Daniel Smith
Telford
Summary
My experiences intersect leadership, operational delivery, and mission-driven impact. Over 15 years, I have delivered complex programmes, advisory projects, and operational leadership across public, private, community, and voluntary sectors, drawing on world travel, diverse professional experiences, and operational expertise as a Royal Marines Commando and maritime security consultant to strengthen governance, build high-performance teams, and deliver lasting results.
I have also contributed through voluntary leadership, serving as Chair of Trustees for an early years setting, Committee Secretary of a local children’s sports club, and facilitator of wellbeing programmes for Action for Happiness, reflecting my commitment to service and community impact.
I bring a deep commitment to service, and pair this with discipline, drive, and passion, supported by a strong work ethic and growth mindset. These traits, together with people and relationship-building skills, allow me to lead teams, foster collaboration, and deliver meaningful results
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Leadership Advisor
Exceptional Leadership Technology
2025.10 - 2026.02
- Delivered leadership assessments, executive coaching, and development workshops using Hogan methodologies.
- Supported senior leaders to translate behavioural insight into practical performance improvement.
- Contributed to product development, thought leadership, and client delivery.
- Applied AI-enabled tools to support scalable leadership insight and advisory services.
Director | Delivery Manager
Open Data Services
2022.01 - 2025.10
- Established organisation-wide project and programme management approaches.
- Introduced governance, reporting, and delivery oversight processes.
- Led complex international programmes including the International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI) with UNDP.
- Oversaw cross-functional teams delivering multiple technical products and services.
- Business Development
- Led business development from opportunity identification through to contract award.
- Implemented pipeline management, forecasting, and bid coordination processes.
- Supported organisational growth through structured bidding and partnership development.
Partnerships Officer
West Midlands Fire Service
2017.01 - 2022.01
- Developed partnerships improving safeguarding and community safety outcomes.
- Represented WMFS on four Local Authority safeguarding boards.
- Led Serious Incident Reviews and contributed to statutory Serious Adult Reviews.
- Designed governance frameworks and referral pathways supporting vulnerable communities.
- Led a national project reviewing prevention practice across UK Fire & Rescue Services.
Executive Coach
Newport Partners
2019.12 - 2022.11
- Delivered executive coaching using Hogan Personality Assessments to enhance leadership effectiveness and self-awareness as well as supporting talent development, executive selection, and performance management strategies.
- Provided in-depth analysis of Hogan results to identify leadership strengths, potential derailers, and motivational drivers.
- Designed tailored development plans based on personality insights to improve decision-making, communication, and leadership impact.
- Conducted one-on-one coaching sessions with senior executives, supporting career growth, succession planning, and high-performance leadership.
- Facilitated workshops and team sessions to enhance organisational culture and leadership alignment.
Course Designer – Mindfulness & Life Skills Programme
Sports to Life
2021.01
- Designed a 12-week mindfulness and life-skills programme delivered through sport.
- Partnered with West Midlands Sports Development to support delivery and community engagement.
- Created resources improving confidence, resilience, and emotional wellbeing in young people.
Project Coordinator
Cycle of Good – Krizevac Project
2019.01
- Built UK retail partnerships supporting recycling and social enterprise initiatives.
- Helped create fair employment opportunities in Malawi.
- Supported education and community outreach programmes funded through project income.
Health and Fitness Specialist
Various (UK, Australia, Qatar)
2012.11 - 2025.10
- Health and fitness professional with international experience across the UK, Australia, and Qatar.
- Delivered strength and conditioning, personal training, and lifestyle coaching for individuals, sports teams, and large-group bootcamps.
- Conducted health assessments, nutrition planning, genetic and blood testing, and sports massage.
- Ran unning corporate wellness programmes and seminars focused on movement, nutrition, sleep, and stress.
- Delivered the NHS National Diabetes Prevention Programme (NDPP) across Shropshire, supporting participants to reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes through structured lifestyle changes, exercise, and nutritional guidance.
Project Coordinator
Cycle of Good Krizevac Project
2019.01 - 2020.01
- Building relationships with bike shops across the UK and coordinating the donation of inner tubes to be sent to Malawi where a team of tailors turned them into products.
Managing Director
Cycle Movement
2016.04 - 2017.04
- Awarded and sucessfully delivered a Staffordshire County Council contract aimed at increasing cycling participation.
- Managed and oversaw delivery, event coordination, partnerships, and community engagement activity.
Active Steps Project Officer
Sustrans
2015.04 - 2016.06
- Designed and delivered a department for transport (Dft) funded project to promote sustainable travel and increase physical activity in disadvantaged populations through participation in walking and cycling activities.
- Established and managed referral pathways with public sector and third sector health and wellbeing services.
- Delivered 12-week programs including baseline and follow-up health checks for 93 individuals.
- Recruited, trained and managed 12 volunteers.
Military Advocacy Project Coordinator
SEAP
2014.08 - 2015.04
- Promoted and developed a project supporting ex-servicemen with mental and physical health issues, housing, employment, and other challenges.
- Managed a large caseload and coordinated efforts with partner organisations and volunteers.
- Developed strategic partnerships, referral pathways and support networks.
- Identified and successfully attained project funding.
Maritime Security Consultant (Anti-Piracy)
Plexus
2011.01 - 2014.01
- Managed vessel security operations in high-risk maritime regions.
- Conducted risk assessments and advised captains on safe transit routes.
- Delivered operational training and coordinated with international authorities.
Royal Marines Commando
Royal Marines
2005.10 - 2010.09
- Completed Commando training and served on operational deployment in Afghanistan.
- Delivered recruit instruction and physical training programmes.
- Contributed to protection of UK national strategic assets.
- Selected for Royal Marines Commando Display Team.
Education
GCSEs - Various (10 C and above | 10 A's)
Great Wyrley High School
Staffordshire, UK 1998.09 - 2002.09
A-Levels - Psychology, Geography, Physical Education
Great Wyrley High School
Staffordshire, UK 2002.09 - 2004.09
Skills
- Leadership and Team Development
- Culture and Change Management
- Programme, Project and People Management
- Business Development and Bid Writing
- Partnership and Multi-Agency Working
- Governance and Risk Management
- Health and Wellbeing
VOLUNTARY LEADERSHIP & GOVERNANCE
- Committee Secretary — Local Children's Sports Club | 2024 – 2025
- Chair of Trustees – Early Years Setting | 2018 – 2021
- Course Facilitator — Action for Happiness | 2018 – 2020
- Fundraiser — JIKO Orphanage | 2015
Certification
Leadership & Management
- Hogan Personality Assessment Certification (2025)
- Managing for Excellence – Coventry University / WMFS (2020)
- Coaching Conversations – WMFS (2020)
Project Management
- Agile Project Management Foundation & Practitioner – APMG International (2023)
Digital & AI
- Good With AI (2025)
Health & Fitness
- Obesity and Diabetes Management Level 4
- Diploma in Exercise Referral Level 3
- Master Personal Trainer Level 3
- CrossFit Level 1 Coach
- ITEC Level 3 Sports Massage Therapist
- Kettlebell Level 1
- Nutrition and Weight Management
- Motivation and Lifestyle Coach
- Clinical Exercise & Specific Populations
- Functional Training and Sports
- Certificate in Advanced PT Skills
- FA Coaching Badge Level 1
- Diploma in Personal Fitness Training (Distinction)
- National Standard Cycling Instructor
Additional Training
- Safeguarding Qualifications (Various)
- Mental Health First Aid
- Royal Marines Commando Training
References
Available upon request.
Timeline
Leadership Advisor
Exceptional Leadership Technology
2025.10 - 2026.02
Director | Delivery Manager
Open Data Services
2022.01 - 2025.10
Course Designer – Mindfulness & Life Skills Programme
Sports to Life
2021.01
Executive Coach
Newport Partners
2019.12 - 2022.11
Project Coordinator
Cycle of Good – Krizevac Project
2019.01
Project Coordinator
Cycle of Good Krizevac Project
2019.01 - 2020.01
Partnerships Officer
West Midlands Fire Service
2017.01 - 2022.01
Managing Director
Cycle Movement
2016.04 - 2017.04
Active Steps Project Officer
Sustrans
2015.04 - 2016.06
Military Advocacy Project Coordinator
SEAP
2014.08 - 2015.04
Health and Fitness Specialist
Various (UK, Australia, Qatar)
2012.11 - 2025.10
Maritime Security Consultant (Anti-Piracy)
Plexus
2011.01 - 2014.01
Royal Marines Commando
Royal Marines
2005.10 - 2010.09
A-Levels - Psychology, Geography, Physical Education
Great Wyrley High School
2002.09 - 2004.09
GCSEs - Various (10 C and above | 10 A's)
Great Wyrley High School
1998.09 - 2002.09