Summary
Overview
Work history
Accomplishments
Custom
Timeline
Generic

James Stephenson

Kirkthorpe,West Yorkshire

Summary

Well regarded person with a proven track record of accomplishments in leading key projects and programs in Community development. I am an enthusiastic, respected team leader with a collaborative approach, who is effective at engaging with all people and working within a team and independently to achieve shared goals. Highly community focused with the ability to pinpoint business needs and deliver innovative solutions for the required outcomes. I am a dedicated leader with years of experience in coaching, mentoring, educating and managing people. I maintain a passion for instilling in people the importance of lifelong learning, health and fitness & enjoyment through the power of sport and rugby league. I serve as a role model with a demonstrated ability to lead and motivate others. Able to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines and I am highly organised and structured person with fine attention to detail. A commitment and drive for all levels of success. I Maintain honesty, integrity and compliance with policies and procedures of club and RFL and I am highly knowledgeable in Health & Safety and quality management. I have sound computer skills with the Microsoft office suite, data & quality management and also highly effective in planning, programming & in report preparation and application. I am known for the ability to “get things done” to achieve results

Driven professional with knack for strategic planning and team leadership, well-suited for Operations Manager role. Skilled in project management and process optimisation, with strong communication and problem-solving abilities. Ready to streamline operations and elevate organisational performance.

Driven and resourceful professional with knack for strategic planning and team leadership. Demonstrated proficiency in project management and problem-solving, fostering smooth operational workflows. Excited to bring collaborative and result-oriented approach to [Desired Position] role.

Detailed orientated individual experienced in administrative procedures. Oversees day-to-day duties with strong planning and organisation skills to delivers projects in timely manner.

Organised and dependable [Job Title] with [Number] years of experience. Successful at managing multiple priorities with positive attitude. Willing to take on greater responsibilities to meet team goals.

Overview

31
31
years of professional experience

Work history

England Programmes Operations Manager

Rugby Football League
05.2022 - Current
  • Improved operational efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing strategic plans.
  • Reduced overhead costs through efficient resource allocation and budget management.
  • Led teams to achieve business objectives on time and within budget constraints.
  • Identified bottlenecks, implemented solutions, increased productivity.
  • Created a collaborative work environment for positive team dynamics.
  • Implemented quality control measures, enhanced product standards.
  • Devised operational policies for regulatory compliance and best practices adherence.
  • Coordinated cross-functional teams, achieved project milestones on schedule.
  • Analysed performance metrics, identified areas for improvement in operations management.
  • Managed inventory efficiently to minimise stockouts and overstock situations.
  • Led and managed administrative staff to maintain smooth daily operations.
  • Organised financial and operational data to help with yearly budgeting and planning.
  • Established clear budgets and cost controls strategies to meet objectives.

Womens Academy Head Coach

01.2018 - 11.2024
  • Wakefield College

Community Manager

Wakefield Trinity RLFC
01.2016 - 11.2024
  • I am responsible for the day to day running of the Community department for the club
  • Overall planning, coordination & management of programmes including: School club links, SkyTry, Club Ambassador Programme, Dance, whole Match-day Experience, PTRL, England Talent Pathway, Coach & Teacher CPD delivery, development/activity camps & Disability RL (PD &LD) along with the WSL, women & girls growth programme and girls development academy in partnership with Wakefield college
  • Programme lead for NCS along with the Schools sports partnership and wellness programmes
  • I was charged with 'making things happen' in back in January 2016 due to depleted resource and funding
  • Within 6 months there was a notable improvement and now our programmes have not only achieved the required outcomes but set new records with initiatives that our peers are now replicating
  • I spearheaded the clubs leading ambassador programme that has now engaged with more than 6000 players from 16 partnered clubs along with an additional 2000+ from non-ambassador clubs
  • Our EtP programme has grown significantly and was rated from poor to outstanding by the RFL within 4 months of me taking lead on the programme, our blue print for this has been replicated by delivery partners nationally
  • I have secured funding to £150k through grants, fundraising and sustainable paid initiatives
  • Still with a limited resource and funding we have been able to achieve unprecedented results
  • We have notably been acknowledged in our improvements and now boast a leading rugby league community foundation acknowledged by our peers, receiving prestigious 5 awards in the last few of years, we were shortlisted and runners up for the foundation of the year at the 2017 & 2019 Man of Steel awards
  • I am very proud to have been able to make such a huge positive impact not only for the club but the thousands of lives in and around Wakefield & district, turning a low performing department on its head and now been recognised as a leading foundation in Superleague
  • I have substantially increased community ticket sales from the start of the 2016 season by 156%, generating circa £100k in additional revenue, with an average of 10-20% of all match-day attendance now through our community ticketing initiatives
  • Having worked tirelessly to re-build and forge strong relationships within schools, community clubs, our NGB and key stakeholders that has seen a significant impact and national recognition through our results
  • From having little to no provision for either women & girls rugby league we launched Wakefield Trinity Ladies in July 2016 along with Wakefield Trinity Girls u16s in October 2018
  • Our Women & girls growth programme; GirlCode13, has significantly created more opportunities for both women and girls to access rugby league within Wakefield, creating a clear player pathway from primary rugby league to women’s Superleague and ultimately England RL
  • Having established an identification and support programme for community coaches through our ETP development programme for girls
  • Our PTRL provision has sustained a healthy attendance from 2013 to date with an average 12 (100+ players) teams participating annually in our summer touch programmes
  • Our PDRL & LDRL programme has been established since UK conception and we have highlighted both teams through positive marketing given maximum exposure through all media platforms

Head of Women’s RL

01.2016 - 11.2024
  • Wakefield Trinity

Director of Rugby/Team Manager

England Students
11.2019 - 05.2023
  • England Students Women RL

U16s Head Coach

01.2019 - 12.2019
  • Talent Hub Manager, Yorkshire Central Girls

Assistant Coach

Rugby Football League
01.2018 - 09.2019
  • Yorkshire SL Women’s
  • Facilitated skill development sessions, promoting technical growth among players.
  • Assisted head coach with daily administrative tasks for efficient functioning of the team.
  • Provided crucial tactical input during matches, leading to improved results.
  • Ensured adherence to sporting regulations for fair play and discipline in games.
  • Planned and led training sessions to motivate players and improve gameplay.

Lead Community Officer

Wakefield Trinity Wildcats
11.2013 - 01.2016
  • Responsible for the day to day delivery of allocated community programmes including SkyTry, PTRL, and Weight Management & match-day activities
  • The only member of the delivery team for over 2yrs we were able to sustainably run the biggest annual PTRL comp with 12 teams and more than 140 registered players
  • Our match-day festivals had an average of 70 players per game
  • Delivery of schools and Community club coaching workshops and rugby league activity camps throughout the district to increase participation

Coaching Coordinator

01.2009 - 01.2014
  • Shaw Cross Sharks

Team Head Coach

03.2007 - 01.2014
  • Shaw Cross Sharks

Fundraising, Partnerships & Events Officer

Wakefield Trinity Wildcats
01.2013 - 11.2013
  • Appointed to develop and manage the delivery of the clubs fundraising programme in order to achieve agreed targets
  • The role related specifically to the delivery of Community partnerships and Events to maintain existing relationships and build relationships with new fundraising partners to encourage sustainability
  • Secured Fundraising partnerships to the sum of £25k

Community Rugby League Coach

Dewsbury Rams RLFC
06.2010 - 01.2013
  • Developed, delivered and monitored a comprehensive coaching programme in line with the RFL’s strategic objectives (whole sport plan) within North Kirklees, with particular reference to increasing Post 16 inclusion & participation through League for All initiatives and Community Club Development, evidenced and NGB acknowledged for achieving the highest frequency rates in the country, particularly through the new touch rugby initiative

Talent Development Coach

05.2008 - 09.2012
  • Kirklees Service Area (u12-14s)

Team Manager/PRO/CWO

05.2011 - 06.2012
  • BARLA GB Emerging Lions (u17)

Consultant Project Manager

Gleneagles Project Services
11.2008 - 06.2010
  • An ever challenging high pressure national role to plan, execute and oversee high profile civil engineering projects according to strict deadlines and within forecast budget
  • Acquiring the highest level of resources and coordinating team members and third-party contractors & other consultants in order to deliver projects according to plan, QA and client (ASDA) requirements

Scholarship Coach

01.2009 - 01.2010
  • Wakefield Trinity Wildcats

Project Delivery Manager

J N Bentley Ltd
07.2005 - 10.2008
  • Utilisation of all project skills, including design, budget, interpersonal, resource and financial management to construct civil engineering and infrastructure projects in line with client (Yorkshire Water) requirements
  • I was responsible for the overall site management of multiple concurrent projects (£1m) with the highest requirement of quality control

Senior Agent

May Gurney Rail Services
06.2003 - 07.2005
  • Individually responsible to manage allocated projects for client Network Rail
  • Successfully performed with distinction on a £3.2m road & rail Lift Bridge, including the full refurbishment and repair on, at the time the highest profile project for Network Rail
  • Company and individually acknowledged with a prestigious national heritage award

Section Foreman - Site Supervisor - Technical Manager

GallifordTry
09.1995 - 06.2003
  • Through mentoring with Line Manager, I was able to learn and progress on my 1st step into management, having been an apprentice bricklayer
  • Over the course of a few years it was noted my willingness to learn and lead others through hard work and commitment to tasks
  • Rapidly gained promotions in a variety of settings to learn, understand and further progress my managerial and leadership skills

Player

09.1993 - 06.2003
  • Wakefield Trinity, Shaw Cross Sharks, Eastmoor Dragons, Dewsbury Moor, Mirfield RLFC

Accomplishments

  • 2010 – RFL Service Area Coach of the Year
  • 2016 – Superleague Awards – Best Match-days
  • 2016 – RL Cares Awards – Special Commendation Award (EtP)
  • 2016 – ETP Delivery Partner of the Year
  • 2017 – SkyTry Award
  • 2017 – PTRL Licensee of the year
  • 2017 – Man of Steel Awards Foundation of the year runner up
  • 2018 – Brand Yorkshire Charity of the year
  • 2019 – Man of Steel Awards Foundation of the year runner up

Custom

On request

Timeline

England Programmes Operations Manager

Rugby Football League
05.2022 - Current

Director of Rugby/Team Manager

England Students
11.2019 - 05.2023

U16s Head Coach

01.2019 - 12.2019

Womens Academy Head Coach

01.2018 - 11.2024

Assistant Coach

Rugby Football League
01.2018 - 09.2019

Community Manager

Wakefield Trinity RLFC
01.2016 - 11.2024

Head of Women’s RL

01.2016 - 11.2024

Lead Community Officer

Wakefield Trinity Wildcats
11.2013 - 01.2016

Fundraising, Partnerships & Events Officer

Wakefield Trinity Wildcats
01.2013 - 11.2013

Team Manager/PRO/CWO

05.2011 - 06.2012

Community Rugby League Coach

Dewsbury Rams RLFC
06.2010 - 01.2013

Coaching Coordinator

01.2009 - 01.2014

Scholarship Coach

01.2009 - 01.2010

Consultant Project Manager

Gleneagles Project Services
11.2008 - 06.2010

Talent Development Coach

05.2008 - 09.2012

Team Head Coach

03.2007 - 01.2014

Project Delivery Manager

J N Bentley Ltd
07.2005 - 10.2008

Senior Agent

May Gurney Rail Services
06.2003 - 07.2005

Section Foreman - Site Supervisor - Technical Manager

GallifordTry
09.1995 - 06.2003

Player

09.1993 - 06.2003
James Stephenson