Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
INTERESTS
SUCCESS STORY & AWARDS WON
Timeline
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James William Edward Birnie

Waterloo,Australia

Summary

My long term goal which I had to leave behind in the United Kingdom is something I've always wished to continue, which is to secure a full-time position in Business Development within the Cybersecurity space. I am flexible regarding work arrangements, whether hybrid, office-based, or field-based. I believe my adaptable nature and work methods will enable me to thrive in any of these settings and contribute positively to the team.

Professional assistant with experience in administrative support and operational efficiency. Strong focus on team collaboration and achieving results. Reliable in adapting to changing needs, skilled in communication, organization, and multitasking. Recognized for problem-solving abilities and proactive approach to tasks.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Work Experience Assistant

Northwood Stadium, Northwood, Stoke-on-Trent
02.2013
  • Assisted with setting up sporting apparatus, maintaining the sports hall, and supporting clients during events and sports days.

Head of Business Development

Pest2Kill
12.2023 - Current
  • Established and managed the commercial pest control division from scratch, creating the role, processes, and strategy from the ground up.
  • Developed and implemented business strategy, including CRM selection, scoping the target market, and designing service agreements/contracts tailored to client needs.
  • Achieved over $1M in annual revenue, a strong result for the pest control industry, demonstrating ability to deliver commercial growth in a new market.
  • Generated new business through multiple channels:
    Cold calling and prospecting targeted leads
    LinkedIn outreach and professional networking
    Inbound inquiries and lead follow-ups
    Referrals from existing clients and strategic partnerships
  • Built and nurtured long-term client relationships, driving repeat business and securing ongoing contracts.
  • Led pre-sales and consultative sales activities, identifying client pain points and proposing tailored service solutions.
  • Analyzed market trends and competitor offerings, adjusting sales and marketing strategies to capture the highest-value opportunities.
  • Streamlined internal processes, improving efficiency of onboarding, quoting, and contract management.
  • Collaborated with operational teams to ensure high service standards and successful delivery of solutions.

Key Achievements:

  • Reached $1M+ annual revenue in just under one year
  • Successfully implemented CRM system and client management processes for the first time in this business unit
  • Expanded Pest2Kill’s commercial client base through strategic outreach and relationship-building
  • Recognized internally for strategic thinking and driving measurable business growth

Cybersecurity Premier Account Manager

Exertis, Stoke-on-Trent
02.2020 - 11.2023
  • Delivered a range of cybersecurity products and services, including Firewalls, SOC & SIEM, Access Points, Networking products, Load Balancing, End-Point Solutions (EDR, MDR, XDR), Cyber Essentials, Pen-Testing, Dark Web Scanning, Professional Services, and Backup & Disaster Recovery solutions.
  • Engaged with MSPs and resellers to understand their needs and provide tailored solutions.
  • Conducted in-person and remote meetings to drive new business and facilitate security portfolio expansions.
  • Managed email communications and maintained relationships with partners across the North East of the UK, Wales, and Scotland, including major UK resellers.
  • Managed key client accounts, ensuring satisfaction and retention through proactive communication.
  • Developed tailored solutions that addressed specific client needs and enhanced service delivery.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to implement strategic initiatives for account growth.
  • Drove customer engagement initiatives, resulting in increased loyalty and repeat business opportunities.
  • Organized regular client events and webinars to build brand loyalty and foster long-term relationships.
  • Developed strong relationships with key clients, leading to increased retention and growth.
  • Streamlined communication channels between internal departments improving interdepartmental collaboration and enhancing overall client experience.
  • Built senior executive relationships at target accounts and aligned solutions to business needs.
  • Set meetings and managed obligations to achieve established goals and commitments.

Inbound Telesales Advisor

Vodafone Ltd, Shelton Boulevard, Stoke-on-Trent
10.2016 - 01.2020
  • Handled incoming calls to sell converged products such as mobile phones, SIM cards, home broadband, and tablets on contracted service plans.
  • Mentored junior advisors, fostering skill development and promoting a collaborative team environment.
  • Facilitated customer inquiries, resolving issues efficiently and enhancing overall satisfaction.
  • Utilized advanced CRM tools to track client interactions efficiently while maintaining detailed records of their individual goals, preferences, and concerns.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current with industry trends and best practices.

Mechanical & Electrical Apprentice

TT Pumps Ltd, Woore, Nr Crewe
01.2015 - 06.2015
  • Completed an apprenticeship, which was later discontinued due to travel constraints (Note: Driving license obtained in 2017). Ideal Home Improvements Ltd. Milton, Stoke-on-Trent

Part-Time Sales Assistant

Ideal Home Improvements Ltd, Milton, Stoke-on-Trent
05.2012 - 06.2014
  • Conducted part-time work including delivering sales pamphlets, telephone sales, customer engagement, and general office duties.

Education

Electrical Installations Level 2 -

Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC)
Newcastle-under-Lyme, UK
06.2016

Level 2 Practical Electrical Engineering - undefined

Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC)
Newcastle-under-Lyme, UK
06.2015

GCSEs and BTECs - undefined

Birches Head Academy
Stoke-on-Trent, UK
06.2014

Skills

  • I excel both as an independent worker and as a collaborative team player I am confident, patient, and possess strong communication skills, allowing me to listen effectively and follow instructions meticulously to complete tasks successfully I am highly motivated to perform at my best, aiming to achieve excellent results and build positive working relationships with colleagues and partners
  • In my current and previous roles, I have been recognized for my ability to work at a rapid pace while maintaining high standards, thanks to a robust work ethic and a positive mindset
  • Growing Partners
  • Generating Pipeline
  • Cyber Security Brand & Industry Knowledge
  • Telecommunications Brand & Industry Knowledge
  • Networking Brands
  • Strong Industry Knowledge
  • Managing Opportunities
  • Strong Closing Skills
  • Great Communication Skills
  • Building Strong Relationships
  • Following Marketing Strategies
  • Networking Events
  • Attend Industry Events
  • Frequently Visits Clients
  • Call out days
  • Brochure Roll Outs
  • Portfolio Presentations / Overviews
  • Pre-scoping Clients
  • LinkedIn & Networking Tools
  • Client relationship management
  • Strategic planning
  • Consultative sales
  • Revenue growth strategies
  • Time management
  • Lead generation

Certification

  • In my current and previous roles, I have completed online training courses for many of these products, thanks to our close collaboration with vendors as a major UK distributor and cybersecurity supplier. Additionally, I have gained exposure to competing products, particularly those central to the cybersecurity sector.
  • Firewall's: SonicWall, Watchguard, Fastvue's Firewall Reporting Tool
  • End-Point Security: CrowdStrike, Sentinel One, Capture Client (SonicWall), Webroot (OpenText), Watchguard EDR, Panda
  • Various Back-up Solutions: Veeam, StorageCraft / Arcserve, CloudAlly (OpenText), Carbonite (OpenText)
  • Cloud: Microsoft Cloud Services / Azure.
  • Cyber Essentials Certifications: Cybersmart, Cybercrowd
  • SOC / Fully Managed Security: E-Sentire/CrowdStrike Falcon, Seecon
  • Email Security: SonicWall, OpenText
  • Pen Testing Services: Cybersmart, Cybercrowd
  • Wireless: Ruckus, Alcatel, Zyxel
  • Load Balancing: Kemp & A10. - (DDOS) A10. - (Server Storage) Dell

INTERESTS

Sports: I have a strong passion for sports, particularly football, where I played as an established goalkeeper, representing Stoke-on-Trent at the junior level and competing in local Sunday league matches., Social Activities: I enjoy socializing with friends, engaging in activities such as days out, attending sporting events, sightseeing, and hiking., Enthusiasms: I have a keen interest in Formula 1, cricket, and golf, and I actively follow these sports.

SUCCESS STORY & AWARDS WON

This is something I would like to share on my Curriculum Vitae, as I am somebody who has grown my existing Account Base at Exertis Cybersecurity from £100,000 Per Month, Revenues to over £500,000+ consistently with highs of over £700,000 over a calendar month all within 18 months. This achievement also gave me the joyful honours of winning employee of the month three times, along with one quarterly award as well as a big prize of the companies Superstar Of The Year Award which was awarded in May 2023. (On request / interview stage I would be happy to present copies and data of the growth & achievements), Exertis Employee / Superstar of the Year 2023, Exertis Employee of the QTR Q2 2023, X3 Exertis Employee of the month, Exertis Express Winner 2023, X1 Vodafone Salesperson of the Month, X1 Vodafone / Samsung Sales Winner, Vodafone Internal Promotion to become a coach

Timeline

Head of Business Development

Pest2Kill
12.2023 - Current

Cybersecurity Premier Account Manager

Exertis, Stoke-on-Trent
02.2020 - 11.2023

Inbound Telesales Advisor

Vodafone Ltd, Shelton Boulevard, Stoke-on-Trent
10.2016 - 01.2020

Mechanical & Electrical Apprentice

TT Pumps Ltd, Woore, Nr Crewe
01.2015 - 06.2015

Work Experience Assistant

Northwood Stadium, Northwood, Stoke-on-Trent
02.2013

Part-Time Sales Assistant

Ideal Home Improvements Ltd, Milton, Stoke-on-Trent
05.2012 - 06.2014

Level 2 Practical Electrical Engineering - undefined

Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC)

GCSEs and BTECs - undefined

Birches Head Academy

Electrical Installations Level 2 -

Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC)
James William Edward Birnie