Jennie Sarson
Mount Warning,NSW
Summary
Founder and owner of a successful food brand, built from the ground up through strategic sales, strong branding and deep customer and market insight. Experienced across the full commercial lifecycle including product development, go-to-market strategy. I am proactive, self-motivated professional with a passion for health-focused products and proven ability to grow awareness, loyalty and revenue. Management and training of staff in all aspects of food production, warehousing and distribution.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner/Operator
Sol Organics Byron Bay
Mullumbimby, NSW
03.2014 - Current
- Directed organizational strategy and vision to align with market trends.
- Established key partnerships to expand business opportunities and networks.
- Implemented innovative solutions to improve operational efficiency across departments.
- Negotiated and approved contracts between company and distributors, suppliers and other external entities.
- Organised and represented the company at national and international conferences, trade shows, networking events.
- Analyzed market trends and competitor activities to optimise product development decisions.
- Evaluated current products and services in order to develop strategies for improvement.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors, suppliers, and partners.
- Developed and executed national marketing strategies to enhance brand visibility.
- Oversaw the creation of digital content and social media campaigns for engagement.
- Maintained relationships with key customers by providing them with high quality service.
- Management and training of staff in all aspects of food production, warehousing, despatch and distribution.
Founder & Managing Director
Byron Bay Healthy Salt Co
Byron Bay, NSW
01.2010 - 01.2015
- Established innovative product lines focused on health-conscious consumers.
- Managed supply chain operations to ensure high-quality ingredient sourcing.
- Cultivated strong professional relationships with suppliers and key clients to drive long-term business development.
- Developed marketing strategies to enhance brand visibility in wellness communities.
- Collaborated with local retailers to expand distribution network effectively.
- Oversaw all aspects of operations including product development, marketing, sales, customer service and finance.
Territory Sales Manager
VOK Beverages
East Perth & Northern Territory, WA & NT
03.2003 - 11.2005
- Cultivated relationships with retailers to expand product visibility and sales.
- Developed and executed territory sales plans to maximize market penetration.
- Collaborated with marketing teams to implement promotional campaigns effectively.
- Prepared weekly and monthly reports on sales performance against targets.
- Created and managed relationships with key customers in the region
- New product ranging and promotion
Business Development Manager
DIAGEO Australia
Perth & Northern Territory, WA & NT
01.1999 - 03.2003
- Negotiated contracts and agreements to enhance company profitability and growth.
- Identified potential clients, built relationships, and negotiated contracts.
- Determined business development opportunities and implemented effective strategy for client acquisition.
- Established new customer accounts using negotiation and sales closing abilities.
- Managed the sales pipeline and forecasted sales targets to ensure business objectives were met.
- New product ranging and execution
- Cultivated strong professional relationships with suppliers and key clients to drive long-term business development.
- Cultivated strong professional relationships with suppliers and key clients to drive long-term business development.
- Recruited, trained, and managed merchandisers and promotional staff for on-premise and event activations
Territory Manager
Cadbury Schweppes
Perth, Western Australia
02.1996 - 02.1999
- Managed relationships with retail partners to enhance product visibility.
- Developed and executed promotional strategies for targeted market segments.
- Conducted regular site visits to ensure compliance with merchandising standards.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales in assigned territory.
- Order Taking & Inventory Awareness
- Relationship Building with Store Owners & Managers
- Sales Target Achievement & Growth
- New Product Ranging & Distribution Expansion
- In-Store Merchandising & Execution Planogram Implementation including compliance Shelf Space Optimisation Stock Rotation & Product Availability
- Display Building & Promotional Set-ups Point of Sale (POS) Placement & Maintenance
- Range Reviews & Shelf Layout Improvements
Sales Representative
Peters & Brownes Pty Ltd
Balcatta, Perth, Western Australia
01.1994 - 02.1996
- Negotiated pricing contracts with customers and new potential customers
- Managed relationships with retail partners to enhance product visibility.
- Developed and executed promotional strategies for targeted market segments.
- Conducted regular site visits to ensure compliance with merchandising standards.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales in assigned territory.
- Order Taking & Inventory Awareness
- Relationship Building with Store Owners & Managers
- Sales Target Achievement & Growth
- New Product Ranging & Distribution Expansion
- In-Store Merchandising & Execution Planogram Implementation including compliance Shelf Space Optimisation Stock Rotation & Product Availability
- Display Building & Promotional Set-ups Point of Sale (POS) Placement & Maintenance
- Range Reviews & Shelf Layout Improvements
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Marketing Management
Australian Institue of Management
Perth, WA10-2004
High School Diploma -
Scarborough Senior High School
Scarborough, WA12-1990
Skills
- Strategic planning
- Contract negotiation
- Marketing strategy
- Operational efficiency
- Product development
- Customer relationship management
- Supply chain management
- Business development
- Team leadership
- Time management
- Effective communication
- Adaptability
- Relationship management
- Financial reporting
- Sales negotiation
- Business operations management
- Performance analysis
- Inventory management
- Marketing strategy development
- Recruiting and hiring
- Cashflow management
- Marketing expertise
- Staff management training and development
Timeline
Owner/Operator
Sol Organics Byron Bay
03.2014 - Current
Founder & Managing Director
Byron Bay Healthy Salt Co
01.2010 - 01.2015
Territory Sales Manager
VOK Beverages
03.2003 - 11.2005
Business Development Manager
DIAGEO Australia
01.1999 - 03.2003
Territory Manager
Cadbury Schweppes
02.1996 - 02.1999
Sales Representative
Peters & Brownes Pty Ltd
01.1994 - 02.1996
Some College (No Degree) - Marketing Management
Australian Institue of Management
High School Diploma -
Scarborough Senior High School