Shelly Dawson
Channel Development Manager
Bristol
Delivering products effectively
"I prepare, implement and monitor the effectiveness of channel marketing & cycle activity plans. By liaising with brand marketing teams and sales management, I ensure these plans deliver brand portfolio/channel volume, share, and profit targets.
This is my second Imperial Tobacco role. I joined as an Exec within the team and have recently been promoted to my present role of Channel Development Manager. Previously I worked as a product manager in financial services, which was very different. It’s the skills that you bring to the role that are important here. The underlining skills I used then are the same as what I’m using today in FMCG. At Imperial Tobacco I have had a real opportunity to demonstrate my ability to take complicated amounts of data and deliver concise business reviews and data models.”
Passionate about getting results
“I’m passionate about delivering results – not just for myself, but for colleagues too. I’ve relied on their support and commitment, and I want to give something back in return. It’s about enabling everyone to succeed in what they’re challenged to do. Imperial Tobacco people work as a unit. We’re a hard-working, self-motivated group that are driven by success.
The people that thrive here are not afraid to step up to challenges, but they also understand that you’re never too old or too experienced to learn and develop. The opportunities at Imperial Tobacco are fantastic not only within your career progression but also within personal development. Personally I’ve gained a greater understanding of individuals within a working environment. There are those who are committed to the business and content to get on with things. And there are those, like me, who want to drive the business forward. There’s room and challenges for both.”
Adaptability and ambition
“The nature of our category means I have to be able to adapt my working style. Just because a data model or business review works for one account doesn’t mean it will work for another. Change and evolution is part of Imperial Tobacco. Without people moving quickly and efficiently with their roles, we’d be in danger of getting left behind.
I feel I can progress within my role and I am supported by the business. However, the support I get is driven by my own personal development plan. Plans for the future? Well, I have ambitions to develop an international career with Imperial Tobacco. I hope that within the next 5 years, I’ll have worked in at least one overseas market.”