Stephen Burbridge

About Stephen Burbridge

As an accomplished Executive Sales Leader, I bring a unique blend of expertise in Sales and Operations management across diverse corporate environments. My career encompasses successful team leadership, targeting prominent North American retailers like Walmart, Target, Costco, Kroger, and more. Additionally, I have spearheaded Operations functions, including Distribution Centers, Sales Support, and a sizable Field Service team of 3,500 members, effectively delivering cross-functional value.My track record reflects a consistent ability to drive robust outcomes by meticulously overseeing P&L management, implementing cost-control measures, enhancing efficiency, and fostering a culture of collaboration across various functional domains.I have demonstrated proficiency in new product launches, expanding into untapped markets, and driving revenue growth through both organic expansion and market share gains. Furthermore, my experience encompasses effectively navigating the integration of Acquisitions/Mergers, contributing to internal functional committees (such as Credit and IT), and actively participating in influential industry cross-share groups. I have also had the honor of serving as a featured speaker at industry events, a Board Member of a trade council, and an author of an article on Best Practices.Above all, I embody a passion for exemplary leadership, grounded in integrity and strong values, always leading by example and striving for excellence.SKILLS:• Sales Leadership• Business Planning• Operations Management • P&L Ownership• Revenue / Profit Generation • Supply Chain Management• Strategic Partnerships • Contract Negotiations• People Development • CRM Expertise• DSD and Cross-Dock Experience

Experience

1. Chief Executive Officer

   The Clever Factory Inc

   Sep 2023 — Present · Nashville, TN, US

   Lead all functional areas of the business, including Sales, Product Design & Development, Finance, HR/Administration, and Asia-based sourcing operations- Oversee full P&L responsibility, managing revenue, expenses, margins, EBITDA, and ensuring adequate cash flow in alignment with banking covenants and financial health targets- Introduced robust sales planning processes and implemented cross-departmental systems to track performance, productivity, and key business metrics- Direct annual budgeting, financial planning, and reporting, while securing and managing financing in alignment with strategic goals- Drive profitability and financial stability through disciplined cash flow management, growth initiatives, and ongoing margin optimization- Set and steer the company’s strategic direction by aligning long-term vision with market trends, customer insights, and organizational values- Recruited key talent and led departmental restructuring to align organizational design with business needs and growth objectives- Successfully led the company through major transitions and restructurings, maintaining team engagement and performance during change- Scaled sales and returned the company to profitability by expanding product lines, entering new retail channels, and implementing performance scorecards and analytics.

Education

• Northeastern University

  Master of Business Administration - MBA

• Brandeis University

  Bachelor of Arts - BA

Skills

• Strategic Planning
• Competitive Analysis
• Executive Management
• Business Development
• Process Improvement
• Analytics
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Marketing Strategy
• Retail
• Merchandising
• Sales
• Strategic Partnerships
• Management
• Lead Generation
• Customer Acquisition
• Marketing