Open to opportunities

Mark Sandford

@marksandford

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Multi-disciplined business leader driving growth and operational excellence.

United Kingdom

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What I'm looking for

I am looking for a role that values strategic leadership, fosters team growth, and drives innovation.

I am a multi-disciplined business leader with extensive experience in operations, sales, and marketing. My approach is underpinned by strong emotional intelligence and a calm, solutions-focused mindset. I have a proven track record of building and leading high-performing teams, driving commercial growth, and aligning stakeholders behind a clear vision. My ability to communicate effectively with clients, C-suite leaders, and partners has been a cornerstone of my success.

Throughout my career, I have demonstrated my capacity to thrive in dynamic environments, where versatility, initiative, and people skills are essential. I have successfully launched marketing campaigns, built revenue streams, and solved complex business challenges at pace. My experience spans various roles, including Chief of Staff, Head of Operations, and Commercial Director, where I have consistently exceeded targets and driven significant growth.

I am passionate about fostering inclusive cultures and mentoring teams to achieve their best. My strategic communication skills and operational excellence have allowed me to streamline workflows and improve performance across functions. I am excited about the opportunity to bring my expertise to a new organization and contribute to its success.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Chief of Staff

Current

Just HealthAI

Jan 2024 - Present (1 year 5 months)

Delivered 36% subscriber growth in 6 months by leading strategic Google and META campaigns that improved acquisition performance. Increased monthly sales by 54% by co-developing AI-led personalisation tools in partnership with the CTO.

Google Ads Meta Ads Sales Growth Investor Relations Go To Market Strategy Product Roadmapping

Head of Operations / Co-Founder

The Book of Man

Apr 2018 - Present (7 years 2 months)

Surpassed first-year revenue targets by 120% through building processes across revenue, data, and brand partnerships. Secured 25 brand partners within two years by cultivating senior stakeholder relationships and leading campaign delivery.

Revenue Brand Partnerships Content Strategy Audience Growth Project Management Public Speaking Stakeholder Management

Commercial Operations Director

The Pool LTD

Feb 2017 - Present (8 years 4 months)

Achieved 102% YoY revenue growth by redefining commercial strategy and leading brand partnerships. Increased e-commerce sales by 45% month-on-month through improved marketing strategy and analytics.

Commercial Strategy Brand Partnerships Marketing Analytics Customer Retention

Commercial Director – Strategic Partnerships

ShortList Media LTD

Jan 2014 - Present (11 years 5 months)

Delivered £6M revenue uplift in two years by leading strategic planning and managing commercial P&L. Founded and scaled in-house agency “Family” to a 40-person team, delivering multi-award-winning brand campaigns.

Strategic Planning P&L management Campaigns Sponsorship Management Revenue

Digital Innovation Director / Head of Digital Sales

ShortList Media LTD

Feb 2011 - Present (14 years 4 months)

Built a new digital revenue stream from scratch, generating £5M annually and winning four industry awards. Launched email-first brands Emerald Street and Mr Hyde, delivering £4.3M revenue by year two.

Digital Revenue Streams Email Marketing Sales Forecasting Website Launch Digital Product Expansion Salesforce CRM

Digital Sales Director / Brand Director / Head of Marketing & Partnerships

Hearst Corporation

May 2006 - Present (19 years 1 month)

Grew digital revenues by 144% in two years by aligning commercial strategy with evolving audience behaviours. Closed multi-million-pound brand partnerships with P&G, L’Oréal, and Coty across print and digital.

Commercial Strategy Brand Partnerships Digital Transformation

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Keele University

BSc, Psychology

Completed a Bachelor of Science with a minor in Psychology at Keele University. This minor enhanced understanding of human behavior and cognitive processes.

Royal Russell School

A Levels, English, Politics, Drama

Completed A Levels in English, Politics, and Drama at Royal Russell School. This foundational education provided a strong base in humanities and critical thinking.

Royal Russell School

GCSE's, General Studies

Grade: 9 -A*-B

Achieved 9 GCSEs with grades ranging from A* to B at Royal Russell School. This comprehensive secondary education covered a broad range of subjects.

Keele University

BA, Politics and International Politics

Undertook a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Politics and International Politics at Keele University. This program provided in-depth knowledge of political systems and global relations.

Keele University

BSc, Biology

Pursued a Bachelor of Science with a minor in Biology at Keele University. This minor provided a scientific perspective alongside the primary political studies.