Business Unit Manager
📝 What is your name and role at Arvid Nordquist?
💬 “I was just going to start by saying no, I don’t work with coffee – as a little twist. That’s usually my standard reply when social conversations slip into work. It’s natural that people have a relationship with coffee – but it’s also fun when you get the chance to tell them that Arvid Nordquist is so much more than just great coffee!
My name is Daniel Breeze and I work as a BUM at Arvid Nordquist, which stands for Business Unit Manager. The team I lead is responsible for the laundry category with a particular focus on the brands A+, Dreft 0% and Noor. We distribute and sell in Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark in partnership with the brand owner BlueSun. My role means that we aim to maximise the business in these markets while optimising the flow of goods based on the production conditions prevailing at the producer.”
📝 What qualities are good to have in your profession?
💬 “First of all, you shouldn’t be afraid of numbers – you should rather love numbers. You need to have knowledge of sales and business administration, and be comfortable with business terminology, especially in FMCG. Good knowledge of Excel and PowerPoint is important, along with an understanding of reporting tools and different digital platforms.
But not all work happens in the digital world. As I work in an international network with colleagues from different cultures, it is important to be able to build relationships and represent both yourself and the company in a good way. Relationships, both internal and external, are very important elements of work and if you don’t nurture them, it will be more difficult to achieve success.
Besides that, I think it’s good to have some of what I usually call “duck traits” – to be able to let things run off one’s back, not take criticism personally and accept that everything cannot be influenced. No matter how well thought-out a strategy you build, there are always external factors you can’t foresee.”
📝 What are you passionate about in your role?
💬 “I like the strategic aspect – being informed and building a strategy for the business on that basis. It’s extensive and complex, but it can also be very rewarding. This role also stimulates the competitive instinct. We operate in a competitive market where many players compete for customer attention and a place on the shelves. I appreciate the feeling of competition, and of course it’s especially fun when you win a fight and get to set a positive milestone!”
📝 What is the best thing about working as a Business Unit Manager at Arvid Nordquist?
💬 “I want to highlight the Nordic perspective here. We not only sell in four markets – we also have offices in Oslo, Copenhagen and Helsinki in addition to the head office in Stockholm. The collaboration with the Nordic colleagues, combined with the fact that we work in most sales channels, adds both variety and complexity to the role. In general, I appreciate the family-friendly and collegial atmosphere at Arvid Nordquist. Many are open across departmental boundaries, and we are close to each other – both physically and digitally.”