Ian Robertson

My experience with Pentland Brands is extensive. I have experience of managing large data sets, providing commercial analysis to improve sales and margin across 4 Brands (Speedo, Berghaus, Canterbury & Mitre). Whilst reporting in to the Speedo Brand Director I developed financial reporting on a monthly basis across 10 - 15 product categories in over 80 countries to quickly an easily provide insight on customer / product mix and the impact on sales and margin vs. budget and commercial forecast.

On a seasonal basis, I was responsible for collating, analysing and preparing a financial sign off presentation to make sure that the seasonal product range aligned and delivered against the Brand Strategy. This would mean collating 4 years worth of historical data and providing insight into category and product mix, product range architecture, price point, cost movement and accurate forecasting. I would analyse datas from various sources, predominantly category, finance, commercial and operations.

For the previous 2 years I had a slight change in role and  reported into the EMEA Planning and Merchandising Director for Pentland. I provided analytical support for the monthly IBP process, updating the forecast vs. target and challenged the commercial teams to ensure the forecast was both accurate and delivered against the regional sales number. I advised on the creation of a core product range for all brands, making sure the range delivered high volume, sales and margin with optimised stock holding.

I can transform large amounts of data in to meaningful insights, creating visual summaries which are clear and concise. I can work cross functionally to understand  the key drivers of a business, partnering with finance, commercial and operations to gain a complete picture of performance. I am an advanced user of MS Excel and Powerpoint, which I use to analyse and summarise data extracted from SAP via BEx Queries. My experience is gained in various different functions which allows me to provide a well rounded overview of business performance and communicate the findings at all levels.

A committed and solution focused Senior Category & Insights Analyst with diverse experience and a proven record of
success. A commercially minded specialist, able to provide in-depth analysis and subsequent advice/suggestions on the
most effective way to drive profit and brand development. Versatile and pro-active, with expertise across: Product Channel Segmentation, Data Analysis, Product Range Architecture, Product Price Point Analysis and Product Sales Analysis. Both a team player and an independent thinker, with valuable analytical and decision-making skills and the ability to influence senior stakeholders and Executive members to ensure all issues are identified and fully addressed: Now seeking a related role to
make an immediate positive impact.

1988 – 1991: Sociology B.Sc. (Honours) Kingston University, Surrey