Des Rennell
Food Industry Sales Professional
Introduction
Des is a sales professional in the food industry and is based in the East Midlands, UK.
Residing in the heart of the country, he has a close access to the motorways which has enabled him to handle customers at local, regional, and national account levels, both at head offices and by providing support to local branches of these larger organisations when required.
During his sales career, Des has worked for food manufacturers and wholesalers both as an interim and on a permanent basis, dealing with a wide range of product categories. He has supported various clients, from independent restaurants & retailers to pubs, hotel groups, coffee shop chains, travel and leisure & stadia venues to name a few.
AboutAfter completing training in food production techniques and acquiring college qualifications in hospitality, Des began his career as a military chef. Stationed in Germany, he collaborated in a team to provide catering services in the main regiment kitchen.
Subsequently, he was then asked to join a small select team serving senior ranks in the officers' mess and occasionally worked on VIP events. Des also provided catering in the field during military operations, earning a medal for his service in the Gulf.
Upon his return to the UK, Des pursued further education and obtained a degree in Hotel Management and Tourism from Manchester Metropolitan University. He worked in hospitality throughout his studies and following graduation, he transitioned to front-ofhouse roles in this sector, working in a high-end hotel and a popular restaurant chain. In these roles, he managed shifts with a team of over 20 staff at the restaurant and oversaw service for events and weddings hosting up to 300 hotel guests.
During this period, Des discovered his inclination towards customer interaction over backof-house duties, prompting a shift into sales. His sales journey began in a catering development sales role in the Lake District for a renowned international food organisation, where his focus was on promoting iconic global brands.
Des is proficient in technology, including MS Office, has experience with various CRM software. He enjoys learning & has completed various online courses such as health & hygiene, nutritional therapy and has even dabbled with digital marketing.
Food Categories Sold
Des has encountered a wide range of food products in different forms, SKUs and production methods over time. These include ambient dry store grocery items, chilled and frozen products, as well as preservation methods like modified atmosphere packaging, vacuum packing and sous vide.
The products have ranged from ready-to-serve centre plate and snack menu items that need simple reheating to raw ingredients like proteins that caterers use to prepare dishes considering the skill sets and staffing levels of their specific catering operation.
Moreover, he has worked with products designed for bake-off in high street retail settings like coffee shops and food-to-go establishments in the travel industry. In a previous role, he was also responsible for sales and operations for a hot beverage franchise and has provided support for a bakery franchise, gaining valuable project management experience in the process.
Menu Ingredient Commodities
Soups, Stocks and Sauces Pizza and Pasta Complete Meal Solutions Spreads, Mayonnaise & Dressings
Oils & Vinegars Pastry & Bakery Ingredients including chocolate Finished Morning Goods, Pastries & Desserts
Dietary Options such as Vegan, Gluten Free, Halal, Allergen Free
Brands Sold
Customers Supported
Des has a successful history of effectively engaging with a wide range of customers and quickly adjusting to new customer portfolios. When he began his career in sales, Des received training from a reputable organisation, establishing a structured, methodical and professional approach that he still follows today.
As he advanced to a sales trainer, he shared these best practices with his peers. Des has assisted various local independent food businesses, such as cafés, garden centres farm shops/service stations, restaurants, hotels, schools, colleges, universities, and contract caterers. He played a key role in promoting national account listings at local level before taking on roles of handling National Customers at Head Office level himself.
Highlighting the significance of nurturing enduring customer relationships based on trust, reliability, and timely commitments, along with outstanding customer service, Des brings a wealth of experience, keen attention to detail, and solid commercial expertise to his role.
Drawing from his hospitality background, he gains a deeper insight into his clients' operational challenges and opportunities. By actively participating in shifts at their establishments, Des has acquired valuable insights and specialised knowledge to offer customised solutions that meet their needs, consequently enhancing the quality of their trading relationships and growing sales to mutual gain.
“ Highly self-motivated, skilled and versatile, Des hit the ground running with his effective approach to the account portfolio challenges and opportunities and greatly assisted the National Account team in the required easing of the burden on the account workload. I would highly recommend Des to any prospective employer looking for their business to be in safe hands ”
Some Customers
Approach to Selling
Des brings his wealth of experience in the food industry to customer interactions, utilizing a consultative and solution-oriented approach. His objective is to ensure that products and service level meet both the customer's business requirements and end-user needs, resulting in mutually beneficial outcomes for all involved parties and nurturing long-term sustainable relationships. He recognizes the need for tailored approaches across different customer sectors. This would involve, but not be limited to the following key areas:
• Establish and evaluate the level of support current customers receive. Enhance service by gaining deeper insights into their business operations.
• Determine the best communication methods for clients and ensure internal implementation to maintain excellent customer service and account management.
• Choose the ideal timing to engage potential customers using effective communication channels to showcase products and services tailored to their needs.
• Utilize telephone communication, conduct development meetings, employ social media and digital marketing, and participate in trade shows while considering ROI. Analyse trends and insights and conduct gap analysis to identify missed opportunities.
• Establish operational capabilities and product range suitable for different customer sectors, considering commercial viability and margin expectations.
“ Sustainable business relations are built on the ability to carry out what you promise with honesty, integrity and efficiency
- Des Rennell
Summary
Des is a food enthusiast with a rich background in hospitality, food sales, and selling products to the hospitality sector which spans over two decades. Despite a brief career detour following Covid, Des excels in positive, customer-focused foodie environments.
With a solid work ethic and a can-do attitude, Des enjoys dynamic, fast-paced settings and he is at home working independently, setting clear tasks and objectives or collaboratively towards a shared goal.
His versatility in various aspects of the food industry allows him to adapt quickly to change, learn continuously, and identify priorities for action. Des is driven by a challenge, evident in his recent skydiving experience from 14,000 feet. He now has plans to train to obtain a skydiving license for solo jumps!
Staying active is essential for Des, preferring outdoor workouts in all weather conditions (including -4c) over traditional gym sessions. During downtime, he enjoys playing musical instruments, particularly the piano, which he has self-taught and continues to develop.
Des enjoys being creative and still gets his chef's knives out on occasion and is looking rekindle his passion for photography with his new camera, which also serves a practical purpose for work. He will be looking for a GoPro next for his outdoor ventures!
www.linkedin.com/in/desrennell
Get In Touch
Des.Rennell1@gmail.com
Des is open to discuss new opportunities and always looking to connect to like minded fellow foodies. If you are looking for help with account management and sales growth then reach out, let’s talk, have a coffee and make things happen!
For further information and testimonials check out linkedin profile below
