The next time you slip between crisp hotel sheets, there is a fair chance Karen had a hand in getting them there. She has grown with CLEAN since 2015, rising from Account Manager to Head of Commercial Management.

The ROLE

The Linen On Your Bed

Karen has a neat way of summing up what she does. If you have ever stayed in a hotel, the freshly laundered linen waiting on your bed is exactly the kind of thing she and her team make happen.

As Head of Commercial Management, no two days look the same. She can be travelling from Leeds down to Slough or heading into London, then sitting down with customers and key accounts. It is that mix that keeps her hooked.

"The linen that's on your bed, that's provided by me."

Career Journey

Three Roles, One Company

Karen started with CLEAN in 2015 and has been promoted twice since, each step building on the last. Her path shows what staying, learning and asking for support can add up to.

2015

Account Manager

Joined CLEAN and learned the business from the account side, building relationships with customers.

Promotion

Key Account Director

Stepped up to look after CLEAN's most important customer relationships, growing into the role with support and training from CLEAN.

Today

Head of Commercial Management

Leads commercial management across the business, focused on keeping customers happy and staying.

GROWTH & SUPPORT

Growing Into The Job

Karen is open about the fact that promotion did not always feel comfortable. When she first stepped up to Key Account Director, she did not feel capable of doing the job and worried her skill set was not yet at that level.

What made the difference was the support and training she received from CLEAN, which allowed her to develop into the position. It is an experience she now points to when colleagues doubt themselves.

"The support is there to help people grow."

HOW SHE WORKS

Planned A Week Ahead

Preparation is at the heart of Karen's approach. She tries to plan at least a week in advance and does not like turning up to a meeting unprepared, because being ready means she can give the customer the best feedback possible.

Her focus is firmly on the customers CLEAN already has. Getting new business in is great, she says, but there is a lot of investment that goes with it. Keeping existing business and looking after customers means they want to stay.

"So, it gives you that satisfaction that you're doing a good job."

WHAT SETS CLEAN APART

We Care And We Want To Succeed

Ask Karen what makes CLEAN different and the answer comes quickly. The business cares, wants to succeed and strives to get it right, which she believes is the most important thing. CLEAN wants to be the best, to be a good laundry supplier and to work with its customers. And if something comes up and somebody needs something? "If we can do it, we will do it.

WHAT KAREN BRINGS

✔ Key Account Management

✔ Customer Retention

✔ Leading by Example

✔ Planning And Preparation

✔ Commercial Management

✔Building Customer Relationships

Karen's Advice For Anyone Joining CLEAN

Apply for the role and give it your all.

If there is anything you are not sure about, just ask. Everybody is willing to help you.

Be willing to learn and develop, and you will succeed within CLEAN.