Nikita Hernandez
Piarco
Summary
Multi-faceted Sales & Marketing Professional, promoting excellent record of meeting company-defined quotas through exceptional communication and engagement strategies. 18 year progressive career background combined with dedication to corporate growth and development.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Regional Sales Manager - South Caribbean (1 Month)
UPFIELD (c/o Vemco) - (Remote)
Remote
01.2024 - 02.2024
- Developed and managed 2024 budgets to confirm proper use of resources and maximize profitability.
- Collaborated with senior executives to evaluate performance in regional area and develop strategies to expand revenue generation.
- Optimized inventory management processes by working closely with supply chain partners, reducing stock discrepancies while improving order fulfillment rates.
Country Lead - Trinidad & Tobago
UPFIELD (c/o Vemco)- (Remote)
Remote
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Achieved distributor territory sales objectives by coordinating sales team quarterly strategies, field team product trainings and reacting quickly to the evolving competitive landscape
- Expanded market share by leveraging POS data trend analysis to identify growth opportunities within portfolio and share of shelf alignment in store
- Collaborated cross-functionally with sales, marketing, finance and supply chain departments both internally and externally for seamless task progression
- Developed and provided comprehensive updates on market trends, competitor analysis, and new product developments for both Upfield and Vemco
- Developed and managed budgets to optimize use of resources for proper inventory management (expiries), profitability maximization and sales growth
- Collaborated with distributor senior executives to evaluate performance in regional areas and develop strategies to expand revenue generation.
- Enhanced overall customer experience by conducting regular account reviews and joint business planning to ensure alignment with client objectives and company offerings.
- Optimized inventory management processes by working closely with supply chain partners and manufacturers, reducing stock discrepancies and quality issues while improving order fulfillment rates.
- Managed revenue models, process flows, operations support and collaborated closely with market research agencies to gain shopper insights
Chief Sales & Marketing Manager
CGA - Trinidad (On-Site)
Laventille, Trinidad
09.2023 - 12.2023
- Collaborated on Standard Operating Procedures to streamline workflows by identifying bottlenecks in existing systems and proactively addressing these challenges through appropriate solutions implementation.
- Head of multiple departments including Sales, Marketing, and Trade Execution, managing a total of 5 direct reports
- Negotiated contract manufacturing projects with external customers
- Developed pricing strategies and promotional plans to ensure competitive advantage and visibility with focus on seasonality
- Monitored and analyzed business performance to identify areas of improvement and make necessary adjustments with authorized distributors
Customer Development Manager (Trinidad)
COLGATE PALMOLIVE - Trinidad
Macoya, Trinidad
08.2019 - 08.2022
- Core responsibility of distributor management, managing a diverse portfolio of categories, budgets and trade customer relationships
- Leveraged data-driven insights to optimize sales strategy and drive revenue growth.
- Evaluated the competitive landscape to develop targeted sales initiatives designed to gain market share from industry rivals.
- Delivered compelling presentations to executive-level decision-makers, securing new business deals and expanding the company''s client base.
- Increased customer satisfaction by developing and implementing strategic account plans.
- Expanded market share by identifying new business opportunities and fostering partnerships with key stakeholders.
Customer Development Executive (Barbados)
COLGATE PALMOLIVE - Barbados
Bridgetown, Barbados
06.2018 - 08.2019
- Collaborated closely with cross-functional teams such as marketing and product development to create cohesive go-to-market strategies for new product releases.
- Engaged in product training, demonstrations, consumer awareness, branding, and acquisition initiatives to raise awareness and revenues.
- Boosted marketing, reviewed pricing strategies and expanded distribution channels to increase sales revenue.
- Liaised with sales, marketing, and management teams to develop solutions and accomplish shared objectives.
- Collaborated cross-functionally with headquarters, regional and other teams nationally to maintain consistent message and experience.
- Streamlined internal processes for improved efficiency, ensuring timely and accurate communication between departments.
Shopper Development Manager (South East Caribbean)
COLGATE PALMOLIVE - Trinidad
Macoya, Trinidad
03.2016 - 05.2018
- Worked closely with key customers to optimize category management solutions and planograms to fulfill orders using shortest, most efficient route.
- Led development and execution of visual merchandising tasks as directed, creating eye-catching & disruptive displays increasing sales turnover
- Participated in regular stakeholder meetings to discuss strategies for improving store performance and addressing any challenges faced collectively.
- Collaborated with managers to provide customer feedback and recommend operational changes to meet emerging trends.
- Fostered lasting relationships with customers through effective communication and quick response, resulting in long-term loyalty and expanded client base.
Junior Business Development Manager
COLGATE PALMOLIVE - Trinidad
Macoya, Trinidad
04.2013 - 02.2016
- Responsible for gathering and reporting relevant trade insights to support sales and marketing team objectives and planning
- Led store audits inclusive of 5P elements and collaborated with distributor field teams to achieve successful executions based on opportunity areas
Trade Marketing Specialist
Langston Roach Industries Ltd
San Juan, Trinidad
01.2012 - 03.2013
- Enhanced brand visibility by designing and executing trade marketing campaigns, brand guidelines, 5P strategies for key product lines.
- Improved customer satisfaction with targeted training programs for retail staff on product features and benefits.
- Developed questionnaires and facilitated focus group discussions.
Brand Manager
Langston Roach Industries Ltd
San Juan, Trinidad
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams for successful product launches and coordinated marketing and sales efforts.
- Boosted product sales with innovative promotional strategies and attractive packaging designs.
- Coordinated trade show participation, showcasing products effectively while networking with industry professionals to expand business relationships.
Assistant Media Manager
Pearl & Dean
Woodbrook, Trinidad
09.2010 - 01.2011
- Oversaw day-to-day management of multiple client accounts, ensuring seamless communication and timely delivery of projects.
Clerical Assistant Commercial Services
Republic Bank Limited
San Juan, Trinidad
01.2009 - 01.2010
- Reviewed and developed proposals for commercial clients based on identified financial needs
Teller
Republic Bank Limited
San Juan, Trinidad
01.2006 - 01.2010
- Managed high-volume transactions efficiently while maintaining attention to detail, ensuring accurate processing for customers.
Education
Digital Marketing Foundations - Marketing
Programming Hub
Online05.2024
Advanced Microsoft Excel - Data Analysis
School of Business & Computer Science
Mount Hope, Trinidad06.2016
Master of Adobe Photoshop - Graphic Design
School of Business & Computer Science
Mount Hope, Trinidad04.2013
Master of Science - Marketing
Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business
Mount Hope, Trinidad06.2012
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
University of The West Indies
St. Augustine, Trinidad06.2008
Skills
- Portfolio Pricing & Go To Market Strategy
- Distributor Management
- Process Improvement
- Distribution Expansion
- Forecasting & Trend Analysis
- Market Research & Analysis
- Strong Presentation Skills
- Emotional Intelligence
- Sales Leadership
- Customer Service
- Strategic Planning
- Business development and planning
- Sales Leadership
- Customer Service
- Strategic Planning
- Business development and planning
Certification
- Master of Adobe Photoshop
- Advanced Microsoft Excel
- Digital Marketing Foundations
Professional Highlights
- Upfield 2023- Trinidad Market Recovery by 2023 YE (+5% NS growth)
- Upfield 2023 - Achieved Market Leadership of Violife within 12m period (From 37% Q4'22 to 95% Q4'23)
- Upfield 2023 - Crisis Management re: successfully navigated stock shortages and product transitions while ensuring growth for key stakeholders following a 70% price increase deployment in prior 12m period (prior to my tenure)
- Upfield 2023 - Implemented process improvements in the areas of Financial Reconciliations, Sales & Distribution Strategies, Customer Engagement, Trade Visibility Improvements and Inventory Management and forecasting protocols
- Upfield 2023 - Designed and introduced first of it's kind Cold Storage End of Aisle Displays to the local market as part of visibility solutions
- Colgate 2019 - Recovered Barbados Territory oral care sales to double digit growth after 4 consecutive years of decline
- Colgate 2018 - Implemented demand planning process significantly improving inventory optimization and proper planning for annual promotional campaigns
- Colgate 2017 - Led Category Management with Massy Stores and other top chain supermarkets achieving fair share of shelf alignment and category branding for oral and personal care categories
- Langston Roach 2012 - Conceptualized, designed and developed personal care line portfolio gaining listings in top personal care chains and traditional channels
Personal Information
Title: Sales, Marketing & Product Innovation Professional
Timeline
Regional Sales Manager - South Caribbean (1 Month)
UPFIELD (c/o Vemco) - (Remote)
01.2024 - 02.2024
Chief Sales & Marketing Manager
CGA - Trinidad (On-Site)
09.2023 - 12.2023
Country Lead - Trinidad & Tobago
UPFIELD (c/o Vemco)- (Remote)
01.2023 - 01.2024
Customer Development Manager (Trinidad)
COLGATE PALMOLIVE - Trinidad
08.2019 - 08.2022
Customer Development Executive (Barbados)
COLGATE PALMOLIVE - Barbados
06.2018 - 08.2019
Shopper Development Manager (South East Caribbean)
COLGATE PALMOLIVE - Trinidad
03.2016 - 05.2018
Junior Business Development Manager
COLGATE PALMOLIVE - Trinidad
04.2013 - 02.2016
Trade Marketing Specialist
Langston Roach Industries Ltd
01.2012 - 03.2013
Brand Manager
Langston Roach Industries Ltd
01.2011 - 01.2012
Assistant Media Manager
Pearl & Dean
09.2010 - 01.2011
Clerical Assistant Commercial Services
Republic Bank Limited
01.2009 - 01.2010
Teller
Republic Bank Limited
01.2006 - 01.2010
Digital Marketing Foundations - Marketing
Programming Hub
Advanced Microsoft Excel - Data Analysis
School of Business & Computer Science
Master of Adobe Photoshop - Graphic Design
School of Business & Computer Science
Master of Science - Marketing
Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
University of The West Indies