Director & Chief Information Officer (CIO)

• Sep 2018 - Present

Global responsibility for technology, data and IT security for our portfolio of businesses across sites in the UK and South Africa Global responsibility for technology, data and IT security for our portfolio of businesses across sites in the UK and South Africa

Director

• Dec 2021 - Present

Non Executive Director

• Aug 2020 - Present

Manager

• Sep 2012 - Aug 2018

Leading project teams of Consultants, Analysts and Associates in politically charged high pressure environments, and workstreams as part of larger programmes, James:- Provides digital and technology advisory servicesWorking across private & public sectors, in addition to private family clients, James works with clients to tackle some of their most complex, global digital challenges to increase revenue, decreased cost and enhance the customer experience- Delivers digital change on a global scaleFrom strategy through to execution, James leads a portfolio of work to develop digital / technology strategy and works with clients to get the most from their digital assets, investments and vendors. For example, he recently led a pre-M&A deal feasibility analysis for a proposed €65 million divestment of manufacturing sites across Europe- Knows about Analytics, Robotics and PrototypingJames regularly participates in Hack-a-thons and works with his teams to build tangible prototypes to support delivery of change. For example, he recently won a hack-a-thon to create a customer complaints classification robot and is currently creating Alexa skills to explore the potential of Alexa for BusinessAdditionally, James:- Produces visually impactful reports with clear storyboards to communicate key findings and recommendations tailored to a variety of senior stakeholders- Regularly participates in Business Development work to respond to RFPs and oral pitches to grow out new and existing accounts- Continually brings external perspectives and challenge to his clients and teams, by keeping up to speed with the latest industry and digital trends(CRM = Customer Relationship Management, IoT = Internet of Things, BIM = Building Information Management, M&A = Mergers & Acquisitions)

Value Chain Analysis & Mobile Platform Workstream Lead

• Jan 2015 - Mar 2015

James led a cross cultural workstream of UK and Tanzanian volunteers aged 18-25 to support the professionalisation and growth of a new farmer co-operative. The organisation aimed to empower smallholder farmers to access the island's lucrative and growing tourist market in order to transform agriculture from a subsistence activity to a profitable enterprise. -- Value Chain Analysis --James led the production of a detailed analysis of the Fruit and Vegetable Value Chain in Zanzibar showing the distribution of profit and market information across the supply and demand chains. He:- Co-ordinated the delivery of a professional standard publication on time with limited resources- Managed relationships with key stakeholders to ensure feedback was received and incorporated- Delivered training courses on Excel PivotTables, statistical analysis and graph interpretation-- Mobile Platform --James managed the production of a step-by-step guide for establishing four mobile platform initiatives that farmer co-operatives can consider implementing (e.g. Mobile Money for Farmers). He:- Facilitated meetings between the VSO Project Officer and the Directors of Strategy & Business Performance and Commercial Operations at Zantel, a major mobile network on the island- Provided guidance on recommended next steps for implementing these initiatives to partner organisation representatives and other long term volunteers

Analyst (Industrial Placement)

• Jul 2011 - Dec 2011

James' Master's dissertation was sponsored by Deloitte's Consulting Practice. In addition to having the opportunity to gain his first client work experience, James:- Produced a 20,000 word dissertation on the effect of Cloud based technologies on traditional organisation's IT operating models [Awarded First Class by Oxford University]- Performed a detailed analysis of many traditional IT Operating Models to identifying key trends and highlight key areas of weakness James' Master's dissertation was sponsored by Deloitte's Consulting Practice. In addition to having the opportunity to gain his first client work experience, James:- Produced a 20,000 word dissertation on the effect of Cloud based technologies on traditional organisation's IT operating models [Awarded First Class by Oxford University]- Performed a detailed analysis of many traditional IT Operating Models to identifying key trends and highlight key areas of weakness

Student Placement

• May 2010 - May 2010

As part of his degree, James undertook a project in a small team to produce, and present to plant directors, a recommended solution to an issue with the BMW Mini production line. Specifically James:- Produced an excel spreadsheet allowing automated statistical processing of production line data.- Devised the final model we selected to link our statistical results to create a practical solution.- Designed a visual representation of this model that could be easily understood by the plant directors.

Insight Academy Participant

• Jul 2009 - Jul 2009

Participated in a week long intensive business skills course where we worked as a team to evaluate and improve the business processes of a fictional company, with support from industry professionals. In order to support our professional development, each participant was provided with extensive feedback regarding their skill, approach and professional demeanour. James was rated "Excellent" in:- Building and Sustaining Relationships- Communicate with Impact and Empathy- Develop Self and Others through Coaching

Selling Partner

• Sep 2007 - Oct 2008

Working as a shop floor 'Selling Partner', James was responsible for:- Resolving customer complaints both in person and via telephone- Quickly and efficiently identify customer requirements- Assisting colleagues with the use of computerised order and tracking systems Working as a shop floor 'Selling Partner', James was responsible for:- Resolving customer complaints both in person and via telephone- Quickly and efficiently identify customer requirements- Assisting colleagues with the use of computerised order and tracking systems

Managing Director, FinX

• Sep 2006 - Jul 2007

As part of the Young Enterprise Programme, James:- Founded a Young Enterprise company that produced DVDs of local events and performances.- Awarded “Best Overall Company in Lincolnshire & Rutland”.- Awarded “Best Company Presentation” which I presented with one other member of the team.- Developed leadership skills and refined approach to coordinating others based on feedback from the team.- Led a company that made a profit As part of the Young Enterprise Programme, James:- Founded a Young Enterprise company that produced DVDs of local events and performances.- Awarded “Best Overall Company in Lincolnshire & Rutland”.- Awarded “Best Company Presentation” which I presented with one other member of the team.- Developed leadership skills and refined approach to coordinating others based on feedback from the team.- Led a company that made a profit