Lee Hamill
Degree: BSc Hons, Technology and Business Studies, University of Strathclyde
Joined ICI: 2006
Currently a Account Executive at ICI Paints, Slough
Why did you choose ICI?
I wanted to join a large international company that could offer me great commercial opportunities and where I could develop my skills quickly getting hands on experience. The prospect of having a real job with real responsibility from day one was very exciting. I enjoy variety and ICI offers me just that, both in my role and the type of people I work with.
What have you been doing since then?
I first joined the Customer Marketing Team where I worked as a Business Analyst. Here I worked on internal efficiency projects and product range performance! After four months I moved to the Focus DIY National Account team again as a Business Analyst! It was my job to mange all EPOS/market data to establish key insights between the customer and ourselves making recommendations on what ranges to stock and how much space to allocate in store! I was also in charge of in-store POP materials, working with design agencies to create product display aids etc. Since January I have been working for the Distributor Team working on several different accounts which vary from garden centres to large DIY Stores. I help manage the business working on areas such as promotional activity, ranging reviews and trading agreements. I work closely with each customer to improve our business.
The variety of different activities and type of customer that I deal with from week to week ensure my role continues to deliver.
In addition to my daily responsibilities I am part of the Coloured Emulsion Team. Our job is to manage all aspects of the category, creating new ideas and concepts, ultimately producing a yearly brand plan. I also get the opportunity to do project work. Currently I am working on a large innovation project that will be presented to the Business next month.
What are your responsibilities?
I am responsible for developing successful long-term relationships with my customers, providing them with layout and range solutions, promotional plans and trading agreements. I am also responsible for organising trading events and road shows.
What skills do you need for that?
My Sales role requires a good understanding of the Business and the product portfolio. You need to be able to listen to the customer and work in conjunction with them to achieve the best results. For that you also need to have good communication, presenting and negotiating skills. Good time and project management are essential as well!
Overall, are you enjoying life at ICI?
ICI is a great place to work. I really enjoy working with people from different cultures, backgrounds, departments and functions. The exposure I have had in both Sales and Marketing has given me a wealth of commercial knowledge and the responsibility given to me from an early stage has enabled me to develop quickly. I am in a good position to progress when I finish the European Graduate Development Programme in early 2008. To sum up, it's an exciting job that has lots of variety.
