James Bentley Email and Phone Number

Leading the delivery of strategic procurement and operational efficiency programmes with the boards of +$1Bn turnover companies to unlock sustainable change. Acting as an expert procurement advisor to Private Equity on pre-deal diligence and post-deal VCP deliveryDelivering growth through new account acquisition and growth of existing client relationships

Leading GardaWorld's $140m turnover Iraq business unit; with 4,000 staff providing a full range of risk management and security services to Government, Military, Critical Infrastructure and Corporate clients. Responsible for growth, deal structuring and local market compliance.

Responsible for working across WPP's +40 Operating Companies to deliver efficiencies and PnL impact in EMEA. Lead the implementation of a group-wide contingent workforce management application; which delivered market-leading transparency, simplicity and long-term cost savings.

Responsible for delivering multiple change programmes, across a range of sectors to release long term and sustainable EBITDA improvement through strategic cost reduction and identification of efficiencies. Lead complex engagements with distributed teams in KSA, US and EMEA.Delivered c50% of revenue and grew key accounts by +10%

• Managed Business Services team; of 14 staff; located around the UK.• Business Development; reviewed and changed the service model offered by the teams, enabling new clients to procure services within our existing resource model, resulting in the service generating income.• Business Improvement; Developed the capabilities of the Business Services teams, shown by a 180% increase in staff numbers internationally, with a limited resource uplift.• Project Management; Experience in delivering projects through their full life cycle to clients, from proposal through to incorporating them into on-going business as usual.• Strategic planning with senior management for all operational issues across 4 multi-million pound UK Government contracts.• Ensured that Programmes adhere to Corporate Governance, and subsequently pass ISO 9000 and quality audits.Implemented recommendations as part of a Change Management Process.Risk and Issue management in line with PRINCE 2 methodology.• IT Project Delivery and IT Operational support; Managed the operational budget for infrastructure and resourcing.Analysed client requirements and communicated them as the business lead to the IT developers to ensure that the application is fit for purpose.Implement operational infrastructure, managing the hand-over from the development team to the on-going operational support team.

• Project Manager with UKTI at the British Business Embassy; orchestrating 3000 service deliveries in 2 weeks to international and domestic captains of industry – aiming to secure £2 billion in business for the UK.• Responsible for client relationship management with UK and International CEOs, VIPs and selected sponsors.• Produced logistical and operational plan for the Embassy; liaising with the Metropolitan Police, LOCOG and local stakeholders.

An experienced and professional team-leader, with a proven track record in Iraq, Africa and Afghanistan. A fluent French speaker with experience working in complex multi-national environments; delivering timely results under pressure. Experienced with the media and used to working in culturally sensitive situations.

Helmand Province, Afghanistan - mentoring 100 Afghan National Army soldiers and 120 Estonians – requiring negotiation, briefing and forging professional relationships in complex multi-national environment6 months on active service in Iraq: conducting operations in a high threat environmentUganda Training Lead - Selected to lead training package for the Ugandan Army Responsible for military security and ceremonial duties for HM the Queen in BalmoralDaily professional and social dealings with the Royal familyRoyal Military Academy Sandhurst; Commissioning Course