Zbigniew Cekus
Business Relationships Director
Tuszyn
Summary
Business Relationships Director / Commercial Director with over 15 years of experience in international business development, relationship management, and team leadership across global markets. Expertise in negotiating high-value agreements, managing client and supplier relationships, and implementing strategic growth initiatives. Specialized in building partnerships in the textiles, furniture, and employment sectors, including recent leadership at Contrain Group, an international employment agency. Proven track record in driving business expansion, enhancing operational efficiency, and delivering sustained profitability. Strong leader with a focus on innovation, mentorship, and sustainability, including the successful execution of the 'Better Cotton Initiative' for IKEA.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
4
4
Languages
Work History
Business Relationships Director
Contrain Group
Łódź
10.2019 - 9 2024
- Led business development and relationship management initiatives for an international employment agency, focusing on key markets in the Netherlands, Germany, and Poland
- Directed the sales and marketing strategy to drive growth in client acquisition and deepen relationships with existing clients, resulting in a 20% increase in client retention over 5 years
- Negotiated and implemented new business acquisitions, contributing to significant expansion in the agency's market presence across Europe
- Developed strategic partnerships with key clients, enabling Contrain Group to expand service offerings and improve workforce recruitment efficiency
- Supervised a team of sales professionals, providing mentorship and leadership to drive performance and exceed business objectives
General Manager
Flexhouse Sp z o.o.
Warsaw
02.2016 - 07.2019
- Sourced and developed products for the Eero Aarnio Original brand and external customers, increasing product sales by 15% year-over-year
- Created a unique collection of handmade rugs with Indian producers, generating attention from luxury brands and high-end designers
- Developed a diverse range of upholstery fabrics, accessories, and home products, leading to a 25% increase in product variety and customer engagement
- Designed and developed furniture pieces, including sofas, tables, and shelving systems, attracting the attention of well-known designers and luxury brands
- Negotiated cost-effective contracts with producers across Europe and Asia, reducing production costs by 12% while maintaining quality standards
- Built and maintained relationships with clients across the USA, Korea, and Europe, leading to significant expansion in international partnerships
Sourcing Director, Rugs & Home Textiles
HEM
Warsaw / Belin / Stockholm / Helsinki
12.2014 - 02.2017
- Company Overview: Premium home furnishings brand
- Led product sourcing and development for rugs, upholstery fabrics, throws, and other home textiles for the premium HEM brand
- Established relationships with manufacturers across Europe and Asia, ensuring high-quality standards for product collections
- Developed brand strategy and curated exclusive collections, contributing to HEM’s reputation as a high-end, innovative home furnishings brand
- Sourced materials and negotiated favorable terms with international suppliers, resulting in cost-efficient production and timely delivery of goods
- Managed the introduction of new product lines, which led to a 15% increase in sales for the home textiles category during tenure
- Spearheaded collaboration with designers to create bespoke home textile collections, increasing market presence in key European and U.S
- Markets
- Premium home furnishings brand
Commercial Director
POLIMEX.NET Sp z o.o. SpK
Łódź
06.2012 - 10.2014
- Developed and executed comprehensive trade development plans, positioning the company as the market leader and increasing sales by 7% to 10% annually
- Conducted in-depth competitor analysis and pricing strategies, leading to an increase in competitive positioning in the market
- Oversaw all distribution channels (B2B, B2C, and E-commerce), optimizing sales processes and increasing overall profitability
- Introduced new brands and products to the market, resulting in a 15% increase in product portfolio and a 10% rise in the number of customers over 2.5 years
- Negotiated favorable commercial terms with key clients and suppliers, reducing procurement costs by 8% while securing long-term partnerships
- Implemented innovative supply chain solutions, reducing warehouse costs by 12% and improving delivery efficiency by 15%
- Developed and executed strategic marketing plans, increasing brand visibility by 25% through successful promotions and exhibitions in China
Business Developer
IKEA Trading Service
06.2011 - 06.2012
- Identified and onboarded new suppliers for IKEA’s mattress production, increasing supply chain efficiency
- Expanded IKEA’s supplier network for knitted and woven fabrics globally
- Sourced and established partnerships with global suppliers for upholstery fabrics
- Developed and implemented a global purchase strategy for mattress ticking fabrics, optimizing costs and increasing supply volume
- Supervised the creation and market introduction of new mattress ranges, boosting IKEA’s mattress sales by 10%
- Led the global implementation of the 'Better Cotton Initiative' for IKEA's mattresses, allowing IKEA to remain among world leaders in sustainability
Trader
POLCOTTON Ltd. & COTTONEX Anstalt
02.2009 - 06.2011
- Managed the sale of raw cotton and other textile raw materials, including full contract negotiation with buyers from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Vietnam, Turkey, and Iran
- Executed contracts and ensured compliance with terms, while overseeing inspections of goods with external inspection companies
- Developed relationships with existing customers and explored new markets, resulting in a steady increase in market share
- Participated in New York Futures market transactions for cotton sales, optimizing sales strategies for profitability
Manager of Purchase and Raw Materials Dept.
WIMA Spinning Mill
05.2005 - 01.2009
- Negotiated all purchase contracts for cotton, yarn, polyester fiber, viscose fiber, and machinery for the spinning mill
- Supervised the yarn spinning process and ensured quality control, addressing client concerns and optimizing production efficiency
- Sold cotton waste from the mill, adding value to by-products and improving profitability
Managing Director
Wakefield Inspection Services Poland & Tajikistan
11.1999 - 04.2005
- Supervised the inspection of cotton and textiles in Poland and Tajikistan, managing quality control and process improvement
- Created and managed the company in Tajikistan, overseeing all cotton and textile control operations in the country
Specialist for Controlling Textiles and Textile Raw Materials
SGS Poland
11.1996 - 11.1999
- Supervised textile and raw material inspections across several countries, including Poland, the Czech Republic, and Belarus
- Managed the Łódź office and implemented quality control measures to ensure client satisfaction and compliance with industry standards
Education
Łódź University of Technology - Constructions
Łódź University of Technology
01.1985 - 01.1991
Cotton Classers Training School -
Cotton Classers Training School
01.1994 - 07.1994
Skills
Business Development
Strategic Relationship Management
Leadership and Team Mentorship
Product Sourcing and Development
Negotiation and Contract Management
Market Analysis and Competitor Evaluation
Strategies and goals
Partnerships and Alliances
Sustainability Initiatives
Affiliations
- Gdynia Cotton Association, Member of the Committee for Cotton Value Differences, 1997
- Gdynia Cotton Association Arbitration Court, Arbitrator for Quality of Cotton and Yarn, 1997
- Gdynia Cotton Association, Member of the Board of Directors, 1999
Hobbies
Swimming, Cycling, Travels (Asia)
Timeline
Business Relationships Director
Contrain Group
10.2019 - 9 2024
General Manager
Flexhouse Sp z o.o.
02.2016 - 07.2019
Sourcing Director, Rugs & Home Textiles
HEM
12.2014 - 02.2017
Commercial Director
POLIMEX.NET Sp z o.o. SpK
06.2012 - 10.2014
Business Developer
IKEA Trading Service
06.2011 - 06.2012
Trader
POLCOTTON Ltd. & COTTONEX Anstalt
02.2009 - 06.2011
Manager of Purchase and Raw Materials Dept.
WIMA Spinning Mill
05.2005 - 01.2009
Managing Director
Wakefield Inspection Services Poland & Tajikistan
11.1999 - 04.2005
Specialist for Controlling Textiles and Textile Raw Materials
SGS Poland
11.1996 - 11.1999
Cotton Classers Training School -
Cotton Classers Training School
01.1994 - 07.1994
Łódź University of Technology - Constructions
Łódź University of Technology
01.1985 - 01.1991
Similar Profiles
Monika KozubMonika Kozub
Financial Director at Education International Capital GroupFinancial Director at Education International Capital Group
Drew DicksonDrew Dickson
Project Manager at Flournoy Construction Group, A Kajima USA GroupProject Manager at Flournoy Construction Group, A Kajima USA Group
ALEXANDER JONESALEXANDER JONES
Marketing Manager at Executive Table Group / Executive Hotel GroupMarketing Manager at Executive Table Group / Executive Hotel Group
Mandisi NombembeMandisi Nombembe
Business Development Lead - Relationships: Southern Africa at ACCABusiness Development Lead - Relationships: Southern Africa at ACCA
Kenza OuazzaniKenza Ouazzani
Associate Director – Client Relationships & Strategy at Lloyds Banking GroupAssociate Director – Client Relationships & Strategy at Lloyds Banking Group