Name: Murat Kirac
Job title: Key Account Manager – Residential
Tell us a bit about yourself
I lived in and around North London, close to 20 years, before moving to Colchester about four years ago. I wanted a change of scene, and an area where I could afford to buy a flat. Colchester, not many people know, is the oldest recorded town in UK.
I am an avid reader and on average would read two books a month, from fiction to politics. I am currently learning German for leisure, you never know when it might come useful. I am also a Trustee at my local Citizens Advice Bureau. I try and go for a run every other day, diary permitting.
Describe your job to a five-year-old
I listen to people to understand them as best I can, then give them a solution to a problem they didn’t know they had.
What do you like most about your job?
Developing internal and external working relationships based on trust, in order to make it as easy to do business with us as possible and provide the maximum value to our customers’ business and grow our sales.
How did you get here?
My career before Ideal Standard revolved around the food and drinks industry, in various sales roles servicing in the main the out-of-home sector; cafes, pubs, restaurants, hotels and distributors. I worked for companies like McCain Foods, AB InBev and Twinings tea.
After leaving Twinings tea in 2014, I started as a Business Development Manager at Ideal Standard, managing the Saint-Gobain account. Had a good run with it, where in 2016 grew sales 22% ahead of plan and 28% vs previous year. Then, in 2017 I wanted to get a better understanding of the bigger brother of our business of specification. When the Key Account Manager opportunity came up within the residential channel looking after National Housebuilders, I went for it and was successful in getting the role.
What motivates you?
To challenge myself as much as I can to get out of my comfort zone, to raise my personal and professional altitude.
If you could swap jobs with anyone, who would it be?
Martin Scorsese, making awesome movies.
Your favourite song lyric or line from a film
“How do you like them apples?” – from Good Will Hunting.
Your favourite app?
WhatsApp, to stay in touch with my friends and family across the globe.
Biggest facepalm moment at work?
When I didn’t know what ‘click & clean’ was at a shower enclosure product training in 2019.