Biography
I work for Rowan International, the largest european distributor to discount retailers of consumer goods. I am responsible for the buying operations.
Previously I worked for Burton’s Foods a large Biscuit and Confectionery company to set up a business unit based on outsourcing production of finished products. You know us from our brands,Cadbury, Jammie Dodgers, Maryland, Wagon Wheels and Bertolli. Was also responsible for strategic sourcing projects, company co-packing, introduction of procurement to pay system, indirect spend and company implementation of Shelf Ready Packaging SRP.
Previously I was General Manager Direct Sourcing for B&Q and General Manager Global co-packing for Kingfisher. Previous to this I did nearly every functional job for Masterfoods / Mars Inc.
I have a degree in Chemistry and a M.B.A from the University of Strathclyde. I have worked in world class organisations in the food, fmcg,packaging and chemical industries. My experience covers Plant Management, Business Development, Technical Management, Training, Internal Consultancy, Project and Change Management.
I worked and lived in France for 10 years and I have led teams based in Austria, France, Holland and Germany. In addition, I have led global teams and been responsible for Business Development in Asia, Africa, and Ireland.
Director of Association of MBAs www.mbaworld.com
For additional information visit my web site www.hookeruk.com
Specialties:
Plant Management, Business Development, Technical Management, Training, Internal Consultancy, Project and Change Management.
Experience:
Bought In Goods Manager
Burton's Foods (Privately Held; 1001-5000 employees)
Food Production Industry
December 2005 – Present (2 months)
Responsible for buying in new finished products.
Consultant
1st4consultancy (Sole Proprietorship)
Management Consulting Industry
October 2005 – Present (4 months)
Supply Chain / Retail consulting
General Manager Copacking
Kingfisher (Public Company; 10,001 or more employees)
Retail Industry
October 2004 – October 2005 (1 year 1 month)
Responsible for Kingfisher copacking. Teams in UK and China - including factory in Shanghai China
General Manager Direct Sourcing
B&Q (Public Company; 10,001 or more employees)
Retail Industry
January 2005 – October 2005 (10 months)
Responsible for all B&Q direct imports from outside of UK.
Developed and deliver a globally aligned competency programme to >900 associates in 25 sites and to improve R&Ds internal and external communication. Also Project Manager for major European R&D restructuring programme.
§ Developed and implemented R&D strategy for global competencies and e-learning.
§ Leading a global virtual team of 100.
§ Designed and delivered many internal courses including Creativity, Health and Nutrition, Consumer Nearness and Quality.
§ Developed and implementing communication strategy
§ Project manager for a major change programme within European R&D to align with future needs.
1 person has endorsed Steve at Masterfoods:
“I always appreciated Steve's input and enjoyed working with him. He has great intellectual capability & was an excellent team facilitator & coach” (August 9, 2005)
– Paul Wilkinson worked with Steve at Masterfoods
Product Development Manager
Mars (Privately Held; 10,001 or more employees)
Food Production Industry
July 2001 – December 2002 (1 year 6 months)
Managed teams in Austria and UK developing healthy nutritious snacks and the R&D packaging design team across Europe.
§ Developed strategy for healthy snacks that will diversify portfolio to meet consumer trends
§ Led and coached cutting edge consumer innovation techniques that resulted in new products
§ Organised and facilitated the largest food prototyping event
§ Facilitation skills co-trainer
European R&D Packaging Manager
M&M (Privately Held; 10,001 or more employees)
Packaging and Containers Industry
February 1999 – July 2001 (2 years 6 months)
European R&D Packaging Manager
M&M (Privately Held; 10,001 or more employees)
Packaging and Containers Industry
February 1999 – July 2001 (2 years 6 months)
Managed European team of packaging technologists based out of NL, F, D, U