18/02/2022

Day in the Life – David Speed – Key Account Manager

David Speed image

This week we talk to David Speed to see what a typical day in the life looks like for him as Key Account Manager.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I manage accounts across our process oil and commercial vehicle segments, and I really enjoy the variety of my role. From my core responsibilities of visiting my customers and business development planning, to liaising with Purchasing on raw material availability, and even collaborating with Technical on base oil research projects – no two days are the same!

What does a typical day look like for you?

I wake up at 5:30 and start the day by catching up with the news. By 6:15 I’m taking my border collie, Buddy, out for a walk. I’m not a breakfast person: just a double espresso in the car on the way to work, while listening to an audiobook. At the moment it’s Ant Middleton’s ‘First Man In: Leading from the Front’ and I would recommend it to everyone.

The first tasks at the office are creating my daily to-do list and checking emails.  I then focus on business development opportunities for both prospective and existing customers. At the moment I’m talking to several customers about our Protected by Millers Oils programme, and how our sample analysis service can help reduce costs and downtime within their businesses.

On an evening after work I keep myself occupied in a few sports activities including kickboxing and football twice a week. It’s always great to see my pals, but I make sure I have plenty of quality time with my wife and kids.

What motivates you at work?

As a salesperson, of course I love bringing in new business! It’s also great knowing that I’m providing solutions to customers and adding value to their businesses.

It’s very motivating working as part of the wider Millers Oils team – supporting and learning from one another. There’s lots of satisfaction in seeing colleagues grow and succeed, and it’s nice to share successes and celebrate together.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned at work?

One of the most important lessons is to respect and trust yourself. When faced with a challenge, I think it’s very important to use your inner voice to channel energy and focus on the task at hand. The ability to push yourself and grow helps increase confidence and is character building. I still feel like I am constantly developing and will continue to do so in the future at Millers Oils.