Analytical professional with a focus on effective problem-solving and project execution. Strong attention to detail complemented by significant experience in business management within both corporate settings and self-employment. Demonstrated passion for overcoming obstacles and achieving business objectives.
Overview
5
5
years of post-secondary education
42
42
years of professional experience
Work history
Area Business Director
24x7 Group Limited
Cannock, Staffordshire
2023.01 - Current
Owned day-to-day growth planning across 24x7 Staffordshire operations.
Managed compliance activities, recruitment pipelines, and HR processes daily.
Completed tender evaluation, submission, contract setup, and final customer invoicing.
Analysed performance data, identifying areas requiring improvement.
Conducted competitor analysis to stay ahead of market trends and developments.
Delivered results under pressure by effectively juggling multiple tasks and deadlines.
Improved operational efficiency through rigorous cost control measures.
Identified potential business opportunities, resulting in new revenue streams.
Built strong client relationships to enhance brand loyalty.
Led and managed administrative staff to maintain smooth daily operations.
Represented organisations at seminars, conferences and business events.
Fleet and Facilities Manager
Rapid Response Medical Services Limited
Cannock, Staffordshire
2021.12 - 2022.09
Managed fleet and facilities operations after December 2021 appointment as manager.
Negotiated station lease terms with landlords and managing agents through completion.
Designed ambulance station layouts and coordinated electrical and mechanical fit-outs to standard.
Created new cleaning protocols to improve facility cleanliness for inspections.
Coordinated building projects to minimise disruption to daily operations.
Completed health and safety checks through rigorous site inspections.
Updated security measures to strengthen site safety and security.
Scheduled maintenance work to maintain optimal equipment performance across sites.
Negotiated vendor contracts to secure cost-effective pricing for services.
Supervised renovation works to deliver timely completion within agreed budgets.
Communicated across departments to keep facility-related workflows moving smoothly.
Checked fire safety equipment routinely to keep emergency readiness current.
Centralised waste management systems to support environmental sustainability goals.
Rearranged office layouts to optimise space utilisation for teams.
Managed contractors to speed up necessary repairs without service impact.
Worked with suppliers to obtain cost-effective services for sites.
Planned contractor works to align with internal processes and timelines.
Produced management reports showing key facility statistics for decision-making.
Managed budgets to match agreed departmental spending plans and priorities.
Hired and supervised contractors to monitor workmanship and control costs.
Franchisee Owner Driver Courier
DPD
Burntwood, Staffordshire
2015.09 - 2021.08
Planned daily routes for parcels and packages within set time limits.
Collected parcels from sorting hub in Smethwick and loaded scanners.
Delivered to business and residential customers across Lichfield, Staffordshire.
Optimised stop order by using electronic handheld scanner prompts.
Terminated 3 franchise routes in August 2021 after delivery stop.
Coordinated route work until August 2021 with agreed franchise terms.
Strengthened franchise reputation with consistent high-quality service delivery.
Adapted business operations according to changing market trends for sustained competitiveness.
Oversaw business staffing and training, building successful, customer-focused team.
Maintained vehicle in top condition for reliable performance.
Adjusted schedule according to traffic patterns, avoiding delays.
Managed delivery schedules efficiently for maximised productivity.
Increased fuel efficiency through mindful driving techniques.
Communicated effectively with dispatchers, resulting in smooth operations.
Conducted rigorous checks on oil, tyres and equipment.
Performed minor vehicle repairs timely, reducing downtime due to breakdowns.
Operated delivery vehicles safely and in adherence with road safety regulations.
Director
Kidz-2-Play
Cannock, Staffordshire
2008.02 - 2015.07
Following my resignation from my role at Bellis & Morcom, myself and my wife started our own business in Cannock Staffordshire. Business occupied 15,000 square foot facility and was a children's soft play area which also incorporated additional revenue with a laser tag facility. This business required complete design, purchase and fit out plus £175k investment. All staffing, marketing, sales, purchasing and accounting was do so by myself and wife. In addition to this business, we had two high street shops in Lichfield Staffordshire selling ladies handbags and fashion accessories. The soft play area and laser quest businesses were a great success and were eventually sold. Both retail shops were closed due to lease expiry and landlords requiring significant rent increases at point of review.
Responsibilities:
Developed comprehensive business plans for company growth.
Initiated business development activities, expanded client base.
Directed team to deliver high-quality customer service.
Fostered a positive work environment, increased employee morale.
Led negotiations with vendors and suppliers, securing favourable terms.
Managed business operations, financial performance and investments of company.
Materials Manager
Belliss & Morcom
Gloucester, Gloucestershire
1994.12 - 2007.12
Appointed Materials Manager by Bellis & Morcom in December 1995 with responsibilities for 11 buyers with annual spend of circa £25 million pounds. The team were responsible for procurement of castings, machining, fabrications, control equipment and proprietary parts. In addition, my responsibilities covered resourcing of such items in low cost economies saving 65% of UK cost. This project was a great success and involved at least one week of each month travelling abroad in Eastern Europe monitoring quality and delivery performances and sourcing further potential new sources. All component parts resourced were used in new manufacture and aftermarket sales. I reported directly to the Manufacturing Director and was a member of senior management team.
Reduced costs through strategic sourcing and vendor negotiations.
Facilitated continuous improvement initiatives within the materials department.
Coordinated with production teams to ensure timely material availability.
Implemented inventory control measures for minimised overstock situations.
Maintained accurate records of all incoming and outgoing materials.
Worked with department heads to determine requirements for procurement activities.
Adjusted inventory levels to keep obsolescence and cost low.
Senior Buyer
Babcock Transformers (Part Of FKI Group Of Companies)
Bilston, Wolverhampton
1992.12 - 1994.12
Procured electrical steels, winding copper, and wires using daily MRP ordering. Bought fabrications through MRP schedules to match company quality requirements. Introduced kit purchasing for low-cost components, cutting unit cost material handling time.
Identified potential new suppliers for strategic expansion initiatives.
Investigated discrepancies between purchase orders and invoices, resolving issues promptly.
Strengthened vendor relationships to ensure consistent supply chain management.
Boosted supplier relations by fostering open lines of communication.
Ensured compliance with company policies and procedures in all buying activities.
Established delivery schedules to keep stores fully stocked.
Trainee Buyer
GEC Alsthom
Stafford, Staffordshire
1984.04 - 1992.12
On leaving school I joined GEC Alsthom as a trainee buyer, I worked closely with both the proprietary, fabrication, electrical coil winding, steel and electrical buyers understanding the purchasing processes, company quality standards, stock control and goods inwards receiving procedures. After a period of 3 years, I was appointed buyer, proprietary parts and fabrications. Following a further 3 years of purchasing these components and working closely with the supply base in reducing costs, I moved over to the procurement of the higher value electrical winding coppers and electrical steels.
Achieved successful negotiation by communicating effectively with suppliers.
Reviewed purchase orders, ensuring accuracy.
Ensured timely deliveries through effective scheduling and tracking.
Maintained updated records of purchased products, delivery information and invoices.
Monitored stock levels to maintain sufficient inventory.
Enhanced supplier relationships with regular communication and meetings.
Organised supplier meetings to negotiate prices and contracts.
Facilitated smooth operations by liaising between suppliers, manufacturers, and relevant internal departments.
Education
CIPS - Purchasing And Supply
Sandwell College
1989.01 - 1992.01
HNC - Mechanical & Production Engineering
Walsall College
1985.01 - 1987.01
GCSE - Business Studies, Maths, English, Chemistry, History, Geography, Physics
Netherstowe Comprehensive School
Lichfield, Staffordshire
Skills
Budgeting proficiency
Decision-Making capability
Business development
Customer procurement
Hiring and onboarding
Staff leadership
Profit and loss understanding
Supplier negotiation
Leadership skills
References
Chris, Smith, 7 Darwin Close, Burntwood, Staffordshire, WS79HP