Mark Rhodes

A strategic and technically biased B2B New Product Development Specialist with over 20 years Manufacturing, Engineering and Commercial experience across a wide range of business disciplines including new product development, product category management, supplier management, account management, international trade & category management. A highly creative yet pragmatic SIX SIGMA BLACKBELT with proven project management, leadership and management skills. Demonstrated success driving growth in targeted markets through implementation of key projects through aligned teamwork and ability to execute stakeholder influence without authority.

NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMEMT MANAGER - May 2019 – Present
Vispring Ltd – Plymouth, Devon.

Vispring is a British manufacturer of luxury, hand-made beds established in London in 1901 and pioneered the modern-day pocket sprung mattress. A market-leader in the use of sustainable natural materials, each product is handcrafted to order, using luxurious fillings including cashmere, tussah silk,
bamboo, horsetail hair and real Shetland wool. Vispring is headquartered in the UK with subsidiaries in China, Europe, USA & Canada.

Management of the Product Development Department responsible for global portfolio, NPD, category
management, BOM maintenance, engineering production release and costing. Furniture fire risk compliance, product safety, prototyping, manufacturability & life cycle testing, liaison with global sales teams, international retailers and interior designers.

Coombe Dean Comprehensive / Sixth Form 1981 - 1988, Elburton, Devon

GCE O Levels - Maths, Physics, Modern Communications, English Language, Technology, History, Engineering Drawing, Computer Studies

GCE A Levels - History, Economics, Art

Plymouth University, 1988-1992, Drake Circus, Devon

BA (Hons) Business Studies

Overall Mark 61% Upper second class 2:1