James Balcombe
Braintree,Essex
Summary
Administration and operations professional with over 20 years of experience in customer service and office management, including 12 years in a specialist media production environment. Expertise in managing customer orders from inquiry to dispatch, preparing quotations and invoices, and proofreading artwork. Proven ability to supervise teams and handle diverse operational tasks with exceptional attention to detail. Recognised for effective problem-solving skills and a commitment to accuracy and efficiency.
Overview
6
6
years of post-secondary education
24
24
years of professional experience
Work history
Administration & Duplication Technician
Cram Duplication
Fordham, Essex
2014.09 - Current
- Operate specialist duplication and commercial printing equipment for CD and cassette production.
- Maintain duplication equipment and office computers through fault-finding and servicing.
- Prepare and dispatch customer orders using APC for delivery processing.
- Manage customer orders from enquiry to quotation, invoicing, and dispatch.
- Prepare quotations and invoices using Xero software for accurate billing.
- Deliver customer support by telephone and email to resolve inquiries.
- Prepare, amend, and proofread artwork using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat.
- Identify and correct artwork spelling and track listing errors before production.
- Maintain stock levels by monitoring levels and ordering when low.
- Support and supervise part-time finishing staff for smooth production flow.
- Social media and marketing activities to improve brand visibility and engagement.
Bar Supervisor / Venue Assistant
Asylum Music Venue
Chelmsford, Essex
2013.04 - 2015.01
- Managed event promotion and organised gig nights, driving attendance and enhancing customer experience.
- Ran venue operations during owner absence, maintaining service quality and operational continuity.
- Served customers and handled cash efficiently during high-traffic live music shifts, ensuring smooth transactions.
Assistant Manager
St Anne's Castle
Great Leighs, Essex
2002.04 - 2013.06
- Supervised staff to uphold service standards and team cohesion across shifts.
- Handled cash management and till operations, ensuring accurate transaction records and payment balancing.
- Managed pub operations during owners' absence, ensuring seamless service delivery.
Claims Handler
Marsh Insurance
Witham, Essex
2007.03 - 2009.08
- Managed Vodafone phone claims for lost or damaged handsets, assessing outcomes to ensure customer satisfaction.
- Reviewed appeal submissions and call evidence to resolve handset claim complaints effectively.
- Created quotations for franchisees, including Subway, Charles Wells, and Boots Opticians, to support their operational needs.
Various administration, warehouse and production
Listed below
, Essex
2004.02 - 2013.02
- RDC - Technical Operative (Sep 2012 – Feb 2013)
- Affinity Wills - Telemarketing Executive (Jun 2011 – Dec 2011)
- Enviro / Anglian Home Improvements - Telemarketing Executive (Oct 2010 – Apr 2011)
- William Ransoms Production Operative (Temporary: July 2010 – Sep 2010)
- Oriel Insurance - Administrative Assistant (Temporary: Jan 2010 – May 2010)
- Brook Street & Reed - Temporary Administration, Warehouse & Retail Roles (Sep 2009 – Dec 2009)
- Ends UK Ltd - Data Entry & Admin (Sep 2006 – Dec 2006)
- Protecta Screen - Warehouse Assistant (Feb 2004 – May 2004)
Education
BIIAB - BIIAB Door Supervision Level 2 + NOCN Employability Step Up
Harlow College
2012.01 - 2012.01
NVQ Level 2 - ntermediate Media Studies, Information Technology
Braintree College
Braintree, Essex 2001.06 - 2002.09
GCSEs - Maths, English, Science, IT, Graphic Studies, German, Art
The Boswells School
Chelmsford, Essex 1996.09 - 2001.06
Skills
- Artwork preparation
- Quality control
- Order management
- Data entry and processing
- Grammar accuracy
- Client support
- Organizational skills
- Maintenance management
- Composure under pressure
- Deadline adherence
Affiliations
- Drummer and manager of a heavy metal band since 2009, responsible for coordinating performances, organising rehearsals, managing promotional activities, creating artwork and supporting the overall running of the band.
- Passionate about music, film and comedy. Regularly attending live gigs, cinema and stand-up performances.
- Travelling, exploring new places and experiencing different cultures.
- Enjoy quizzes and learning facts. Member of a regular monthly quiz team, demonstrating teamwork, problem-solving and general knowledge skills.
Timeline
Administration & Duplication Technician
Cram Duplication
2014.09 - Current
Bar Supervisor / Venue Assistant
Asylum Music Venue
2013.04 - 2015.01
BIIAB - BIIAB Door Supervision Level 2 + NOCN Employability Step Up
Harlow College
2012.01 - 2012.01
Claims Handler
Marsh Insurance
2007.03 - 2009.08
Various administration, warehouse and production
Listed below
2004.02 - 2013.02
Assistant Manager
St Anne's Castle
2002.04 - 2013.06
NVQ Level 2 - ntermediate Media Studies, Information Technology
Braintree College
2001.06 - 2002.09
GCSEs - Maths, English, Science, IT, Graphic Studies, German, Art
The Boswells School
1996.09 - 2001.06