RONAN MURPHY
Midlands
Summary
Results-oriented Business Development and Sales Leader in plastic manufacturing and extrusion with over 10 years' experience in driving revenue growth and securing strategic partnerships across Ireland, the UK, and Europe. Expertise in developing customer relationships, leading commercial teams, and executing growth strategies for multinational and private organisations. Skilled in managing major portfolios, negotiating contracts, and aligning operations to deliver profitable growth.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
SALES DIRECTOR
Alert Packaging Ltd
01.2026 - Current
- Reporting directly to the Board of Directors and responsible for leading the Sales, Marketing and Customer Service functions while delivering the commercial growth strategy of the business.
- Developed and implemented a strategic commercial roadmap focused on accelerating revenue growth, maximising existing manufacturing capabilities and capacity and expanding market share across Ireland and the UK through new business and distribution partners.
- Led the acquisition and development of new business opportunities with major customers across food, industrial and consumer sectors, creating a sustainable pipeline of growth opportunities.
- Introduced structured sales processes, pipeline management disciplines, forecasting and customer onboarding procedures to improve commercial effectiveness and service.
- Optimised the existing customer portfolio through strategic account planning, customer segmentation and targeted growth initiatives.
- Continuing to work closely with senior leadership to identify and justify capital investment opportunities maximising strengths in the business leading to high level discussions with blue chip customers.
- Built a high-performance commercial culture across Sales, Marketing and Customer Service teams focused on customer value creation, efficient time management, accountability and sustainable growth.
- Alert Packaging is a €15 million flexible packaging manufacturer and printer serving customers across Ireland and the UK
EUROPEAN SALES MANAGER
Waddington Europe / Novolex
01.2024 - 03.2026
- Responsible for developing and executing the commercial growth strategy across Ireland, the UK and mainland Europe while leading a team of Business Development and Customer Service professionals.
- Developed and executed aggressive market expansion strategies targeting new sectors and customers throughout Ireland, the UK and Europe.
- Led commercial initiatives focused on securing high-volume business opportunities to maximise manufacturing capacity utilisation and improve profitability.
- Managed strategic customer relationships representing approximately 60% of annual turnover while identifying additional growth opportunities across the portfolio.
- Managed a commercial team of nine professionals including Business Development Managers and Customer Service personnel.
- Successfully developed opportunities across medical, industrial, pet food, fresh produce and food manufacturing sectors.
- Collaborated with production, supply chain, R&D and senior leadership teams to deliver innovative customer solutions and support major project opportunities.
- Contributed as a member of the Executive and Senior Leadership Teams, influencing strategic business decisions and long-term growth planning.
- Responsible for forecasting, budget management, margin performance and quarterly reporting to EU & US leadership teams.
- Part of a global manufacturing group with revenues exceeding $67 million across thermoforming and extrusion operations in Ireland & UK.
SALES MANAGER – IRELAND, UK & BENELUX
IPL Global Group / One51 Plastics
01.2022 - 01.2024
- Reporting directly to the Vice President of Sales Europe within a leading international injection moulding manufacturer.
- Responsible for driving strategic growth initiatives following significant manufacturing investment and increasing market penetration throughout Ireland, the UK and Benelux regions.
- Delivered significant revenue growth across Ireland and the UK, contributing approximately $3–5 million in additional sales within a two-year period.
- Developed and executed commercial strategies designed to secure new business opportunities and strengthen existing customer relationships.
- Led strategic growth initiatives with key accounts those of which are globally recognised organisations including PepsiCo, Unilever, Danone Nutricia and Nestlé.
- Played a key role in the development and commercial launch of new product lines serving the baby formula and adhesives sectors.
- Successfully built investment business cases supporting manufacturing expansion and volume growth opportunities.
- Managed major contract negotiations, pricing strategies and commercial agreements with key multinational customers.
- Expanded responsibilities into the Belgian operation following recognition of commercial performance and leadership capability primarily in a project management function.
- Worked closely with European Finance and Operations leadership teams to support investment decisions and long-term growth planning.
- Leading international injection moulding manufacturer.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Trace Synthetic & Plastics
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Responsible for developing new business opportunities throughout Ireland and the UK while supporting strategic account development across multiple manufacturing sectors.
- Identified and secured new revenue opportunities within highly competitive manufacturing markets.
- Developed relationships with senior decision makers across food, industrial and consumer sectors.
- Managed the complete sales cycle from prospect identification through contract negotiation and implementation.
- Delivered consistent growth through a consultative and solution-led approach to business development.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER
ZEUS Packaging Group
01.2017 - 01.2020
- Exceeded growth targets through proactive business development efforts, driving revenue generation.
- Managed a portfolio of key accounts while identifying opportunities for revenue expansion and improved customer retention.
- Acquired new business and managed strategic customer relationships across Ireland, enhancing market presence.
- Developed customer relationships across diverse industry sectors, contributing to increased client engagement.
- Built a reputation for delivering customer-focused solutions and long-term commercial partnerships.
Education
Financial Management -
IMI Business School
Dublin01-2023
Sandler Sales Leadership & Negotiation Training -
Dayton, Ohio, USA01-2023
Activate Leadership & Commercial Development Programme -
Ireland01-2020
Skills
- Sales Strategy
- New Business Acquisition
- Revenue Growth
- Commercial Strategy
- Market Expansion
- Key Account Management
- Strategic Partnerships
- Blue-Chip Client Development
- Contract Negotiation
- Sales Leadership
- Commercial Leadership
- Executive Stakeholder Engagement
Timeline
SALES DIRECTOR
Alert Packaging Ltd
01.2026 - Current
EUROPEAN SALES MANAGER
Waddington Europe / Novolex
01.2024 - 03.2026
SALES MANAGER – IRELAND, UK & BENELUX
IPL Global Group / One51 Plastics
01.2022 - 01.2024
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Trace Synthetic & Plastics
01.2020 - 01.2022
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER
ZEUS Packaging Group
01.2017 - 01.2020
Financial Management -
IMI Business School