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Summary

Nicholas McLean is a Commercial Director with a strong track record in driving sales and business growth for innovative global enterprises. He has extensive experience in the Humanitarian, Govcon, Military, and Civil Defence markets, consistently surpassing sales targets and expanding market reach. Nicholas excels in developing and implementing go-to-market strategies, nurturing strong relationships with institutional partners and mentoring commercial teams to achieve exceptional results. He is skilled in conducting market research, creating business plans, and delivering strategic outcomes through long-term customer relationships.

Core Competencies

  • Leadership
  • Strategic Planning
  • Partnership Building
  • Mentorship + Coaching
  • Market Analysis
  • Client Relationship Management
  • Financial Acumen
  • International Business Development
  • New Market Development
  • Solution Selling
  • Logistics
  • Resource Allocation
  • Marketing Development
  • Competitive Intelligence
  • Humanitarian Sector Sales
  • B2B Relationship Building
  • Project Management
  • High-Tech Products & Services

Professional Experience

2022Present

Commercial Director Alpinter - SHIELD

World of Tents BV (Renaix, BE)
  • Lead the successful launch of a new business unit focused on Govcon, Military & Civil Defence verticals, driving the development and implementation of go-to-market (GTM) strategies that surpassed sales targets by 98% within the first 12 months of operation.
  • Formulated and executed comprehensive strategies to penetrate new markets and generate additional revenue streams, specifically targeting military and civil defence sectors.
  • Provided mentorship and guidance to account commercial teams in both the Humanitarian and Military sales divisions, fostering their professional growth and ensuring their alignment with organisational objectives.
  • Proactively collaborated with C-level executives and product development teams to shape commercial and product strategies, ensuring alignment with market demands and customer needs.
  • Represented the company at industry trade events and expos, delivering impactful presentations on company solutions and innovations to key stakeholders.
  • Conducted comprehensive market research and analysis to create detailed business plans, identifying and capitalising on commercial opportunities.
  • Achieved exceptional customer satisfaction and retention, delivering strategic business outcomes through the cultivation of long-term commercial relationships.
  • Assisted in setting financial targets, developing budgets, and monitoring financial performance to ensure the achievement of financial objectives.
  • Oversaw the accurate and timely completion of complex RFQs, ensuring compliance with client requirements and maximising win rates.
20182022

Business Development Manager

Alpinter S.A. (Renaix, BE)
  • Led global business development efforts for humanitarian relief products, successfully expanding the company's reach and impact in disaster zones worldwide.
  • Managed end-to-end project execution, ensuring seamless coordination between production facilities and clients, resulting in timely delivery of critical supplies.
  • Developed a robust network of institutional and government partners, fostering strategic collaborations and driving revenue growth.
  • Identified and onboarded new partners, nurturing relationships and maximising business opportunities.
  • Ensured accurate and timely completion of complex RFQs, maintaining a high standard of professionalism and attention to detail.
  • Cultivated relationships with current and potential suppliers, optimising sales development and ensuring a reliable supply chain.
  • Actively participated in industry trade events and expos, representing the company and showcasing innovative solutions and advancements.
  • Collaborated with internal departments and subsidiaries, as well as external suppliers, to optimise project responses and drive continued sales growth.
  • Provided proactive guidance in commercial and product strategy development and implementation, contributing to the overall success and growth of the organisation.
20142018

Founder / Consultant

CommPass Solutions (Coimbra, PT | Brussels, BE)
  • Founded and operated a successful consultancy, providing comprehensive business development services to Australian companies in the telecommunications sector, expanding their operations in Europe.
  • Diversified services to include working with software startups, facilitating their entry into new international markets and fostering collaboration across borders.
  • Developed and maintained strong client relationships, consistently meeting defined sales and profitability goals.
  • Devised comprehensive commercial plans in collaboration with executive, sales, marketing, R&D, and operational teams.
  • Condensed complex technical information into specific market drivers, optimising product and service offerings for long-term profitability.
  • Acted as a liaison between technical (R&D) and non-technical (sales and management) stakeholders, ensuring effective communication and alignment of goals.
  • Immersed myself in each client's environment, proactively researching and pursuing new business opportunities.
  • Maintained clear and concise documentation, facilitating seamless knowledge transfer and collaboration within and across teams.
20122014

Business Development Manager

Prolancer Pty Ltd (Coimbra, PT | Brussels, BE)
  • Developed and executed structured reseller and customer engagement strategies, resulting in the maintenance and growth of a worldwide client base and distribution network.
  • Managed global channel development and expansion, with a focus on Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas, achieving consistent year-on-year sales growth and significant market penetration in key Military, Government, and Aviation sectors.
  • Accurately forecasted sales and volume targets, contributing to the overall success and profitability of the company.
  • Designed and delivered comprehensive product training programs for partners and end-users, ensuring a deep understanding of product features and benefits.
  • Led the development of marketing communications materials, including print, web, and social media content, to enhance brand visibility and effectiveness.
  • Maintained clear and consistent communication with stakeholders, ensuring alignment of goals and objectives.
  • Consistently achieved milestones and objectives, contributing to the overall success and growth of the company.
20092012

Sales & Marketing Manager EMEA

Comsec TR Pty Ltd (Sydney, AU | Amsterdam, NL)
  • Developed and executed innovative sales and marketing strategies for the EMEA reseller channel and end-users.
  • Managed high-profile Government and Enterprise projects, coordinating sales and R&D activities between Australia and EMEA, ensuring seamless collaboration and successful project delivery.
  • Provided comprehensive sales, marketing, and training support to current and potential clients, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
  • Cultivated strategic partnerships with key stakeholders, expanding market reach and driving business growth.
  • Implemented effective channel strategies, resulting in improved sales performance and increased market share.
  • Maintained clear and consistent communication with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring alignment of sales and marketing efforts.
  • Developed and delivered training programs for sales teams, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to achieve sales targets.
  • Proofread all sales and marketing materials, ensuring accuracy and professionalism in all communications.
20012009

Earlier Experience

Comsec TR Pty Ltd (Sydney, AU)

Sales & Marketing Assistant (2007 - 2009)

  • Undertook sales communication with international clients & developed strategies for acquisition and management of new clients. Provided sales and product training. Designed and distributed marketing communications with Adobe and Microsoft software packages. Organised and attended trade events. Researched market conditions and the competitive environment, and disseminated this data in easy-to-analyse reports. Developed websites and managed Google Adwords advertising campaigns ($30K USD per year).

Marketing Assistant (2004 - 2007)

  • Assisted with the creation of marketing materials and website content. Managed email marketing campaigns, and assisted with basic sales enquiries. Managed online advertising campaigns in collaboration with the Sales Manager. Attended trade events.

Manufacturing Assistant (2001 - 2004)

  • Manufactured and repaired niche computer equipment in accordance with ISO9002 norms. Undertook pre-market release software testing, and provided detailed reports on the results to be actioned by the software development team.

Education

20202020

Business, International Relations and the Political Economy

The London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE), United Kingdom

2020 short certificate course, focused on the core concepts for understanding globalisation and global change, and their impact on the international business environment.

Drawing upon the disciplines of international relations, political science, political economy and macroeconomics, we analysed how corporate organisations are impacted by events such as the 2008 financial crisis, changes in global supply chains, global power shifts and the emergence of China as a global economic power, instability in key areas of the developing world, technological and environmental disruption from automation and robotics to cybersecurity and climate change, and the rise of populism in the western world.

20042009

Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

Macquarie University, Australia

Australian Law, European Union Law, Commercial Law. Honours thesis (2009) analysed issues regarding the consent of minors to medical care.

20082009

Bachelor of Laws (Bi-Lateral Exchange)

Universiteit Utrecht, The Netherlands

European Union Law, Criminology, Comparative Law

20032007

Bachelor of Commerce - Marketing (Honours)

Macquarie University, Australia

Marketing, Market Research, International Marketing. 12 month Honours Thesis Program in 2007 focused on B2B Branding.