The Post: Partner Development Manager, IRP Commerce
The Post Holder: Brian McLaughlin
Brian McLaughlin made the move from a career in the pharmaceutical industry to a role in e-commerce.
Give a brief outline of your career to date.
I’ve had a 20+ year career working within a number of global pharmaceutical (pharma) companies, launching specialised products and managing customer relationships here in Northern Ireland. In 2022, due to changes in the market I made a decisive shift to the world of e-commerce. Now, I work with online retailers who are ready to scale their business. This sector change has allowed me to transfer my customer-focused approach and strategic business development expertise into selling technology solutions to ambitious online merchants.
Did you go on to further/higher education? If so, what did you study and where?
I graduated with a BMedSci (Hons) from Queen’s University Belfast and I also completed a CIPR Advanced Certificate in Public Relations.
How did you get into your area of work?
After many years in pharma, I began looking for a fresh challenge, somewhere I could apply the skills I had acquired in a different way. With a bit of persistence and the help of my network, I found an opportunity to enter the e-commerce space – something completely new but exciting.
Is this what you always wanted to do?
Initially, I knew very little about the complexities of e-commerce, however the more I immersed myself in the industry, the more it became an obsession. My skills in trust-building and relationship management, which were core to my early career, have transferred well and become essential in my partner development role at IRP Commerce.
Were there any particular essential qualifications or experience needed?
Though I don’t have a tech background, transitioning into IRP Commerce meant quickly picking up the technical knowledge necessary for client-facing roles. I passed the in-house certifications required, learning the fundamentals of e-commerce and the technical requirements of e-commerce platforms. This ability to adapt has been crucial for engaging with ambitious merchants looking to scale their businesses on IRP platform technology.
What are the main personal skills your job requires?
A key part of my role involves the initial stages of the sales cycle. This requires me to build rapport rapidly, to establish trust, and pitch conversations at the appropriate level. IRP offers a sophisticated e-commerce solution leveraging real-time data. My challenge is to simplify the messaging, keeping it relevant to the business owners, without overwhelming them with technical details.
What does a typical day entail?
My days are a balance of engaging with potential partners and merchants, conducting research into different retail sectors, and assessing how IRP can help scale their online sales both locally and internationally. I lead live demonstrations of the IRP platform, and, if the fit is right, I work closely with the commercial team to move things forward. Additionally, I collaborate with agencies, technical partners, and key stakeholders within our ecosystem to ensure everything aligns for success.
What are the best and most challenging aspects of the job?
The best part is seeing a merchant ‘go live’ on our platform after months of hard work. It’s a sophisticated process that requires project management precision, but witnessing the culmination of that effort – when it generates a merchant’s growth – is extremely rewarding. The most challenging part is keeping all the internal and external partners aligned and communicating effectively, as there are many moving parts in any deployment.
Why is what you do important?
We help online retailers grow and scale, which has a positive ripple effect on the local economy. The e-commerce industry in Northern Ireland is expected to expand substantially over the next decade, which means job creation and increased opportunities for businesses to thrive. It’s exciting to be part of that growth and to contribute to that bigger economic picture.
What advice would you give anyone looking to follow a similar career path?
Know your transferable skills. Just because you’ve spent years in one sector doesn’t mean those skills can’t be applied elsewhere. Networking is crucial, and sometimes taking on freelance or consultancy work initially can help prove your worth in a new field.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to yourself on your first day?
Be yourself and take the time to understand how the business operates.
What’s the key to any successful job search?
Tailor your CV to the role and industry, work on solid examples for competency-based interviews, and research the company thoroughly.
Brian’s story is a testament to the power of transferable skills and the exciting possibilities within the ever-growing e-commerce sector. Whether you’re making a career change or looking to enhance your current skills, there are countless opportunities waiting in industries across Northern Ireland.
Are you ready to take the next step in your career? Explore positions that align with your goals on nijobfinder today.
Keep up to date with the latest news and views on the NI job market and more by following the nijobfinder blog.
Follow nijobfinder on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn to see the latest jobs and to ensure your dream job won’t pass you by.