John Cooper
Commercial leader with expertise in stakeholder management, strategic planning, and team development. Proven track record in guiding complex projects, negotiating contracts, and delivering concise reports for senior decision-making. Strong commitment to compliance, risk control, and driving measurable business improvements.
Work history
Business Management and Finance Consultant
11 Years 7 Months- Delivered training programmes to strengthen day-to-day employee performance and skills.
- Designed sustainability-led business models to support durable growth targets.
- Led cross-functional teams to improve collaboration, execution pace, and productivity outcomes.
- Produced detailed reports for executive reviews and day-to-day decision support.
- Reviewed performance data to spot improvement areas across teams.
- Audited internal processes to maintain regulatory compliance across operations.
- Analysed financial data to refine budget management strategies for accuracy.
- Improved client relationships through regular communication and structured feedback sessions.
- Implemented new technology systems to streamline operations and workflows.
- Managed complex projects to achieve objectives within agreed deadlines.
- Analysed business operations to craft strategic solutions for change.
- Reviewed deliverables against client requirements, budgets, and quality standards.
- Interviewed staff to capture procedural strengths and weaknesses from first-hand observations.
- Coordinated with finance, legal, and regulatory teams to keep projects compliant.
- Built external relationships with stakeholders and industry subject matter experts (SMEs).
- Identified growth opportunities to expand business reach through targeted focus.
- Streamlined project management processes to increase efficiency and reduce delays.
- Negotiated contracts to secure advantageous terms and conditions for delivery.
Group Managing Director - NTL Group Pty Ltd
18 Years 7 Months- Carried out day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Successfully delivered on tasks within tight deadlines.
- Worked flexible hours, covering nights, weekends and bank holidays.
- Supported team by demonstrating respect and willingness to support.
National Account Director
4 Years 10 Months- Strengthened client loyalty by keeping open communication channels consistently.
- Improved brand reputation by managing client relationships throughout the industry.
- Enabled smarter business planning through structured sales forecast preparation.
- Achieved better commercial outcomes by negotiating favourable contract terms and conditions.
- Grew market share by identifying and pursuing key business opportunities by increasing profits 10 fold in just 4 years and taking the company to a public offering.
Naval Officer
33 Years 6 Months- Led complex negotiations with international counterparts to secure strategic alliances.
- Directed mission reporting to superiors on progress and encountered challenges.
- Owned weaponry management to maintain continuous combat readiness standards.
- Chaired maritime navigation oversight to deliver safe sea passage outcomes.
- Accountable for fleet readiness through planned inspections and repair scheduling.
- Coordinated diplomatic engagements through multinational exercises and operational participation.
- Increased training standards to improve knowledge of drills and weaponry.
- Directed welfare improvements for officers and sailors across all operations.
- Oversaw Fleet patrol missions to maintain national security and peace-keeping outcomes.
- Fleet Commander during overseas naval/diplomatic appointments to Oman in 1979-1981 and Australia 1989-1991.
Skills
Education
GCSEs - General High School Studies
various GCSEs - Naval warfare studies
Affiliations
- Reading, travelling and sailing
Accomplishments
Oman Peace medal, various UK Medals,
First Sea Lord's Commendation when serving as the First Lieutenant in HMS Kingfisher, for exceptional leadership in an uncertain situation by leading a boarding party to rescue the crew and for salvaging an oil tanker on fire in the North Sea, putting out the fire and safely towing it into Belfast harbour.
Certification
FRCSA, ITCRA, AFB, First Aid at work 1979 and renewed bi-annually. Command qualified and Principle Warfare Officer (PWO). Certified Financial Manager, several appointments as CFO in companies.
Languages
What am I looking for in the new role
I am hoping to find a position that allows me to work positively with other members of the team so I can continue to exercise and improve my leadership skills to the benefit of the organisation and all the team members. I am not just looking for a 9-5 office job.
I will only work with an employer that does not discriminate by age, gender, race, etc. I am a hard worker and have a very an experienced business persona, but flexible.. I would be totally dedicated and loyal to the core role and I will serve my employer well. I will use my experience in international business and the Royal Navy to the benefit of the business. I enjoy seeing others succeed in what they do. Their success also is my reward !