“I oversee every element of the Braun business in Boots. I love coming to work and being inspired by the people I’m with and challenged by what I’m doing; ultimately, I leave every day feeling like I’ve accomplished something.”
Karina Forte, Sales Braun Boots National Account Manager, P&G UK Head Office, Weybridge
When I joined P&G I was given the role of Boots-Braun National Account Manager. I had sole responsibility of this multi-million-pound business on such a well-loved brand and shop from my first day. Being trusted to take ownership of such a high value account and manage the external relationship with Boots from the off, exceeded any expectations I’d previously had of responsibility in a graduate role.
I have experienced such incredible training and mentoring since joining which really prepared me for the role. I’ve been encouraged to take on huge business challenges and lead negotiations early on enabling me to constantly learn on the job and gain confidence in my own ability. I oversee every element of the Braun business in Boots and collaborate with multiple functions both internally and externally to influence factors such as pricing, merchandising, display and distribution to ensure best in class execution of my plans. Over the past nine months I’ve designed and executed promotional plans for events such as Father’s Day, Black Friday and Christmas. I have sold in two new innovative product launches; negotiated two Joint Business Plans with Senior Buyers and led training on all Braun products to inspire Boots Electrical Beauty Consultants about the brand.
It’s a great feeling to be able to look back over the past nine months and know I’ve made an impact on one of the biggest FMCGs in the world within my first year at the company. Whilst it’s been a steep learning curve, I’ve never felt out of my depth due to the constant support network around me. I love coming to work and being inspired by the people I’m with and challenged by what I’m doing; ultimately, I leave every day feeling like I’ve accomplished something.