LEE HAYTON

I initially participated in cadet training as an assistant, enhancing expertise within the Air Cadet organisation. I earned qualifications as Duke of Edinburgh Leader, First Aid Trainer/Assessor, and Cyberspace Leader. I was appointed Squadron Training Officer, tasked with developing cadet training programmes, designing and executing training plans consistent with Corps' progressive syllabus including assigning staff to various training activities while complying with Wing and HQ policies. In addition I function as Motor Transport Officer, guaranteeing compliance with MOD regulations whilst ensuring vehicles are maintained and the records are meticulous to ensure operational efficiency. I also contribute to facilities management as a registered Key Holder and .

• Ensuring Health and safety is paramount in every activity we do, including writing Risk Assessments, safety briefings and monitoring young people and their actions at all times.
• Established strong relationships with external trainers, securing beneficial partnerships for the organisation.
• Coordinated internal and external training sessions, ensuring optimal participation.
• Supported cadet training, development and evaluation to achieve continual growth.
• Input and maintained cadet data in secure systems for strict compliance with confidentiality and privacy policies.

I oversaw management of 47 staff on a 24/7 basis across food manufacturing and distribution sites. I enhanced cost control through hands-on site management and customer engagement initiatives and administered health, safety, and environmental protocols, including HACCPs and risk assessments with regular audits to ensure safety compliance within production and logistics areas.

• Negotiated contracts with suppliers, reducing overall costs.
• Led team meetings to foster open communication and collaboration.
• Provided exceptional customer service, resulting in repeat business.
• Delivered high standards of service by training all staff members thoroughly.
• Delegated tasks effectively amongst staff members, promoting teamwork.
• Review and renegotiated better service contracts with suppliers within a “challenger” concept.
• Increased customer satisfaction across all sectors through a matrix led process.

After being made redundant in my previous role, I became a driver through agency work. I was permanently employed by Charter broadcast after only a few weeks. My role involved delivering broadcasting equipment across the UK and latterly across Europe to outside broadcasting companies. This role evolved into helping with rigging cable to outdoor sports events, such as the Ryder Cup, FA Cup final and many European Grand Prix. During this role I passed my C&E license and begun to drive Outside Broadcast vehicles, both C and C&E (now expired).

• Maintained vehicle cleanliness for a professional appearance.
• Responsible for the a variety of vehicles ranging from small vans to high value large vehicles.
• Daily/weekly safety checks on all vehicles.
• Administration of all vehicle maintenance, reporting issues directly to the transport manager.

I held sole responsibility for all credit and debt issues arising within this multi million pound business, from initially underwriting credit facilities (up to a value of £20 million) to producing KPI's and pursuing default payment through County and High Court action. I held responsibility for 5 staff and reported credit and debt collection activity directly to the Operations Director. The companys' customers were based worldwide thus involving multi currency transactions and international communications.

• Developed strategic plans to mitigate potential credit risks.
• Provided expert advice on possible financial risks associated with specific transactions or customers.
• Introduced a debt collection system that facilitated account activity, process review and staff training requirements.
• Personally authored all new policies and procedures for the department.

Responsible for leading a team of 3 direct reports in the recovery of personal and business debts from accounts that were over 120 days in arrears, totalling £2,900,000. The team and I primarily handled leases and hire-purchase agreements and deployed a deep understanding of complex business processes and customer relations. Often cases would lead to Civil action which included evidence collection, swearing statements of truth (affidavits) and court attendance. Where cases became defended, I would take personal control of the case and liaise with Solicitors and Barristers to ensure the best possible outcome.

• Identified, investigated a fraud worth £278,000, taking the fraud through to a Police complaint and prosecution.
• Co-started a Credit Watch Committee that reduced the ratio of ‘bad debts' by 12% and debtor days from 96 to 55 days after set-up.
• Succeeded in recovering £485,000 within the first year rising to £682,000 in second year, monies that had been written off already.