Steven Mitchell, Cllr, MSc

Summary:
In my current role, I'm responsible for driving growth in a company that provides Operations and Maintenance (O&M) support to an investment group in London owning over 147 solar farms across the UK. I've job-crafted my position to leverage my skills in upselling and cross-selling , enhancing client relations, and ensuring long-term value. I'm currently leading a key project focused on site security enhancement and am an active member of the Industry Working Group for Solar Site Security . My work also spans successfully tendering for large-scale civil contracts and contributing to site upgrades with new technology.

Key Achievements:

• Led security enhancement project , improving solar site protection from risks ranging from wildlife to vandalism and theft by implementing diverse security technologies, including fences, drones, and satellites.
• Participated in industry working group , collaborating on case studies, cost-benefit analysis, and best practices for responding to security alerts and managing security partnerships.
• Upsold and cross-sold products tailored to client needs, building stronger business relationships and delivering added value.
• Contributed to large-scale tendering projects , including bidding for civil contracts and overseeing the revamping of aging sites with new, efficient equipment.

During the conflict in Ukraine, I worked to procure critical military equipment and medical supplies for the front lines, ensuring vital resources reached those in need. This role required swift decision-making, high-level negotiation, and coordination with third-party contractors and multiple stakeholders in high-pressure environments.

• Managed logistics, procurement, and distribution of essential equipment.
• Built and maintained relationships with key suppliers, defence contractors, and humanitarian organizations .
• Navigated complex operational challenges to ensure successful deliveries in conflict zones.
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This experience reinforced my drive to return to the defence sector , where I can apply my skills in business development to support national security and defence initiatives.

Summary:
Upon joining a prestigious private boarding school catering to wealthy Chinese families, I quickly recognized a gap in the school's marketing and enrollment strategy. Tasked with increasing student enrollment and raising the school's profile, I took a proactive approach to develop a strategic marketing plan and build key relationships with influential parents. As a result, I successfully increased the cohort size by 60 students, generating an additional £3.6 million in revenue for the school in 2020.

Key Achievements:

• Identified and addressed gaps in the school's marketing strategy, enhancing both its physical and digital footprint to attract top-tier students.
• Increased enrollment by 60 students , directly contributing to an additional £3.6 million in revenue for the school.
• Developed strong relationships with influential parents , leveraging their networks and connections to expand the school's reach and influence.
• Created a comprehensive student selection process and enrollment funnel, ensuring the school attracted the most suitable and high-potential candidates.
• Represented the school at key marketing events , filling a critical role that had been overlooked, and raised awareness of the school's value proposition among potential students and their families.

Summary:
After eight years operating in high-risk environments, I recognized the importance of broadening my professional skill set to ensure long-term career progression. Selected for the Troops to Teachers program, a Ministry of Defence initiative designed to transition former military personnel into the education sector. This rigorous two-year program combined academic study with hands-on teaching experience , leading to a degree and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) .

Key Achievements:

• Gained a deep understanding of communication, instruction, and engagement , skills essential for influencing decision-makers in business.
• Developed strategic thinking and adaptability , managing diverse classroom environments and delivering complex information in an engaging manner.
• Bridged military and civilian sectors , applying leadership, structure, and discipline to a new professional setting.
• Successfully completed the program , earning a degree and QTS while refining public speaking and stakeholder engagement skills.

Summary:
Provided high-risk maritime security aboard commercial vessels transiting the Gulf of Aden, protecting crew and cargo from Somali piracy and terrorism threats. Conducted in-depth security assessments, coordinated with ship captains, and implemented defensive measures to ensure vessel safety. Developed expertise in maritime security strategy, international law, and stakeholder engagement , applying tactical and strategic thinking in real-world threat environments.

Key Achievements:

• Conducted maritime security surveys to assess vessel vulnerabilities and implement tailored security strategies.
• Delivered on-board crew training , ensuring personnel understood security protocols and emergency procedures.
• Developed voyage plans and ship-hardening strategies , strengthening vessel defences against piracy and terrorism threats.
• Led armed and unarmed security teams , balancing operational effectiveness with international maritime law compliance.
• Liaised directly with ship captains and key stakeholders , ensuring seamless coordination between security teams, vessel leadership, and international authorities.
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Strategic Career Transition:
After years of operating in high-risk environments, I sought to expand my expertise beyond security operations and into broader strategic roles. Recognizing the increasing importance of stakeholder management, negotiation, and international business , I transitioned into a role that would develop my ability to drive growth, influence decision-making, and operate in complex commercial landscapes—skills essential for success in business development.

Summary:
Selected for an elite role within the Royal Marines, specializing in heavy weapons and anti-tank operations, including the Javelin missile system. Operated in high-pressure environments alongside U.S. Special Forces (SEAL Teams) in Afghanistan, testing and implementing advanced battlefield technology. Developed expertise in armoured vehicle and helicopter recognition, reconnaissance, and counterinsurgency operations. Beyond combat, played a key role in international diplomacy and training, teaching Arctic survival techniques to foreign diplomats and military personnel.

Key Achievements:

• Operated advanced anti-tank weaponry, specializing in target recognition, overt strikes, and counterinsurgency —skills directly applicable to strategic sales and technology assessment.
• Worked alongside U.S. Special Forces (SEAL Teams) in Afghanistan, gaining firsthand experience in international collaboration and cutting-edge defence technology trials.
• Selected to test and provide feedback on new frontline equipment , influencing procurement decisions—mirroring the role of a defence BDM working with R&D and end-users.
• Passed an elite selection course focused on armoured vehicle and helicopter recognition, reinforcing analytical skills and rapid decision-making.
• Completed a three-month Arctic survival course in Norway and led an Antarctic expedition , teaching survival techniques to diplomats—demonstrating leadership, adaptability, and cross-cultural communication.