International Development - Brian's Story

What is your current position and where are you based now?

I am currently the Head of Sales for the Philippines.

What was your first role at MCFT and what made you decide to join?

I joined MCFT in January 2023 through the graduate programme, starting in procurement before rotating across various departments within the company. I chose MCFT over other offers because it provided a unique opportunity to work abroad and accelerate my personal development in a leadership role.

Can you describe your career progression within MCFT — the different roles or responsibilities you’ve taken on along the way?

When starting the Graduate Scheme, I was in the procurement department, where I managed supplier relationships to source parts at the most effective pricing whilst not compromising on the lead time. I was also responsible for ensuring all warehouse inventory was accurately shipped to the correct locations. I then transitioned to the service desk department, where I served as the first point of contact for our customers. In that role, I provided updates, addressed concerns, and gained a strong understanding of our service offerings and the value they deliver to our clients. Service desk opened my eyes to how essential our services are, as customers will experience significant pain without an operational kitchen.

Afterward, I joined the sales team as a Business Development Executive. My responsibilities included prospecting potential customers, building successful relationships, and coordinating meetings for my senior Business Development Manager. This role deepened my understanding of our customer pain points and strengthened my ability to communicate how our solutions address their challenges.

Following the completion of my graduate scheme, I moved to Dubai for four months of further training under the General Manager. I then relocated to the Philippines, where I now serve as Head of Sales. In this role, I oversee a team of Business Development Executives and Managers to execute the company’s sales strategy, achieve monthly targets, and expand our market presence in the Philippines. I am also responsible for managing key accounts, ensuring high customer satisfaction, and maintaining a strong retention rate.

How long did it take you to move from your first position to a senior or international role?

I was fortunate enough that after just 12 months on the graduate scheme, I had the opportunity to move to the Philippines to become the Head of Sales.

What kind of support or development opportunities did MCFT provide that helped you grow (e.g., training, mentoring, on-the-job learning)?

During the graduate scheme, I shadowed department heads and senior team members for several weeks before gradually taking on greater responsibilities. What makes MCFT’s approach unique is that there is no set limit to the level of responsibility you can assume—by demonstrating capability and initiative, you are continually trusted to obtain higher responsibility.

Additionally, early in my journey, I was given several tasks and projects directly by our founder, Chris Craggs, which accelerated my understanding of our operations and the critical role we play in supporting our customers. This experience was instrumental in helping me see the bigger picture—how each department contributes to our overall success.

Throughout the graduate scheme, I also completed training courses across various departments, each designed to strengthen my technical and commercial skills. What I value most about MCFT is that development never stops. In the Philippines, I continue to have weekly sessions with Alex Wilson, which have been essential in understanding how we operate in different countries whilst always ensuring the core practises never changes. 

What skills or experiences do you think were most valuable in helping you progress?

One of the most valuable experiences for me has been the regular sessions led by our founder and CEO, where they shared insights into various aspects of the business. These conversations deepened my understanding of the reasoning behind key policies and practices, and how they drive the company’s success. I’ve learned that with the right mindset and a clear goal, you can truly achieve great results—especially with MCFT’s strong commitment to personal development. Although I was often pushed outside my comfort zone and tested in real-world scenarios, there was always support and mentorship to help navigate every challenge.

How did working at MCFT prepare you for an international role?

At MCFT, you’ll receive hands-on training directly from high-level directors—a rare opportunity in most companies. I was personally coached by colleagues with decades of industry experience, which allowed me to gain valuable insights and apply them to my own work. When I moved to Dubai, I also had the chance to work closely with the General Manager, who greatly enhanced my understanding of how to convert prospects and taught me best practices in how to manage a team —skills that were essential when I later transitioned to the Philippines.