Our latest Leadership Spotlight features Scott Sparks!
The early stages of Scott Sparks’ career saw him involved in sports. Initially starting as a lifeguard, Scott also traveled to the USA to coach football for a brief spell.
His digital career began at Screwfix as a Web Production Co-Ordinator. Since Screwfix, Scott has gone on to hold several senior positions in Digital and Ecommerce with major names such as Waitrose, B&Q, American Golf, and Iceland Foods.
In our Q&A with Scott, he discusses his interesting career to date, the difference in company culture in major brands he’s worked with, why “the disconnect between commercial / buying teams and digital” is a challenge in digital leadership, why Social Commerce is an exciting trend, how his colleagues would describe him and his sporty hobbies!
Read our Q&A with Scott below.
Why did you join the Digital Leaders Club?
Joining the Digital Leaders Club will be a great opportunity for me to connect with peers in the digital sector, and to also learn and collaborate with other leaders.
What's your career journey been like to date?
I actually started out as a Lifeguard many years ago, before temping as a Digital Coordinator role at Screwfix, I then decided to go out to California USA to coach Football / Soccer for 6 months, and on returning to the UK being hired full-time back at Screwfix. I fell into Ecommerce & Digital having no degree or relevant experience and have made the most of it since then.
Then working my way up through Digital Trading roles at Waitrose and B&Q before eventually relocating from the South West to the North West which is where my wife Katie is originally from has again led me into some brilliant brands Iceland, Studio Retail, and more recently Frasers Group.
I always say I have sold everything from Screws, Power tools, to Wine and Frozen Pizzas, to Football Boots, Dresses and Golf Clubs. There aren't many product types I have not sold online!
You have worked with some huge retail brands such as B&Q, Screwfix, and Waitrose; are there any major differences or challenges that separate them?
Company Culture has always been an interesting difference and not something you really consider when you are young and slightly naive but this was a real eye-opener joining Waitrose from Screwfix, the way their priorities and customer focus differ has given me the ability to adapt to succeed in several different retail sectors. From Focusing on convenience for a tradesman vs inspiring a high-end grocery customer.
What do you love about working in digital?
The almost instant impact you can see from a decision or action you have taken on the sales, conversion, and session numbers is addictive to see. Almost no day is the same and that’s what keeps it exciting with new consumer behaviours to technologies is what makes it exciting.
What are the common challenges you see in digital leadership?
The disconnect between commercial / buying teams and digital is always an interesting challenge, bringing them onboard with insights and data reports can be a real eye opener and significantly increase the collaboration between the teams for the benefit of the customer & business .
In your view, what's the most important trait of a successful team?
Trust - When team members trust each other, it paves the way for open communication, effective collaboration, and the willingness to rely on one another's expertise. It also creates an environment where individuals feel supported, valued, and motivated to contribute their best.
Tell us about your best success story
I think it would be my ability to ‘ride the wave of change’ within the retail sector and come out of it with a positive. After two administrations, 3 business restructures and subsequent risk of redundancies over the last 5 years since I relocated to the northwest, I am still standing strong and have managed to progress into bigger roles.
Which trend(s) are you most excited about?
Social commerce and the power of platforms like TikTok in creating that seamless shopping experience is exciting. It is costing me a fortune as I keep being targeted with really personalised content which is leaving a dent in my bank balance!
How would your colleagues describe you?
Personable, Funny, Fearless, Leader.
What are your hobbies away from work?
I enjoy playing football and captaining my local men's club on Sundays to being out on the golf course. I have all the gear and no idea! If not one of the above, then it is walking my Wire-haired & Long-haired Dachshunds Kali & River.
What's your plan for the future?
Continue to learn & grow my career to progress into the next leadership role and Get smooth-haired Dachshund to complete the trio.
What would you be doing (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?
Definitely not a Professional Golfer, but potentially a career as a Police Officer or Detective Inspector. I love a good crime documentary.
Connect with Scott on LinkedIn
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