People profile : Deputy Head of Sales

Name: Simon Johnson

Education: BSc Sports Science with HRM from Coventry University

Position at Red Gate: Deputy Head of Sales

Start date: January 2004

First job ever: Paper round

Before you arrived at Red Gate what did you do?

I worked for a hardware installation company as a Tech Support Engineer. I then travelled for a year around the Southern Hemisphere, and played football in Melbourne, Australia for 6 months. I think the combination of the above two experiences has stood me in great stead during my time at Red Gate.

What does your job involve on a day-to-day basis?

My role encapsulates both motivating the sales team members, and also supporting the Head of Sales. I am currently studying for my MBA, and as a result try and relate my learning of theory to the practicalities of a growing and successful sales department.

What do you need to be a Deputy Head of Sales?

Primarily, I need to be able manage the performance of the department and make sure that the sales staff are performing to the best of their ability. I also need to make sure that staff receive training in the areas that need improving. Communication is also an important aspect, and therefore I need to be confident in my ability to talk with people from a variety of departments, and filter any information necessary through to the department staff.

Why did you choose Red Gate?

Red Gate has a dynamic, vibrant atmosphere with a forward thinking, energetic management model. The tools are also of a very high standard, and as a result thought of very highly within the IT industry.

What are your favourite Red Gate perks?

Flexible working hours and lunch on Thursdays. I am also given the opportunity to travel to conferences in the US and Europe to promote and sell our tools to Microsoft professionals and speak to our end-users face to face. Red Gate is also an incredible place to learn and improve as a professional.

What's your most memorable Red Gate experience so far?

After meeting the company target in April 2008, the entire company were taken by coach to the Apple store in Cambridge and personally handed a £300 voucher each to spend. This was on top of a substantial bonus already received. It was a fantastic show of generosity and very much appreciated by each staff member at Red Gate.