Jes Abbott
Dover,Kent
Summary
Accomplished professional with extensive experience in community engagement, strategic planning, and organisational leadership. Currently serving as Community Engagement Pastor at One Church Dover, leading initiatives to support local projects and develop new community hubs. Former Lead Pastor at Community Church Deal, known for implementing modern technology solutions for virtual worship and expanding outreach programs. Proven track record in partnership development with Mission Aviation Fellowship, increasing donor income by £1m annually. Expertise in business operations management from Mercedes-Benz UK, enhancing network stability and profitability. Skilled in relationship building, vision development, team leadership, and customer service excellence across diverse sectors.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
Community Engagement Pastor
One Church Dover
Dover, Kent
10.2025 - Current
- Responsible for all community engagement projects run by One Church Dover.
- Providing pastoral care for congregation members who are leading their own community projects.
- Liaising with other Christian community projects in the town in order to identify where One Church can provide personal or practical resources.
- Linking with other community leaders to establish where One Church Dover can support meaningful initiatives within the town.
- Leading the development of One Church's new community building and church hub in Southwall Road, Deal.
Lead Pastor
Community Church Deal
Deal, Kent
10.2015 - 09.2025
- Strategically planned church future, developing clear vision and goals.
- Conducted pastoral visits to hospitals and homes, offering comfort and support to the sick and elderly.
- Initiated community outreach programs aimed to expand reach and build community.
- Implemented modern technology solutions for virtual worship services, expanding church reach during challenging times.
- Recruited, trained, and supervised a team of volunteers, enhancing church operations and member involvement.
- Conducted special services, such as baptisms, weddings and funerals.
- Managed the sale of the previous old church building and began the work to develop a new community hub and church at Southwall Road.
Head of Partnership Development
Mission Aviation Fellowship
Folkestone , Kent
09.2012 - 12.2016
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team within MAF UK.
- Headed up the Partnership Development team.
- Developed stronger relationships with existing donors and significantly increased the number of donors who were willing the partner with MAF.
- Increased income by £1m per year by the end of my time in the role.
Business Operations Manager
Mercedes-Benz UK
Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire
04.2006 - 09.2012
- Responsible for the recruitment and establishment of the Business Operations Team at MBUK.
- Delivering the Executive Management Partner Review Process for both passenger cars and commercial vehicles, to ensure the stability and ongoing development of the Mercedes-Benz networks in the UK.
- Establishment of the Network Risk Management process designed to protect Mercedes-Benz from unexpected exposure to business loss or partner failure.
- Working with each Market Area partner in order to enhance their sales of vehicles, and sales of parts and services, alongside the development of new dealer premises.
- Establishing the senior management recruitment assessment centre for MBUK, which enabled our dealer partners to identify and recruit leaders for their Market Area businesses.
Network Development Manager
Mercedes-Benz UK
Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire
01.2004 - 04.2006
- Oversaw senior field representative operations for Mercedes-Benz UK across London and the South East.
- Directed field teams to maximise sales of vehicles and parts for Mercedes-Benz UK and Smart.
- Collaborated with network partners to maximise profitability and align premises with Mercedes-Benz guidelines.
Dealer Operations Manager
smart UK
London
01.2001 - 01.2004
- Executed launch strategies across three London locations for Smart's UK introduction.
- Spearheaded development of smart network across UK.
Regional After Sales Manager
Chrysler Jeep UK
Dover, Kent
01.1997 - 01.2001
- Developing the after-sales business for Chrysler Jeep UK across London and the South East.
- Working alongside Chrysler's dealer network to increase their profitability and develop sites suitable to represent the brand.
- Led the dealers to be the first in the UK to exceed £1m in parts sales in a year.
Customer Services Manager
Chrysler Jeep UK
Dover, Kent
01.1993 - 01.1997
- Responsible for managing all customer service areas for Chrysler Jeep UK.
- Overseeing the Customer Service and Warranty teams and managing goodwill budgets to ensure customer satisfaction was maintained at the highest level.
After Sales Manager
Dover Toyota
Dover, Kent
01.1990 - 01.1993
- Responsible for leading service, warranty and parts operations at Dover Toyota
Education
A-Levels - Economics
Dover Grammar Schol For Boys
Dover01-1984
A-Levels - History
Dover Grammar School for Boys
Dover01-1984
Skills
- Relationship building
- Vision development
- Team leadership
- Strategic planning
- Community engagement
- Fundraising strategies
- Customer service excellence
- Confidentiality
- Organisational leadership
Timeline
Community Engagement Pastor
One Church Dover
10.2025 - Current
Lead Pastor
Community Church Deal
10.2015 - 09.2025
Head of Partnership Development
Mission Aviation Fellowship
09.2012 - 12.2016
Business Operations Manager
Mercedes-Benz UK
04.2006 - 09.2012
Network Development Manager
Mercedes-Benz UK
01.2004 - 04.2006
Dealer Operations Manager
smart UK
01.2001 - 01.2004
Regional After Sales Manager
Chrysler Jeep UK
01.1997 - 01.2001
Customer Services Manager
Chrysler Jeep UK
01.1993 - 01.1997
After Sales Manager
Dover Toyota
01.1990 - 01.1993
A-Levels - Economics
Dover Grammar Schol For Boys
A-Levels - History
Dover Grammar School for Boys