James Gardner

The main focus of my role is to work with Brand Teams and the wider business to get the best from technology, formulating and implementing digital strategies in line with brand goals and the overall business strategy.

As Head of Innovation, I was charged with driving innovation both inside and outside the organisation, and advising on the long-term digital strategy of the organisation. It was my responsibility to identify, assess and articulate future trends, and to understand how they could be introduced to the Volume offering, ensuring that Volume maintained its leading position within digital marketing.

I was also responsible for the delivery of Information Services within Volume, and created a defined IS organisation with a structured approach to service delivery across multiple locations in the UK, Sri Lanka and the US.

In this role I created and led Volume’s specialist innovation and knowledge management sub-division.

eVolvme delivered a Global Innovation system into a large industrial client, including change management processes, a digital evaluation and collection platform, training, communications, reporting and support structure.

This was part of a wider Knowledge Management and Transfer system that integrated multiple departments and geographically dispersed teams throughout the organisation. Based around a single structured data store, it used web 2.0 approaches and mobile technologies to deliver sales tools, product management and marketing data.

As Client Services Director, I was ultimately responsible for the performance and profitability of all client accounts. During my tenure, I built a focused account management team - increasing it in size from 5 to 15 staff over a period of a year - and created the internal role structure for individual growth and development of all Client Services staff

I also introduced ISO9001 accreditation to enable better monitoring of quality and efficiency.

Worked with clients to define key business issues and develop fit-for-purpose tactical systems designed to grow into strategic solutions in-line with the business strategy.

Provided end-to-end documentation for the delivery process, from initial recommendations to Technical Specifications

Created and implemented in-house Project Management processes to support Volume’s style of development and client management.

Responsible for constructing and delivering pitch presentations for major accounts, and the development of my own client accounts. Successfully engineered further opportunities within existing accounts through networking, relationship-building and raising awareness of Volume’s capabilities.

Delivered successful SaaS solutions – including learning management systems, brand portals, extranets and campaign management tools – for large organisations, such as Sage, Dell, Oracle and BOC Industrial (The Linde Group).

As Head of IT, I was responsible for ongoing IT strategy and the day-by-day running of Volume’s on-demand hosting environment and all internal infrastructure. This was delivered through a combination of internal staff and external service providers.

I also managed and supported internal and external software development teams in the delivery of large enterprise-class applications.

Responsible for all aspects of the company’s IT strategy, implementation and support from software licensing to backup strategy.

Introduced ISO procedures in-line with ISO-9001 guidelines.

Took existing multi-platform (Linux, Mac, Windows) network and re-engineered, leading to low support costs, high up-time and corporate-level security. Network created on a Windows 2000 base, with ‘standard build’ PC and Mac workstations and servers.

Led development of Robertson Languages web presence and responsible for branding and messaging of Robertson Languages in the marketplace.

Played key role in the e-Solutions group, a team of programmers, sales people and business developers assembled to spearhead the company’s drive into the online marketplace. Researched and evaluated new technologies. Responsible for writing non-client-specific products ready for corporate-wide use.

Responsible for delivery of client programmes for Honda, AC Nielsen and Nortel, among others, taking the software through the complete life cycle, including assessment of business needs, project documentation and software development.

Worked with the parent company in the United States to define ‘run-common’ strategies, and develop guidelines for global software development.

Developed the International Ski Federation website; a data-driven website that displayed real-time results from worldwide ski competitions. Also worked on Autolocate, an online car-buying site, developing data components and front-end user interface.