Kara Gourley
Summary
Business development professional with robust history of driving growth and fostering partnerships. Proven ability to identify market opportunities and execute strategic initiatives for revenue generation. Collaborative team player with strong focus on achieving results and adapting to dynamic business environments. Skilled in relationship building, market analysis, and project management.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Business Development Manager, North America
Karger Publishing
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Company Overview: www.karger.com
- Generated new sales of scientific journals to North American universities and research institutes.
- Organized events and attended conferences across North America to increase awareness of Karger's services for researchers and authors in the scientific community.
- Developed and maintained customer information in Salesforce and forecasted monthly sales targets.
- Identified new market opportunities through research and analysis of industry trends.
- Developed strategic partnerships with key stakeholders to enhance business growth.
- Analyzed sales data to identify performance gaps and recommend actionable strategies for improvement.
International Sales Manager
Parchment Inc.
01.2019 - 01.2022
- Company Overview: www.parchment.com
- Prospected for new business opportunities within Canada and internationally.
- Assisted with identifying key market needs for new products to ensure optimal product positioning.
- Managed large geographic sales territory across Canada and abroad.
- Developed and implemented sales strategies targeting international markets to increase product adoption.
Territory Sales Manager
Nelson Education
01.2014 - 01.2019
- Company Overview: www.nelson.com
- Managed a 4.7 million territory across five provinces.
- Exceeded 2018 target at 104.5%, Hit 98.7% of FY 17 target, 100% of FY 16.
- Developed new client relationships with senior decision makers at Ministries of Education and higher education accounts.
Regional Sales Manager, Central Canada
Coutts/Ingram Content Group
01.2006 - 01.2013
- Sold print and electronic content to healthcare, higher education, corporate, government and library accounts.
- Trained library customers on implementing online acquisitions platforms.
- Developed comprehensive customer relations strategy and e-content training strategy for all Ingram Content products.
Regional Sales Manager
EBSCO
01.2003 - 01.2006
- Closed EBSCO’s first provincial healthcare deal worth $680,000 new business.
- Promoted from sales representative to regional sales manager within first 6 months of joining EBSCO.
- Responsible for all K-12, government, healthcare and academic accounts across Canada including consortia accounts.
- Increased territory growth by 80% in first year.
- Successfully managed large travel territory covering Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Quebec, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick.
Science & Engineering Representative, Higher Education Division
McGraw-Hill Ryerson Publishing
01.1997 - 01.2003
- Managed all sales and marketing activities in four provinces for college and university accounts.
- Promoted e-learning products and services.
- Conducted online technology and e-content solutions seminars.
Sales & Editorial Representative, Higher Education Division
HarperCollins Publishers
01.1993 - 01.1997
- Managed all sales and marketing activities in Atlantic Canada for college and university accounts.
- Ensured growth and profitability of HarperCollins textbook sales across all academic markets. Responsible for identifying and closing HarperCollins first custom publishing deal in Canada worth $200k.
- Consistently exceeded sales targets. Worked closely with U.S. based editorial team to ensure Canadian content.
Education
Bachelor of Arts -
St. Francis Xavier University
French Immersion
Ste. Anne’s University
Skills
- Strategic business planning
- Prospect targeting
- Customer engagement
- Strategic negotiation skills
Timeline
Business Development Manager, North America
Karger Publishing
01.2022 - 01.2023
International Sales Manager
Parchment Inc.
01.2019 - 01.2022
Territory Sales Manager
Nelson Education
01.2014 - 01.2019
Regional Sales Manager, Central Canada
Coutts/Ingram Content Group
01.2006 - 01.2013
Regional Sales Manager
EBSCO
01.2003 - 01.2006
Science & Engineering Representative, Higher Education Division
McGraw-Hill Ryerson Publishing
01.1997 - 01.2003
Sales & Editorial Representative, Higher Education Division
HarperCollins Publishers
01.1993 - 01.1997
French Immersion
Ste. Anne’s University
Bachelor of Arts -
St. Francis Xavier University
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