James Shine
Newport,Gwent
Summary
Business Management & Economics graduate (High 2:1) with a strong interest in Project Management, Defence, and National Security economics. Experience across quality assurance, operations management, and data-driven analysis, with hands-on exposure to Project Management Office (PMO) environments within the defence sector. Proven ability to operate in structured, high-pressure settings, manage stakeholders, and translate complex information into clear, actionable insight. Now seeking junior or graduate-level roles within project, programme, or operations teams in the defence and engineering sectors.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Quality Assurance Technician
DJJ Precision Engineering
Newport, Gwent
09.2025 - 01.2026
- Responsible for creating and maintaining PPAP and ISIR documentation in line with customer and industry standards.
- Conduct detailed inspection of manufactured components, ensuring compliance with drawings, tolerances, and quality requirements.
- Work closely with production teams to identify non-conformances and support corrective actions.
- Developed strong appreciation for process control, documentation discipline, and manufacturing quality systems within precision engineering.
Project Management Office
General Dynamics Land Systems UK
Merthyr Tydfil, Merthyr Tydfil
08.2025 - 08.2025
- Completed a 5-day placement within the Project Management Office, gaining exposure to Production Programme Management and Project Management functions.
- Attended live project meetings, observing coordination between engineering, production, and management teams.
- Developed an understanding of schedule control, risk, dependencies, and cross-functional decision-making within a complex defence manufacturing environment.
- Strengthened interest in pursuing a career within project and programme delivery in the defence sector.
Operations Manager
Stedman Brothers Events
Newport, Gwent
09.2022 - 10.2024
- Oversaw planning, setup, and operational delivery of large-scale events and festivals.
- Coordinated staff, logistics, suppliers, and on-site operations to ensure smooth execution.
- Managed time-critical decisions in high-pressure environments, maintaining service quality and safety.
- Built strong leadership and stakeholder management skills through directing teams and liaising with clients and contractors.
Warehouse Operative
Tesco Distribution Centre
Newport, Gwent
06.2021 - 09.2021
- Supported high-volume distribution operations, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in goods handling.
- Maintained inventory accuracy and adhered to strict operational procedures and performance targets.
Systems Installation Technician
Shine Catering Systems
Newport , Gwent
07.2019 - 08.2020
- Assisted in installation, refurbishment, and delivery of commercial catering systems within construction projects.
- Liaised with internal teams and external contractors to ensure project timelines were met.
- Developed early exposure to site coordination, scheduling, and stakeholder communication.
Education
BSc (Hons) - Business Management & Economics
University of the West of England
Bristol 09.2022 - 05.2025
Level 3 Extended Diploma - Business Studies
Coleg Gwent
Gwent 09.2020 - 06.2022
GCSEs - GCSE's
Caerleon Comprehensive School
Newport 09.2016 - 06.2018
Skills
- Project & Programme Support
- Data Analysis & Insight Generation
- Stakeholder Communication
- Process Improvement & Compliance
- Quality Assurance (PPAP, ISIR, Inspection)
- Operations Planning & Coordination
- Quantitative & Economic Analysis
- Team Leadership & Rapport Building
- Written & Verbal Communication
- Microsoft Office & ICT Systems
Affiliations
- Rugby
- Skiing
- Cricket
Academic & Analytical Projects
Defence & Migration Data Analysis - Analysed ONS datasets to examine relationships between non-UK-born populations, population density, unemployment, and deprivation. Applied statistical tools (averages, standard deviation, correlation) to identify migration patterns into economic hubs. Conducted sectoral analysis of global defence spending trends, including the £284bn rise in NATO budgets post-2022 and its impact on European defence company share prices. Strengthened ability to translate geopolitical risk into economic and industrial implications.
Business Strategy Simulation - Regional Airline, Operated within a team managing a regional airline in a competitive 84-group simulation. Made real-time decisions across pricing, operations, finance, and market expansion., Adapted strategy in response to competitor behaviour and market pressures., Achieved 197.4% share price growth, finishing 2nd in the cohort., Developed commercial awareness, risk management, and strategic agility., Behavioural Economics & Policy Analysis, Examined behavioural biases (loss aversion, framing, anchoring) and their influence on consumer and institutional decision-making., Analysed the role of the FCA in mitigating bias and promoting ethical financial conduct., Applied behavioural insights to defence policy, including the EU’s €860bn Rearm Europe initiative, exploring how political pressure and public sentiment influence large-scale strategic decisions.
Additional information
- Rugby
Founder of a new age group at Caerleon RFC
Welsh Cup Semi-Finalist
3× Newport Cup Winner
Challenge Jean-Roy Tournament Winner (France)
Travelled across France during the 2023 Rugby World Cup
- Skiing
Completed all black runs in multiple resorts across France, Austria, USA, and Canada
Timeline
Quality Assurance Technician
DJJ Precision Engineering
09.2025 - 01.2026
Project Management Office
General Dynamics Land Systems UK
08.2025 - 08.2025
Operations Manager
Stedman Brothers Events
09.2022 - 10.2024
BSc (Hons) - Business Management & Economics
University of the West of England
09.2022 - 05.2025
Warehouse Operative
Tesco Distribution Centre
06.2021 - 09.2021
Level 3 Extended Diploma - Business Studies
Coleg Gwent
09.2020 - 06.2022
Systems Installation Technician
Shine Catering Systems
07.2019 - 08.2020
GCSEs - GCSE's
Caerleon Comprehensive School
09.2016 - 06.2018