Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
References
Timeline
Generic

James Simpson

Ivanhoe,VIC

Summary

Proven leader in construction and sales management, I spearheaded revenue growth at Sportscape Constructions & Sportscape Civil, elevating it from $800K to $12.5M. At Mainbrace Constructions, I excelled in contract administration and project execution, showcasing my expertise in Procore and exceptional negotiation skills. Renowned for driving profitability and fostering strong client relationships, I bring a blend of strategic vision and interpersonal prowess to every project.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience

Work History

Sales Manager

Sportscape Constructions & Sportscape Civil
Melbourne, VIC
03.2020 - Current

Job Overview:

As a Sales Manager at Sportscape Constructions and Sportscape Civil, I successfully led business development, sales strategies, and client relationship management across two distinct divisions. I contributed to growing the company’s revenue from $800K to $12.5M while maintaining a 30% average gross margin. Additionally, I played a hands-on role in project management, overseeing projects from inception to completion due to a gap in in-house operations expertise.

Key Roles & Responsibilities (Updated for Two Divisions):

Sportscape Constructions (Landscaping & Sports Field Construction):

Sportscape Civil (Bulk Concrete Developments, Earthworks, Environmental Remediation):

Project Management Support (Inception to Completion - Both Divisions):

Key Achievements:

  • Revenue Growth: Successfully grew revenue from $800K to $11.5M across both Sportscape Constructions and Sportscape Civil divisions.
  • Cross-Division Leadership: Led the sales efforts for two distinct business divisions, achieving high levels of client satisfaction, repeat business, and increased market share.
  • Hands-on Project Management: Played a key role in managing both landscaping/sports field construction projects and civil works, ensuring quality and timely delivery while maintaining profitability.
  • Gross Margin Achievement: Maintained a 30% average gross margin across both divisions through effective pricing, cost control, and value-added service delivery.
  • Strategic Expansion: Secured high-value contracts in both civil and landscaping sectors, leading to significant business growth and an expanded client base.

Contract Administrator

Mainbrace Constructions
Melbourne, VIC
01.2017 - 12.2019

Job Overview:

I worked at Mainbrace Constructions for 2 years, initially as an undergraduate and later transitioning into a contract administration role after graduation. During my time with the company, I gained hands-on experience on large-scale projects, including the $34M Coles supermarket development in Canterbury, as well as various internal retail fitout renovations. My roles spanned contract administration, estimating, and project support, where I contributed to cost management, scheduling, and ensuring smooth project execution.

Key Roles & Responsibilities:

Undergraduate (Initial Role):

Contract Administrator (Post-Graduation Role):

Key Achievements:

  • Contract Administration Expertise: Successfully managed the contract administration for a major $34M Coles supermarket development, ensuring adherence to contractual obligations and maintaining project profitability.
  • Estimating & Cost Management: Played a key role in estimating costs and managing budgets for retail sector internal fitout projects, ensuring cost-effective solutions and minimizing financial risks.
  • Project Coordination: Ensured smooth coordination between project teams, subcontractors, and suppliers, contributing to the timely and successful delivery of the Coles supermarket project and multiple retail fitouts.
  • Process Improvement: Identified opportunities for process improvement in procurement, estimating, and contract management, leading to more efficient project execution and stronger stakeholder relationships.
  • Comprehensive Knowledge: Gained a comprehensive understanding of the construction lifecycle from both an administrative and field perspective, strengthening my skills in project management, estimating, and contract compliance.

Additional Skills & Competencies:

  • Software Proficiency: Experienced with construction management software (e.g., Procore, Aconex), Microsoft Office Suite, and estimating tools.
  • Strong Communication Skills: Ability to liaise effectively with clients, subcontractors, suppliers, and internal teams to ensure project success.
  • Attention to Detail: Demonstrated accuracy in managing contracts, estimating costs, and tracking project schedules, ensuring projects were completed within scope, on time, and within budget.

Subcontractor

Self Employed
Melbourne, VIC
01.2013 - 01.2017

Subcontracting and self-employment.|Landscape and Synthetic Grass Installation.

2013 – 2017

As a self-employed contractor while completing university, I specialized in synthetic grass installation and landscape construction for both residential and commercial projects. This role allowed me to manage projects from start to finish, while gaining experience in international and interstate construction management, business forecasting, and customer service.

Key Roles & Responsibilities:

Key Achievements:

  • Successfully ran a profitable landscape and synthetic grass installation business while studying, gaining hands-on experience in all aspects of construction management.
  • Delivered multiple high-quality synthetic sports field installations and landscaping projects for residential and commercial clients.
  • Built a strong client base, with a reputation for quality work, professionalism, and excellent customer service, leading to repeat business and referrals.
  • Managed and executed projects across multiple states, showcasing the ability to handle diverse construction challenges in different regulatory environments.

Education

Bachelor of Building (Construction Management) (Honours) - Construction Management

Victoria University
Melbourne, VIC
06-2018

High School Diploma -

Ivanhoe Grammar
Plenty, VIC
11-2012

Skills

Key Skills & Competencies

Project Management & Contract Administration:

  • End-to-End Project Management: Extensive experience managing projects from initiation to completion, ensuring quality, scope, and timelines are met Skilled in overseeing site preparation, construction scheduling, and team coordination to deliver projects on time and within budget
  • Contract Administration: Expertise in drafting, reviewing, and managing contracts, variations, claims, and disputes Ensured compliance with contract terms and conditions for both clients and subcontractors, managing risks and mitigating issues throughout the project lifecycle
  • Project Feasibility & Planning: Skilled in conducting feasibility studies, site assessments, and cost forecasting to determine the financial viability of projects Developed comprehensive Project Management Plans (PMP) to align project execution with client expectations and project goals
  • Project Scheduling & Budget Control: Proficient in creating detailed project schedules using tools like Microsoft Project and Procore, tracking project progress, and managing costs to ensure projects stay within budget
  • Risk Management & Problem-Solving: Expertise in identifying project risks and implementing mitigation strategies Actively addressed project challenges, delaying subcontractor payments, or managing unforeseen issues to minimize delays or cost overruns
  • Vendor & Stakeholder Management: Proven experience in managing relationships with clients, subcontractors, suppliers, and other stakeholders Ensured smooth communication, issue resolution, and delivery of quality results

Sales & Estimating Expertise:

  • Cost Estimation & Tendering: Proficient in creating detailed cost estimates for complex projects, including landscaping, sports fields, civil works, and retail fitouts Led tender submissions, ensuring that proposals were competitive, comprehensive, and met client requirements
  • Budgeting & Financial Forecasting: Experienced in forecasting project budgets, tracking costs, and ensuring profit margins are maintained Skilled at estimating labor, material, and overhead costs to deliver precise cost breakdowns
  • Pricing & Proposal Development: Expertise in pricing strategies and preparing sales proposals, ensuring the cost structure is aligned with market trends and client needs Strong negotiator with the ability to secure favorable contract terms and manage changes throughout the project lifecycle
  • Quantity Surveying & Material Take-offs: In-depth knowledge of quantity surveying, conducting take-offs, and assessing material requirements for accurate project costing and procurement

Technical Skills & Software Proficiency:

  • Project Management Software: Proficient in Procore, Microsoft Project, and JobPac for project scheduling, budgeting, and tracking, ensuring smooth project execution and clear communication across all teams
  • Cost Estimation & Document Control: Skilled in using CostX, Bluebeam, and JobPac for creating detailed cost estimates, 3D take-offs, and managing project documentation, ensuring all documents are correctly versioned and accessible
  • Design & Visualization Tools: Competent in using SketchUp, CAD, and Adobe Illustrator for project visualizations and presenting design concepts to clients, aiding in sales and project planning
  • Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced user of Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint for financial modeling, report generation, and presentations Proficient in Outlook for communication and scheduling

Sales & Client Relationship Management:

  • Client Consultation & Solution Selling: Experienced in consultative selling, working directly with clients to understand their needs and deliver tailored solutions for landscaping, synthetic grass installations, and construction projects
  • CRM & Lead Management: Proficient in using CRM tools (Salesforce, HubSpot) to track leads, manage client relationships, and ensure timely follow-up, resulting in higher conversion rates and improved client satisfaction
  • Proposal & Bid Management: Skilled in preparing sales proposals and tender documents, ensuring clear, accurate, and competitive bids that meet project specifications and client requirements
  • Client Engagement & Negotiation: Strong communicator with the ability to negotiate contracts, resolve disputes, and ensure client satisfaction throughout the project lifecycle

Leadership & Team Development:

  • Team Leadership & Mentoring: Proven ability to lead and mentor teams of varying sizes, providing clear direction and support to ensure project goals are met Promotes a collaborative and results-driven culture
  • Performance Management: Managed team performance through goal setting, performance reviews, and continuous feedback, driving high productivity and maintaining high morale

Interpersonal & Communication Skills:

  • Written & Verbal Communication: Strong ability to communicate complex technical information in clear, concise terms to clients, stakeholders, and teams Skilled in negotiating contracts, presenting proposals, and delivering project updates
  • Problem-Solving & Decision Making: Able to make quick, informed decisions under pressure, resolving conflicts and ensuring smooth project delivery

Heavy Machinery & Technical Operations:

  • Machinery Operation: Experience in driving heavy machinery and using construction tools effectively for tasks such as landscaping, sports field base construction, and civil works
  • Technical Drawing Interpretation: Proficient in reading and interpreting technical drawings and site plans, ensuring accurate implementation during both sales estimation and project execution phases

Affiliations

  • AFL
  • Snowboarding
  • Running/Exercise
  • Hiking and Camping.

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Sales Manager

Sportscape Constructions & Sportscape Civil
03.2020 - Current

Contract Administrator

Mainbrace Constructions
01.2017 - 12.2019

Subcontractor

Self Employed
01.2013 - 01.2017

Bachelor of Building (Construction Management) (Honours) - Construction Management

Victoria University

High School Diploma -

Ivanhoe Grammar
James Simpson