About
Highly motivated Business Management student with a proven track record in enhancing global talent development programs and optimizing digital platforms. Currently completing a Year in Industry Placement at a FTSE 100 company, I leverage strong analytical and project coordination skills to drive engagement, improve user experience, and implement strategic HR technology solutions. I combine academic rigor with practical leadership and problem-solving abilities, making me a valuable asset for roles focused on business operations, HR technology, or project management.
Work
Spirax Group (FTSE 100)
|Group Talent | Year in Industry Placement
United Kingdom, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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Summary
As a Group Talent Year in Industry Placement, James Balden supported global graduate development, enhanced engagement platforms, and implemented strategic HR technology solutions to drive program effectiveness and user experience.
Highlights
Transformed the Global Graduate Development Leadership Programme by improving engagement platforms and rebranding Gradcracker, significantly enhancing candidate attraction and onboarding experiences.
Spearheaded the ownership and enhancement of the Graduate Portal PowerApp, rapidly upskilling in Power Platform to troubleshoot issues and implement new functionalities, ensuring seamless user experience.
Led engagement initiatives for Spark, the global Learning Experience Platform, by launching monthly "Hot Topics" and tailored Academies, which substantially boosted platform usage and visibility across the organization.
Developed the "My Performance" page and Management Academy on OnePlace (global CMS), driving global employee engagement with intuitive content tailored for performance management and leadership development.
Co-led the 2024 Development Festival, orchestrating strategic design, speaker coordination, and targeted engagement efforts that resulted in an 87.5% increase in session attendance.
Directed the comprehensive selection and successful rollout of a new 360 feedback platform, choosing ETS to enhance functionality, user experience, and robust support across the Group's international operations.
Costa Coffee
|Skilled Barista
United Kingdom, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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Summary
As a Skilled Barista, James Balden consistently delivered exceptional customer service and contributed to a high-performing team culture in a fast-paced environment.
Highlights
Provided outstanding customer service in a high-volume setting, consistently receiving praise for professionalism, friendly demeanor, and the high quality of coffee preparation.
Trained and mentored new team members on operational procedures and customer engagement best practices, fostering a collaborative and efficient work environment.
Cheshire FA
|Referee
Cheshire, England, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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Summary
As an FA-affiliated Referee, James Balden demonstrated strong leadership, impartial decision-making, and effective communication in high-pressure match environments.
Highlights
Developed exceptional confidence and persuasive communication skills by making critical, impartial decisions and managing player interactions in challenging match scenarios.
Applied rigorous adherence to FA regulations and demonstrated strong conflict resolution abilities, ensuring fair play and maintaining control during competitive football matches.
Education
Lancaster University
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BSc (Hons)
Business Management with Industry Year
Grade: 2:1
Courses
Management and Consulting Practice and Critique
Spreadsheet Modelling for Management
Supply Chain Management
Project Management Modules
St Ambrose College, Altrincham
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A Levels & GCSEs
Economics, Business Studies, English Language (A Levels); 10 GCSEs including Maths and English
Grade: Achieved A Levels in Economics, Business Studies, English Language; 10 GCSEs including Maths and English
Courses
Economics
Business Studies
English Language
Mathematics
English
Languages
English
Skills
Technical Skills
Advanced Excel, VBA, Power BI, PowerApps, LMS (Learning Management Systems), LXP (Learning Experience Platforms), CMS (Content Management Systems).
Project & Program Management
Project Coordination, Program Management, Strategic Design, Vendor Management, Rollout Management, Process Optimization, Event Coordination.
Talent & Development
Graduate Development, Leadership Programmes, Engagement Platforms, Onboarding, Career Events, 360 Feedback Systems, Learning & Development (L&D), User Experience (UX).
Communication & Leadership
Stakeholder Engagement, Public Speaking, Team Training, Conflict Resolution, Persuasion, Mentorship, Team Leadership, Customer Service Excellence, Decision-Making.
Data & Analytics
Data Analysis, Performance Metrics, Reporting.
Software & Platforms
Microsoft Power Platform, Gradcracker, Spark LXP, OnePlace CMS, ETS (Employee Tracking System).
Interests
Sports & Community Engagement
Football (Altrincham FC captaincy), FA-affiliated Referee, Youth Coaching, Team Leadership, Community Volunteering.
Automotive Sports
Formula 1, International Travel.