James Bland

Experience

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  Ipswich Town FC

  Nov 2004 - Apr 2009

  Coach/Scout

  Coach/scouting responsibilities to identify talented children to coach and develop through the academy system.

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  Sports Xtra (Franchising) Ltd

  Apr 2005 - Jan 2009

  Director of Operations

  Implementing and developing successful customer service processes and database management systems to monitor customers responses and details.Liaising and developing business relations with key partners.Negotiating and finalising contracts with clients and partners.Successful event management and coordination of 50+ staff, across 4 counties and multiple venues with over 2,000 individuals in attendance.Taking the lead on Marketing and Sales campaigns, including appearances on Sky TV, newspapers & radio adverts and website management.Managing and reviewing budgets, data analysis, identifying areas for development and improvement. Show less

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  Cambridgeshire County Council

  Jan 2009 - Jul 2011

  Business Support

  Weekly co-ordination of 200 contact events across the County, ensuring up to 60 relief workers are aware of their roles & responsibilities and providing them with detailed and highly confidential data. Line management of office/admin team and responsible for the business aspects of the service. Development of systems & processes to improve efficiently and the effectiveness of the service. Office management dealing with day to day client/customer Managing finances, budgets and providing service management assistance.Quality assurance via data and system analysis, identifying weaknesses and implementing solutions. Facility management of 3 sites, county wide database management. Show less

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  SweetBar Ltd

  Dec 2009 - Mar 2013

  Owner

  Development and establishment of my own small business in the catering/event market.Planning and developing all business aspects including; finance and accounts, product and business development, dealing with queries and generating leads.Marketing and Sales- planning and implementing marketing campaigns, using online social media marketing tools, press releases, website design and promotional events.Brand development through continuously reviewing performance and enhancing the brand image through the provision of a high quality service and marketing. Show less

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  Huntingdonshire District Council

  Jul 2011 - Oct 2017

  Responsible for the overall management and development of the Burgess Hall events and conference centre. In addition to this role I was also responsible for Hospitality and Events across the One Leisure group which operates from 6 sites within Huntingdonshire. Responsible for the overall management and development of the Burgess Hall events and conference centre.

  • Burgess Hall Manager & One Leisure Hospitality and Event Manager

    Jul 2016 - Oct 2017

  • Burgess Hall Manager

    Jul 2011 - Jul 2016
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  Cambridge City Council

  Oct 2017 - Jan 2023

  General Manager- Venues (Cambridge Corn Exchange and Guildhalls)

  General Manager- Venues at Cambridge City Council, responsible for overseeing the management, development and operational delivery of the Cambridge Corn Exchange and Guildhalls.

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  Marshall Aerospace

  Jan 2023 - Mar 2024

  Facilities Manager- Soft Services
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  National Trust

  Feb 2025 - now

  Holiday Operations Manager