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							Rob Stephens
Current location: Sheffield, United Kingdom
Mobile: +44 (0) 777 605 2962
Email: rob@robpstephens.com
Website: http://www.robpstephens.com
LinkedIn: http://uk.linkedin.com/in/robpstephens

Professional Profile
Dynamic Software as a Service (SaaS) Marketing & Sales professional with over 9 years’ experience working
in customer led environments including Event Management Software, Construction, Retail and Financial
Services. Proven track record of increasing sales and exceeding targets in the SAAS industry by delivering
excellent online and face-to-face product demonstrations. Excellent researcher with experience analysing
clients’ needs, competitors and industries. Award winning teamwork abilities possessed with highly
developed interpersonal skills acquired from negotiating with Director and Manager level individuals.

Key Experience and Competencies
Sales & Marketing
    Acquired 36 new clients for Symphony Event Management Software with an annual value of £133,075
     in the first 12 months as a Sales Executive.
    Experience in acquiring and excellent understanding of products, event management SaaS specifically,
     analysing clients’ requirements and successfully demonstrating how the products meet those
     requirements.
    Hosted numerous face-to-face client meetings and conference calls ranging from initial to product
     presentations, resulting in new business.
    Consistently communicating with international prospects from Europe, North America, Asia and the
     Middle East. Fully able to deal with language barriers resulting in clear understanding and
     communication.
    Conducted B2B cold calling and email marketing campaigns to potential prospects resulting in
     information and product demonstration requests. Experience in outbound lead generation and inside
     sales.
    Proved tract record of increasing revenue by following up leads, negotiating and finalising sales via
     telephone.
    Networking skills gained from exhibiting at technology/event management exhibitions resulting in lead
     generation.
    Responsible for event management blog writing to increase company profile and indirectly promote
     event management software.
    Utilised Social Media Marketing techniques to connect with decision makers, increase company
     reputation and influence buyers.

Event Management
    Graduated with Bachelor of Science (BSc) Events and Leisure Management.
    Excellent knowledge of managing a variety of types of events online, from small training seminars to
     large multi-day conferences. Specifically competent at managing delegate registration, session
     management, event invitations, delegate flight details and accommodations details.
    Organised, promoted, and presented numerous web-based events including webinars to large groups
     of attendees.
    Experienced managing a number of successful live events targeted at students and school children
     while studying at University.
Researching
    Experienced in conducting initial needs assessment calls to assess and qualify clients’ software
     requirements allowing the design of personalised product demonstrations.
    Excellent knowledge of event management SaaS products gained from analysing competitors of
     Symphony Event Management Software.
    Conducted analysis of the Creative Digital Industry (CDI) and creative workspace competitors of The
     View, Business Incubation Centre that influenced project direction.

Computer & Software Skills
    Strong understanding of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, Salesforce and Sage
     ACT specifically.
    Competent with all Microsoft Office packages and hold a European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL).
    Equally competent user of Apple platforms.
    Basic level of understanding of HTML.
    Fully able to update content managed websites using HTML editor. Experienced creating websites
     using WordPress and iWeb.

Effective Communication
    Strong presentation skills and confidence gained from conducting SaaS product demonstrations and
     university presentations to large audiences.
    Competent communicating and negotiating with Director level professionals to complete sales.
    Able to prepare monthly sales reports/forecasts, and communicate them to company Directors.
    Professional verbal and written communication skills gained from corresponding with customers,
     clients and solicitors on a day-to-day basis.


Professional Achievements
    Achieved the highest grade ever awarded by Sheffield Hallam University when graduating with a
     Foundation Degree (FdSc) Leisure Management
    Acquired 36 new clients for Symphony Event Management Software in the fist 12 months in a Sales
     role.
    Awarded employee of the month in the first month at Lloyds banking group for making an instant
     impact and improving the team’s ability to meet targets.


Qualifications
BSc (HONS) Events and Leisure Management (2:1)          Sheffield Hallam University     2009-2010
FdSc Leisure Management (Distinction - 1st)             Sheffield Hallam University     2007-2009
European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL)                The Sheffield College           2007
NVQ Level 3 Carpentry and Joinery                       The Sheffield College           2002-2005


Employment History

Symphony Event Management Software
Events Marketing Specialist & Sales Executive: May 2011 – Present
Symphony is an on-demand event management SaaS designed to increase the efficiency of the event
management process.

Job responsibilities include the following:
    Assessing and analysing clients’ management processes and software requirements.
    Discovering, assessing and qualifying how products best fit the clients’ needs.
    Working with clients to create bespoke software solutions to meet their specific needs.
    Adding value to clients’ product offerings.

Daily   activities include the following:
        Responsible for prospecting and generating sales leads.
        Drive daily, weekly and overall campaign goals.
        Prepare reports and provide accurate and timely information and forecasts to management.
        Arrange meetings, handle objections and articulate company message.
        Implementing B2B cold calling campaigns, inside sales and outbound lead generation.
        Management of sales pipeline using CRM systems.
        Present professional product demonstrations.

Doncaster Central Development Trust
Marketing Executive: January 2011 – May 2011
Doncaster Central Development Trust is a non-profit organisation whose vision is for a healthy, happy,
culturally and economically vibrant central Doncaster.
     Responsible for assisting the Head of Enterprise with the marketing activities of The View, Business
       Incubation Centre; the development of a multi-occupancy building providing infrastructure and
       resources for the creative, digital, arts and social enterprises sectors.

Lloyds Banking Group
Mortgage Servicing Consultant: July 2010 – January 2011
Lloyds Banking Group is a leading UK based financial services group. The organisation employs over 120,000
people and is one of the largest companies within the FTSE 100.
    Responsible for compiling, analysing and verifying financial data on mortgage related applications to
      ensure accuracy.

Matalan Retail Ltd
Customer Service & Sales Representative: April 2008 – May 2010
Matalan retail Ltd is one of the UK's leading clothing retailers operating in over 200 stores in the UK.


393 Youth & Community Centre
Volunteer Youth Worker: Nov 2007 – April 2008
Non-profit organisation supporting community development in the Hillsborough area of Sheffield.

J.F. Finnegan Ltd
Carpenter/Joiner: Sept 2002 – Sept 2007
J.F. Finnegan Ltd is a property development organisation creating a multitude of construction opportunities
throughout the UK. Their contracts typically range from £1 million and £50 million.
     Responsible for analysing and complying with architectural plans to ensure accuracy of work.
     Working under intense pressure in a demanding environment developing organisational skills.


Interests
    Major interest in health & fitness with regular participation in weight training, cardiovascular training
     and martial arts including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
    Keen traveller with experience travelling throughout Europe, North America and Asia.


References
    Excellent references available on request.
    Recommendations available on LinkedIn: http://uk.linkedin.com/in/robpstephens