solution - so I see the whole process from cradle to grave, which is very satisfying.

I am also very much a people's person - so I very much enjoy managing and empowering my team to perform to the best of their ability and achieve the businesses objectives in the process.

Lastly, Gripple is a truly unique and brilliant place to work. Gripple's employee ownership model sets us apart from many other employers and has enabled Gripple to maintain a really unique culture which is based upon the 'GLIDE' values such as laughter, fun, honesty and respect.

One of the biggest challenges that I face is managing different stakeholders' expectations. Often there are several parties involved in a project and some may have conflicting interests. I have learnt that it is important to listen to others and be diplomatic in your approach - ensuring that there is sufficient buy-in to the solution you are suggesting.

Another challenge is driving change! Gripple is a constantly evolving and growing company, but sometimes it can be difficult to ensure that everybody is on board and nobody is left behind.

I graduated in June 2019, having already been accepted on to Gripple's graduate scheme which started in September 2019.
My 16-month rotation involved placements across various core business functions such as: Sales, Marketing, Finance & Supply Chain. Following successful completion of the graduate scheme, I was appointed to the role 'Sales Operations Manager' within Gripple's UK Sales Team.

I very much see myself growing with Gripple. As part of this, I would like to further develop my leadership and project management capabilities through Gripple's very own Training Academy!

When it comes to applying for graduate roles, the earlier that you can start, the better! The relief I felt going into my final term, knowing that I had a job offer secured allowed me to really focus on my studies and ultimately secure a first class degree. At the same time, don't be too harsh on yourself and accept that you're going to receive rejection along the way - I had plenty myself!