James Baron
Harrogate,North Yorkshire
Summary
Dynamic professional with a strong foundation in communication proficiency and client relationship building. Skilled in assessing situations and implementing change, demonstrating resilience under pressure. Adept at persuasion techniques and reading styles, with a focus on achieving successful outcomes. Career goals include leveraging communication finesse to drive impactful results in challenging environments.
Hardworking individual with strong drive and desire to succeed. Motivated and helpful to aid team performance. Thrives in fast-paced environments to achieve strict deadlines under pressure.
I strongly believe that the many skills I have gained through my 40+ years are transferable and being an avid shooter myself, make me a very suitable candidate for this role.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
Work history
Bread baker
The Secret Bakery
Harrogate, North Yorkshire
2025.03 - Current
- Scaled, mixed, and baked various types of bread with precision and efficiency.
- Maintained cleanliness of bakery area for a safe and hygienic work environment.
- Adapted traditional recipes to suit modern baking techniques for improved product quality.
- Prepared dough using commercial mixing equipment, resulting in evenly mixed ingredients.
Key account manager
Whitworth Bros flour millers Ltd
Wellingborough, Northamptonshire
2018.09 - 2024.12
- Strengthened key client relationships by developing tailored account strategies.
- Developed multi-level contacts within key accounts to enhance communication channels.
- Negotiated profitable contracts to ensure mutual benefit.
- Analysed sales data, optimised performance metrics.
- Translated customer feedback into actionable insights that drove product development initiatives.
- Conducted regular business reviews, identified areas for improvement.
- Resolved escalated customer issues promptly for increased satisfaction rates.
- Secured long-term customer loyalty with excellent service and understanding of client needs.
- Navigated through tough negotiations while maintaining professional working relationships.
- Identified new business opportunities and increased lead generation to grow profits.
- Communicated new products and services to drive customer interest and boost sales.
- Resolved client complaints quickly and used feedback to improve account management services.
- Maintained client records in bespoke CRM systems, ensuring streamlined data processes for maximum efficiency.
- Reported on account progress, targets and forecasts and sought solutions to performance issues.
- Highlighted growth opportunities within current client accounts and campaigns to increase revenue.
- Managed multiple accounts with high-quality client care through tactical planning and campaign delivery.
- Provided first-class client services, from onboarding to daily account management.
- Led client negotiations and supply contracts to achieve cost-effective outcomes.
- Employed exceptional rapport-building skills to nurture key relationships.
- Built and developed constructive relationships with clients to increase account spending and loyalty.
Technical sales manager
Arla foods ingredients
Aarhus, West Jutland
2012.08 - 2018.03
- Drove innovation within the team by introducing cutting-edge technologies in sales operations.
- Achieved high customer satisfaction ratings with superior after-sales service provision.
- Fostered collaborative relationships with key clients to improve revenue generation.
- Increased sales by developing and implementing strategic plans.
- Delivered product demonstrations for improved customer understanding and increased sales.
- Trained junior team members to enhance performance and productivity.
- Conducted market research, identified industry trends.
- Managed a large portfolio of accounts, ensuring optimal service delivery.
- Boosted client engagement through excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
- Handled complex customer complaints, restored trust in our services.
- Provided specialised information related to technical equipment, supplies and services.
- Maintained expert-level knowledge of product and service offerings.
- Built rapport with new and existing customers to boost client retention.
- Demonstrated products and services to overcome objections and drive sales.
- Recorded customer and product data in relationship management software.
Technical support manager
Puratos
Buckingham, Buckinghamshire
2006.06 - 2012.07
- Improved operational effectiveness with systematic problem-solving approaches.
- Conducted regular audits to maintain regulatory compliance and accuracy of documentation.
- Introduced innovative solutions, boosting overall process quality.
- Quickly learned and applied new skills to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
- Successfully delivered on tasks within tight deadlines.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Supported team by demonstrating respect and willingness to help.
- Worked flexible hours, covering nights, weekends and bank holidays.
- Consistently arrived at work on time and ready to start immediately.
- Offered friendly, efficient customer service and handled challenging situations with ease.
- Increased customer satisfaction by resolving issues.
- Improved efficiency and productivity by acquiring new skills.
- Completed duties to deliver on targets with accuracy and efficiency.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
Production manager
Bettys and Taylor’s group Ltd
Harrogate, North Yorkshire
1987.09 - 2004.02
- Optimised inventory control with accurate forecasting.
- Ensured quality control by rigorous testing procedures.
- Championed continuous improvement initiatives for sustainable growth.
- Enhanced operational procedures with cutting-edge technology integration.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams for smooth workflow.
- Implemented safety protocols, improved workplace security.
- Managed project timelines for successful product delivery.
- Boosted team morale via recognition and reward systems.
- Facilitated training sessions to improve staff skills.
- Overcame production challenges by strategic problem-solving methods.
- Met market demands by scaling up production capacity.
- Fostered a positive work environment through effective leadership.
- Developed strong vendor relationships for better negotiation power.
- Delegated tasks efficiently to promote team productivity.
- Developed production plans covering schedules.
Education
Higher National Diploma - Food technology and management
Thomas Danby College
Leeds 09/2000 - 07/2002
NVQ Level 2 - Baking technology
Thomas Danby College
Leeds 09/1998 - 07/2000
O’level - Art, maths, technical drawing
Harrogate high school Granby
Harrogate, North Yorkshire 09/1981 - 07/1986
Skills
- Communication proficiency
- Assessing situations
- Client relationship building
- Persuasion techniques, reading styles
- Change implementation
- Resilience under pressure
- Communication finesse
Affiliations
- Walking, fishing, clay pigeon shooting, reading
Timeline
Bread baker
The Secret Bakery
2025.03 - Current
Key account manager
Whitworth Bros flour millers Ltd
2018.09 - 2024.12
Technical sales manager
Arla foods ingredients
2012.08 - 2018.03
Technical support manager
Puratos
2006.06 - 2012.07
Production manager
Bettys and Taylor’s group Ltd
1987.09 - 2004.02
Higher National Diploma - Food technology and management
Thomas Danby College
09/2000 - 07/2002
NVQ Level 2 - Baking technology
Thomas Danby College
09/1998 - 07/2000
O’level - Art, maths, technical drawing
Harrogate high school Granby
09/1981 - 07/1986