Igor Klimeš

• Managed customer relationships for branded and private label products across France, Czech Republic, and Slovakia, with additional oversight for private label projects in other countries.

• Led the launch of a new category of functional candy, ensuring market readiness and successful execution.

• Reported directly to the Commercial Manager / Head of Sales.

• Developed and implemented long-term customer collaboration strategies, setting clear objectives and achieving measurable outcomes.

• Managed a team of 4 direct reports, overseeing key accounts in modern trade (e.g., Tesco, Billa, Kaufland, Ahold, DM) across two countries.

• Achieved sales, market share, and distribution targets by monitoring and delivering on approved KPIs.

• Conducted P&L reviews and implemented action plans to enhance profitability.

• Negotiated terms of cooperation, managed product portfolios, and executed promotional strategies.

• Supervised an external merchandising agency, overseeing budget creation, modern trade activations, and field sales execution.

• Successfully managed and developed key customer account across three countries.

• Demonstrated a strong ability to quickly learn and adapt to evolving market conditions and business needs.

• Excelled in both independent decision-making and collaborative teamwork to achieve organizational goals.

• Proactively took ownership of responsibilities, showcasing self-motivation and accountability.

• Effectively managed time and prioritized tasks to consistently meet tight deadlines while delivering high-quality results.

• Led category performance across four countries, achieving key KPIs through strategic planning and execution.

• Negotiated supplier terms and implemented CEE-level strategies to drive departmental success.

• Analyzed customer behavior (Dunnhumby data) to inform decision-making and boost profitability.

• Motivated and managed a high-performing team, successfully leading projects like BBQ and Salmon category launches.

Trade Planning Manager Apr 2014 - Jun 2015

• Delivered approved trade plans and identified gaps, opportunities, and actionable steps.

• Implemented business strategies and coordinated with suppliers to execute marketing and trade activities.

Central Fresh food buyer Mar 2012 - Apr 2014

• Managed procurement, trading, and planning for the fresh food category.

• Collaborated with local departments to align CE-level strategies.

Graduate trainee, head worker of department, manager of department

• Progressed through roles as a graduate trainee, department head worker, and department manager, gaining foundational leadership and operational skills.