Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Timeline
Generic

James Woodward

Yeovil,Somerset

Summary

Adaptable professional with a broad background hospitality, sales, entrepreneurship, and digital marketing. Former Head Chef turned business owner with proven experience managing teams, operations, and customer relationships. Co-founder of a successful tree surgery business, I led all online marketing efforts using tools like Ubersuggest, Google Ads, and Mailchimp to build strong local visibility.

Currently transitioning into a career in IT and cybersecurity, actively studying for CompTIA Security+ and developing hands-on skills through Hack The Box and self-directed learning. Fast learning, strong communication, a proactive approach to problem solving.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience

Work history

Co-Founder / Digital Marketing Lead

Somerset Tree Care
Yeovil, Somerset
12.2023 - 07.2025
  • Co-founded and grew a successful tree surgery business alongside my brother
  • Oversaw all marketing activities including:
    SEO (using Ubersuggest, Google Search Console)
    Social media strategy & content creation
    Paid advertising (Google Ads)
    Email marketing (Mailchimp)
  • Built a strong local presence through website optimization, branding, and customer engagement
  • Earned an SEO & Digital Marketing certification through Cosmic UK (Somerset)
  • Currently still working as a tree surgeon while transitioning toward a long-term IT career

Floor Manager & Guitar Instructor

Waterloo Music
Yeovil, Somerset
12.2022 - 12.2023
  • Managed front-of-house operations including sales, stock, and customer service
  • Provided expert advice on guitar gear, setups, and repairs
  • Delivered private guitar lessons to students across a range of skill levels
  • Strengthened customer-facing, teaching, and retail operations skills

Sales Coach Door to Door Sales

V5
London, London
01.2022 - 11.2022
  • Sold energy services (gas & electricity) direct to customers across Greater London
  • Consistently achieved top-tier sales results and rapidly promoted to Sales Coach
  • Trained and mentored new reps, ran morning briefings, and improved team performance
  • Gained persuasive communication, objection handling, and leadership experience

Head Chef

The Emporium Cafe
Yeovil, Somerset
11.2019 - 09.2020
  • Fully managed the kitchen team including rota planning, budget control, and stock ordering
  • Designed new seasonal menus with a focus on plant-based and vegan cuisine
  • Ensured compliance with food safety regulations and consistently delivered high-quality customer experiences
  • Built strong leadership and operational management skills in a fast-paced environment
  • Gained a Level 4 in Hospitality Management qualification

Sous Chef

The Walled Garden Cafe
Sherborne, Dorset
09.2018 - 09.2019
  • Supported the Head Chef in preparing high-quality meals using fresh, local ingredients
  • Trained junior kitchen staff, ensured high standards of cleanliness and organisation
  • Took responsibility for food hygiene, inventory control, and service efficiency

Apprentice Chef

Hazelgrove School
Sparkford, Somerset
01.2016 - 09.2018
  • Assisted chefs in a large catering environment for a private school
  • Progressively took on more responsibility including prep, cooking, and kitchen management tasks
  • Achieved Level 2 Professional Cookery and Level 3 Food Hygiene Certification during this role
  • Developed a strong foundation in time management, teamwork, and kitchen health & safety protocols

Chef

Virginia Ash
Henstridge, Dorset
06.2015 - 12.2015
  • Assisted in daily kitchen operations in a busy pub and restaurant setting
  • Prepared salads, starters, and garnishes to order
  • Maintained cleanliness of kitchen and equipment through regular washing up and sanitation routines
  • Progressed to supporting with main course preparation under head chef supervision
  • Gained hands-on experience with food safety, portion control, and working within a team in a high-pressure environment



Education

NVQ Level 2 - Tree Surgery

City & Guilds

NVQ Level 2 - Chef

HIT Training
Somerset

NVQ Level 4 Hospitality Management - Chef

HIT Training
Somerset

NVQ Level 3 Music - Music

Yeovil College
Somerset

GCSEs - Maths B, English B, Science(Dual award) B, Music B, PE B,

Chilton Cantelo School
Somerset

Cosmic UK
Somerset

Skills

  • Digital Marketing – SEO, social media strategy, Google Ads, email marketing
  • Sales & Communication – Door-to-door sales, client interaction, coaching & training
  • Team Leadership – Staff management, rota planning, performance coaching
  • Technical Knowledge – IT systems basics, cybersecurity fundamentals (CompTIA Security), hands-on labs (Hack The Box)
  • Business Operations – Startup experience, budgeting, menu planning, customer service
  • Adaptability & Problem Solving – Ability to learn quickly, work under pressure, and lead in fast-paced environments

Affiliations

  • Fitness, Hiking, Ju-jistu
  • Russian Language Basic understanding A1/A2
  • Music
  • Building and experimenting with my home lab environment

Timeline

Co-Founder / Digital Marketing Lead

Somerset Tree Care
12.2023 - 07.2025

Floor Manager & Guitar Instructor

Waterloo Music
12.2022 - 12.2023

Sales Coach Door to Door Sales

V5
01.2022 - 11.2022

Head Chef

The Emporium Cafe
11.2019 - 09.2020

Sous Chef

The Walled Garden Cafe
09.2018 - 09.2019

Apprentice Chef

Hazelgrove School
01.2016 - 09.2018

Chef

Virginia Ash
06.2015 - 12.2015

NVQ Level 2 - Tree Surgery

City & Guilds

NVQ Level 2 - Chef

HIT Training

NVQ Level 4 Hospitality Management - Chef

HIT Training

NVQ Level 3 Music - Music

Yeovil College

GCSEs - Maths B, English B, Science(Dual award) B, Music B, PE B,

Chilton Cantelo School

Cosmic UK

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