Adam James

Experience

• 

  WHSmith

  Jun 2004 - Mar 2008

  In this role I was responsible for identifying and delivering non-standard income streams and productivity savings for the business. I project-managed their introduction before handing them over to a business unit for ongoing operation. Responsible for a wide range of KPIs in various stores to deliver net profit growth. Including the management of the Barnet concept store during 2006.

  • Commercial Development Project Manager

    Feb 2007 - Mar 2008

  • Store Manager

    Jun 2004 - Feb 2007
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  P&O Cruises

  Mar 2008 - Aug 2011

  Commercial Manager

  This role, at sea, was part line-manager and part project manager & consultant. I was directly managing a team of over 100 people from up to 10 partner companies, turning over between them in excess of £20m per annum. In addition, I deputised for the Hotel General Manager when required and ran projects throughout the Hotel Department.

• 

  B&Q

  Aug 2011 - Apr 2012

  Project Manager

  I was brought in to work on a significant project changing the way the Seasonal department (including gardening) does business in stores. With a significant business expectation, this was a real opportunity to demonstrate the diverse nature of my retail management skills. I coordinated with the store planning and visual merchandising teams who created innovative and forward thinking solutions to our customers’ shopping requirements. Alongside this we re-planned all 350 stores in the estate and worked with the implementing operation teams. My work was then to support the store operations management to excel at delivery throughout the process. Show less

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  Poundland

  Apr 2012 - Jan 2013

  Store Manager

  Appointed as a turnaround manager, I moved my store from regional under-performance to an example of best practice.

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  Saga Shipping (Cruises)

  Jan 2013 - Jan 2015

  Fundamentally: I make things as easy as possible for those on the front line, to make things as brilliant as possible for our customers.As a creative and insightful manager I develop and implement processes and innovations – in product or procedure – for the Hotel department. We look at routine operations, and new ideas, and ensure their processes, their workflows, are as simple and effective as they can be. I examine the impact first and foremost on the customer experience but always keeping in mind the wider impact on individuals and on the organisation.To support this I can identify the knowledge, skills, and behaviours, required of team members needed within the process and write useful job descriptions or training needs analyses. If required, IT solutions would be examined and briefed accordingly.All new or changed processes are supported before implementation with rigorous business cases where required and presented to an appropriate level within the business. After implementation, suitable KPIs are put in place and clear accountability set out for the new process. Show less Employed as a Commercial Manager to set up the role, including best practices, I also covered the F&B Manager position as required in the fleet. Given the complexity of setting up the Commercial Manager role and the focus it evolved to on projects, it was a logical progression to a wider fleet position (above). In this position my primary metrics were on the revenue generated on the ship to which I was assigned. This was improved considerably during my time, principally through increased engagement with the teams on board and a focus on pricing strategy.As F&B Manager I have been exposed to the detail of the most complexes processes within the Hotel department centred around the ordering, fulfilment and control of warehouse stores. Show less

  • Fleet Projects Manager

    Dec 2013 - Jan 2015

  • F&B Manager and Commercial Manager

    Jan 2013 - Jan 2015
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  Warsash Maritime Academy

  Jan 2015 - Nov 2017

  Deck Cadet

  Ships: Ever Lissome, Ever Liberal, Ever ShineThe Foundation Degree programme in Maritime Operations at Warsash Maritime Academy is a three-year course which teaches the academic skills required for OOW and Chief Mate CoCs, the relevant short courses and includes periods for the required 12 months sea time to obtain an OOW (Unlimited) CoC. Academically I will graduate amongst the top in my class with excellent marks on all exams and assignments. Highlights include scores of over 90% in my Voyage Planning assignment, Navigation and Stability exams, and very high marks for the legal and business modules.At sea as a cadet with Evergreen Marine UK, I have demonstrated competence in all aspects required by the MNTB Training Record Book and secured strong endorsements from all the Masters and Chief Officers with whom I have sailed. I have been especially commended for my competence on watch, in navigation and collision avoidance, and for my efforts on Ever Shine to develop improved routines for inspection and maintenance of LSA & FFE, and my support for the Second Officer in Voyage Planning and upkeep of paper and electronic charts and publications.I am lucky to remain firm friends with many of the officers and crew I have worked with over this time. Show less

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  Saga Cruises

  Dec 2017 - Aug 2022

  Either sole watchkeeper or senior, on dual watchkeeping vessels. Off-watch duties vary including LSA, Navigation, Meteorology and Environmental Compliance. Sailing primarily around the UK, Norway, Europe and the Mediterranean, as well as Canada and Russia via the Baltic Sea.

  • Chief Officer

    Mar 2021 - Aug 2022

  • Second Officer

    Jun 2019 - Mar 2021

  • Third Officer

    Dec 2017 - Jun 2019
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  V.Group

  Jun 2020 - Aug 2020

  Chief Officer

  Delivery voyage of the Blue Sapphire to her new owners in Turkey. Included re-flagging, preparation for handover to new management company, accountability for all internal services and crew clearance; against a backdrop of COVID-19 precautions.

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  The World

  Aug 2022 - now

  • HSE Officer

    Nov 2024 - now

  • 1st Officer

    Aug 2022 - Nov 2024