Richard Crowther

The agricultural sector has always been a resilient one. Experiencing continual changes in policy, navigating global economic uncertainty, climate change, pressures from environmental groups whilst we in the UK agricultural sales market must be empathetic to their needs.  As a sales manager I must maintain integrity, authenticity, and a solution-focused attitude to ensure customer loyalty, be aware of competitor activity, grow geographically, establishing financial viability utilising innovation and creativity harnessing the latest diagnostic tools, e- communication, and sales-related IT applications to ensure the success of the organisations. 

Having worked in UK, Europe and Global agriculture for 28 years I am fully aware of the unique, changing and established needs of the sector. I am passionate and committed to understanding the products, their benefit to the industry and supporting stakeholders which enables me to uphold the strategic approach, vision and exceed targets of the organisation within which I work.  As an autonomous sales manager I continuously horizon scan to seek out creative opportunities for strategic growth, problem solve for the customer and colleagues across the organisation.  My strengths include collaborating, networking, negotiating, online and face to face communication and adapting to consolidate meaningful and long-lasting interpersonal relationships within the organisation and with external stakeholders thus leading to disseminating best practice approaches within the organisation.

Thank you for taking the time to read my profile and I look forward to hearing from you soon. 

Examples of my track record in exceeding sales ensuring exemplary customer service include:

• being sought out to train in Spain thus leading to roll out the new diagnostic tool Jaltest across the UK.  I then continued my success by being asked to lead the South of England sales area.  I increased the turnover in two years by 150%. Due to the increased growth of this area, it was then redistributed between three Area Managers, including myself.  
• Achieving 130% of my area target within the first three quarters of the year.
• Low customer satisfaction and morale in the area due to poor communication from other factions within the company.  I recognised this, arranged meetings with senior managers and various departments to built rapport and explore solutions which empathetically met their strategic and operational needs.  Thus, leading to a 522% increase in sales in the first year.  This year is currently at 110% of target with this group.

Work Experience

Employer: Bepco Tractor Parts, Hartlebury, Worcestershire

The Bepco–Tracpieces group are one of the world’s leading independent suppliers of tractor parts and accessories.

Bepco – Area Sales Manager and UK Diagnostic Support – Sept 2015 – Present

I travel across Wales and the borders meeting with key stakeholders to ascertain their product needs, troubleshoot their logistical issues and diagnostic support needs.  I strategically improve the growth of sales and number of customers within my area having built strong relationships in the area since 2015.  I have an excellent record of exceeding sales targets and am well-known in the area as a reliable, trustworthy, and knowledgeable representative of the organisation.

Bepco – UK Technical support and UK Diagnostic Support – Jan 2013 – Sept 2015

When TVH purchased Bepco an emphasis was placed upon technical support and sales. I was sought out due to my experience within the field for this role. Providing customers with technical advice and support as well as continuing to organise returns and warranty claims. I managed Texa Diagnostic demonstrations. I travelled to customers across the UK and Ireland demonstrating and advising them on set up. 

Bepco – UK Supervisor – Jan 2012 – Jan 2013

To manage the UK sales office team.  Operational management of returns and warranties, providing technical advice and sales support for customers and sales representatives.

Bepco - Customer Sales Operative and Technical Advisor - Jan 2009 – Jan 2012

As well as processing orders and purchasing stock I am responsible for providing technical advice and sales to our customers.

Bepco - Warehouse Supervisor (whole group) / UK Team Leader - Mar 2007- Jan 2009

Running the warehouse on a daily basis, allocation of staff duties, logistics management and management of staff timesheets and overtime payment.

Bepco - Team Leader - Mar 2006 - Mar 2007

Managing a team of Warehouse Operatives ensuring timely distribution of orders in the UK.

Bepco - Warehouse Operative - Jan 2005 - Mar 2006

My responsibilities included managing orders and deliveries for both customers and suppliers.

First Personnel Services Plc, Worcester - Nov 2004 - Jan 2005

This was a temporary contract as a Warehouse Operative which led to my role with Bepco.

Top Barn Farm Shop, Worcestershire - Sept 2003 - Nov 2004                                  

As head butcher I was responsible for the start up and day to day running of the butchery department of the farm shop. This included product management, purchasing, sales and the management of part-time staff.  I successfully started up the shop and ran it for 15 months.

Messrs P.D. & D.M. Field, Worcestershire - Jan 2003 - Sept 2003                           

As a general worker on this family run farm, I was responsible for the running of the dairy herd.

R.B. Lea & Sons, Warwickshire - Feb 2002 - Jan 2003  

As a general farm worker my role involved the day to day running of the dairy herd, which included milking, parlour hygiene, herd reproduction, foot trimming and feed rationing.

F.W. Crowther, Bewdley, Worcestershire - May 1999 - Feb 2002                           

I worked in the family business as assistant manager and butcher, roles included retail, customer service, finance and logistical aspects of running a small business.

C.J. & J Braithwaite & Sons, Shropshire - Feb 1997 - May 1999

Role included milking, parlour hygiene, herd reproduction, foot trimming and feed rationing on a pedigree Holstein breeding farm. 

1997 – 1998  Hindlip Agricultural College, Worcestershire.  HNC Herd Management

1995 – 1998  Hindlip Agricultural College, Worcestershire.  NVQ Levels 1-3: Stock Husbandry 

1990 – 1995  Bewdley High School, Bewdley, Worcestershire.  Eight GCSEs