Steve Brooks

Trading Manager - Meals @Marks and Spencer

London, GB

Head of the Meals commercial team ensuring delivery of commercial targets including the growth of sales and improvement in availability. Drive profit and waste improvements in line with operating plan budgets- Categories include, Ready Meals, Pizza, Snacking, Chilled Breads, Pasta, Prepared Veg, Soups- Lead the Meals Category strategy to ultimately step change how M&S is seen within the meal solutions market and grow its market share- As part of the Fresh Food leadership team, take accountability for broader fresh food trading performance and work closely with the business leadership team (MD, CCO, FD etc)- Challenge the supply base to ensure they are achieving their goals set out within the category strategy whilst delivering best in class supplier relationships and driving efficiency improvements within supply base- Utilise customer insight, sales and trend analysis to optimise category strategy- Ensure commercial strategy is aligned to the M&S key values and compliant to legal requirements- Lead end to end category review to ensure process is optimised and efficiency benefits are unlocked, giving customers the ultimate experience when interacting with M&S- Raising the profile of M&S Meal Solutions and influencing change within the industry, driving marketing campaigns which are new to category and industry- Negotiate supplier contracts / agreements- Manage and coach a market leading commercial team including a mix of Senior Buyers, Buyers & Junior Buyers- Mentor Senior Buyers across the M&S business

Hult Ashridge Executive Education

Commercial Development Programme

University of Chichester

Business Studies & I.T. (BA Hons)