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Thursday, 23 December 2021 | 11.1°C Belfast

S inead Cotter, key account manager, Mackle Petfoods

I am key account manager at Mackle Petfoods, who produce household brands Brandy, Cat Club and Naturo Natural Pet Food. I have been working in the company for seven years, starting as sales assistant, progressing into account management four years ago, and just recently moved my focus to business development in export markets and with private label. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, country walks and am regular gym goer. I also love to travel and look forward to exploring new places hopefully in the not-too-distant future.

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY INVOLVE?

A typical day can be quite varied and interesting. I start off the day making a to-do-list of things I need to complete that day in order of priority. I could be preparing presentations and sales figures for customer meetings, speaking via video call with our distributor partners across Europe, researching new markets to develop new business, and dealing with day-to-day customer queries.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE?

One of my highlights has been the involvement in establishing and developing new business in South Korea. Starting from an initial meeting at a European trade show in 2018, to regular communication and relationship development, to making the trip to visit our distributor partner based in Seoul. It was an amazing experience for me to visit this new market and get to know their culture. We now have a strong relationship with his partner who represents Naturo Natural Pet Food in this market.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?

I enjoy the varied nature of the job and mix of interesting customers that I manage in the various countries. I get lots of opportunities to travel to new places that I might not get to see had I not been in this job. I have visited countries including South Korea, Greece, Lithuania and Croatia. More recently, I visited Malta and will travel to Italy soon for Zoomark Trade Show 2021.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST DIFFICULT TASK?

It is challenging when I have to deliver unfavourable news to customers. It is never an easy task when communicating updates such as cost price increases to customers, which are an inevitable part of the business.

WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED?

Stay true to who you are.

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST GRIPE?

Not enough hours in the day in what is an exciting and ever-changing, challenging market.

WHAT TALENT WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE?

I really enjoy dancing and would love more opportunities to learn this talent.

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS/AMBITIONS?

Having recently moved my focus to export Business, I want to develop in this role gaining new business in new countries. There are many opportunities for Naturo across the world as this 100% natural brand uses only high-quality ingredients, with the USP of being produced in Northern Ireland – which is a strong selling point when speaking to potential customers across the globe. We have come through a challenging period and have become stronger. It is an exciting time to be part of the Mackle Petfoods team.

WHOM DO YOU MOST ADMIRE?

I most admire my aunt. In the 70s, at only 18 she went to university in England to study teaching. It was quite unusual at the time especially as the family did not have a lot of money. She dedicated a career to education and training, and continually gained qualifications to advance her career which I really admired. She was awarded MBE at Buckingham Palace in 2016 for her services to education and I had the pleasure of being there with her.

WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE?

There’s no place like home! Although I spent an amazing month travelling in New Zealand. I also loved visiting San Francisco when I had family who lived there.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FOOD PRODUCT?

You can’t beat a delicious home-made lasagne.

I like to relax by reading books, listening to podcasts and going on relaxing spa days.

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