As part of its commitment to delivering excellent customer service, Naylor is delighted to confirm the appointment of Sam Smith as our Sales Director Here we talk to Sam about her experience, her plans for the immediate future and her aspirations for Naylor.

1. Sam, firstly, what are your core responsibilities in the role of Sales Director?

I’m responsible for all sales and marketing activity. Specifically, I head up an extended sales and commercial team comprising of four Regional Sales Managers, a Nationals Sales Manager and a Sales Manager for the power sector; Naylor’s Commercial Manager internal sales team, and our marketing function.

2. Can you tell us a bit about your background and the experience you bring to this role?

From a construction industry perspective, I have more than 25 years of experience which includes 17 years at Marshalls and nearly ten years working for Keyline Civils Specialist. I joined Keyline as a Key Account Manager and was promoted to various positions before becoming a Regional Sales Director four years ago. I’ve also got lots of experience in strategic sales leadership and have just completed a Masters degree in Business and Leadership.

3. How will your experience benefit Naylor and its customers?

My past experience means I’m very familiar with the merchant and construction sector, and that means I fully understand what our customers need from us as a construction products manufacturer. I also recognise the importance of the relationship between merchants, suppliers and contractors when it comes to delivering great outcomes. In addition, I am project driven and customer focused so I’m looking forward to bringing this drive to Naylors.

4. What attracted you to Naylor and what excites you about joining the business?

Naylor has a great reputation in the industry. It has a strong brand and is viewed fondly by many as a family business with family values, not a big faceless corporate. As someone who’s always worked for large PLCs that was very appealing. And, because Naylor isn’t a large PLC, I also believe I’ll have the opportunity to make an impact quickly. The sales, commercial and marketing functions, for example, are much more connected to operations. The business is also more agile and fleet -of-foot than its larger competitors so we have the opportunity to tailor our service to individual customer requirements and to adapt quickly to evolving customer needs.

5. What’s impressed you about the business so far?

The people. They’re incredibly resilient and many have worked at Naylor for decades. There’s also a real desire and commitment to moving the business forward.

6. So, what are your priorities in the short to medium term?

My immediate priorities are all about growing our sales team and ensuring that we’re back out in the market talking to customers on a regular basis. Our customers want us to work as proactive business partners, people that see on a regular basis, and which provide valuable advice and support for their business.

We need to focus on seeing customers more frequently and on further developing our relationships so we can gain an even greater understanding of their needs. I also want to ensure that what I call ‘the basics’ are in place, good procedures which make our service more efficient and more customer focussed.

7. What would you like to achieve in your first 100 days and by the end of the year?

Over the next few months, I want to have earned the trust of my team and also of our customers. And by the end of the year? Naturally, I want us to smash the budget!

8. And what about when you’re not working? What do get up to in your free time?

The last few years have been incredibly busy for me from a work and a studying perspective so this year I simply want to spend a lot more time with my family.

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If you would like to speak with Sam or a member of her team, get in touch with us by calling 0330 0563355.