Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Certification
REFERENCES
HOBBIES AND INTERESTS
Timeline
Generic
Michael Dunsford

Michael Dunsford

Swindon,Wiltshire

Summary

Senior Operations Professional experienced in leading business support functions across diverse industries. Achieved operational improvements through strategic leadership of workplace services, technology, and facilities management, enhancing organisational efficiency and employee experience. Focused on aligning operational strategies with business objectives to drive productivity, reduce costs, and support sustainable growth in multi-site environments.

Overview

1
1
Certification
9
9
years of professional experience

Work history

Head of Workspace and Technology

White & Black Limited
Oxford, Oxfordshire
2025.06 - Current

· Manage the firm's IT operations, acting as the primary liaison with external IT providers, co-ordinating hardware and software deployments, resolving technical issues and supporting business continuity.

· Designed and implemented a modern Sharepoint intranet, improving internal communication, document management and access to company resources.

· Managed office infrastructure, suppliers, contractors and service providers, negotiating contracts and ensuring high standards of service delivery.

· Coordinate facilities management, including office maintenance, security, access control, equipment procurement and workspace planning.

· Lead the firm's Health & Safety function as an IOSH qualified Health and Safety Officer, ensuring compliance with legislation through risk assessments, policy development and staff training.

· Overseeing the day-to-day operations of a busy law commercial law firm, ensuring the smooth running of office facilities, administration and business support functions.

· Supported senior leadership with operational planning, process improvements, budgeting, procurement and supplier management, enhancing overall operational efficiency.

· Develop and maintain office policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory and best practice standards

· Built strong working relationships across all departments, providing operational support that empowered legal teams to deliver excellent client service.

· Organise firm wide events and meetings while ensuring operational requirements are met.

Regional Office Manager - OWBB and Wales

Newsquest Ltd
Oxford and Wiltshire
2024.04 - 2025.06
  • Managed operations of four offices, ensuring smooth daily functioning and promptly resolving issues to maintain operational continuity.
  • Oversaw the move to a new office location in Reading, ensuring a seamless transition and setting up a productive work environment.
  • Led the project to construct a new meeting room in the Swindon office, enhancing the facility's capability for team meetings and client interactions.
  • Developed and monitored budgets for office operations, optimising resource allocation and identifying cost-saving opportunities.
  • Managed contracts with vendors and service providers, ensuring favorable terms and compliance with company policies.
  • Served as the Health and Safety Co-Ordinator, holding an IOSH qualification, and ensuring a safe working environment by implementing effective health and safety policies and conducting regular risk assessments.
  • Provided comprehensive media support, liaising with various teams to facilitate successful media campaigns and initiatives.
  • Collaborated with editorial, advertising, and commercial teams to plan and execute advertising strategies, contributing to increased audience engagement and revenue growth.
  • Tracked campaign performance using media monitoring tools and generated reports for senior management, supporting data-driven decision-making.
  • Coordinated the production of promotional materials and ensured consistent brand messaging across all media platforms.
  • Conducted data analysis for the Sell to Shape business, providing actionable insights and recommendations to drive business growth and optimize marketing strategies.

Office and Systems Manager

NHLex Ltd
Swindon
2021.03 - 2024.04
  • Directed the management of the company's network and systems infrastructure, including mobile telephony and office equipment, showcasing strong technical acumen.
  • Administered system controls, databases, and networks, ensuring optimal performance and security.
  • Provided expert remote troubleshooting and user support, demonstrating a commitment to excellent customer service and problem-solving.
  • Implemented changes to end-user technology, including desk moves and updates to monitors, laptops, and other peripheral devices, reflecting adaptability and user-focused approach.
  • Spearheaded operations across 7 offices in the South West, demonstrating exceptional leadership in coordinating with contractors, vendors, suppliers, landlords, and maintenance teams.
  • Managed substantial budgets, demonstrating financial responsibility and accountability within the organisation.
  • Excelled in Procurement and Commercial Management roles, highlighting strong negotiation and strategic planning skills.
  • Ensured high standards of office management and staff support, contributing to operational efficiency and employee satisfaction.
  • Oversaw inductions, training, and development initiatives, enhancing staff capabilities and fostering a culture of continuous learning.
  • Streamlined both physical and digital filing systems, maintaining well-organized and easily retrievable records for team members, showcasing strong organizational skills.
  • Optimized productivity through effective allocation of resources, calendars, and schedules.
  • Held the critical roles of Health and Safety Officer & Fire Officer, ensuring a safe and secure environment for all offices and staff members.
  • Authored and updated comprehensive technical documentation related to system components, showcasing strong communication and technical writing skills.

Operations Manager

Grange Leisure and Community Centre
Swindon
2017.06 - 2021.03
  • Managed the Leisure Centre with a team of 23 staff, handling schedules, health and safety, payroll, finances, events, and sales.
  • Advised senior leadership on corrective actions and operational improvements to enhance efficiency.
  • Analysed financial data to monitor budget performance and ensure alignment with targets.

Education

Higher National Diploma - Public Services

Stratford Upon Avon College
Stratford-Upon-Avon
2006.01 -

GCSEs - 7 GCSE

Stratford High School
Stratford-Upon-Avon
2004.01 -

Skills

  • Technology innovation
  • Process efficiency
  • Risk management
  • Compliance ethics
  • Data-driven decisions
  • Project management
  • Stakeholder management
  • Strategic leadership
  • Crisis management
  • Employee engagement
  • Problem solving proficiency
  • Effective communication skills
  • Analytical thinking
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Continuous learning commitment
  • IOSH qualified
  • Leadership

Certification

  • First Aid at Work
  • Health and Safety - IOSH
  • CISPA - Risk Assessments
  • Data Protection
  • Fire Safety

REFERENCES

References can be obtained on request

HOBBIES AND INTERESTS

Theme Park Enthusiast, Culinary Arts (Baking & Cooking), Family Time, Traveling

Timeline

Head of Workspace and Technology

White & Black Limited
2025.06 - Current

Regional Office Manager - OWBB and Wales

Newsquest Ltd
2024.04 - 2025.06

Office and Systems Manager

NHLex Ltd
2021.03 - 2024.04

Operations Manager

Grange Leisure and Community Centre
2017.06 - 2021.03

Higher National Diploma - Public Services

Stratford Upon Avon College
2006.01 -

GCSEs - 7 GCSE

Stratford High School
2004.01 -
Michael Dunsford