Previous Experience

Through a combination of manager, postdoctoral positions, training courses and non-academic positions I have built up a wide and varied skill set.

R&D Project Manager

JTI (Japan Tobacco International)  

March 2019 – Present

In this role I manage the technical aspects of projects. These projects involve developing early-stage concepts and prototypes which are typically research-focused working with novel technologies. The devices are developed by a third party and require coordination of test sessions, selection of design architectures and ensuring project specifications are meet. Often key decision making is required to ensure the device will operate to its maximum potential.

As the position is technology-focused IP is a major part of my work. This involves the generation of IP protected as patents with over 50 applications being processed to date making myself in the top 5 inventors within the company. I also evaluate external IP to develop workarounds and also it’s worth as a potential acquisition.

While the role is management focused on work carried out externally I am also heavily involved in work carried within JTI’s laboratory environments. This included developing and undertaking ad-hoc testing procedures helping to evaluate a technology but also fault find and identify possible improvements. The significant impr

Working for the first 2.5 years in London before moving to Vienna, I have experience across a broad range of tasks with increasing responsibility.

Beginning with a hands-on technical role, I created ad-hoc test methods which were developed into SOPs quickly leading to a key understanding of how to innovate new FMCG handheld electronic vaping devices and consumables (tobacco sticks and capsules). This led and influencing to leading JTI international teams of up to 15 and external contract manufacturing / engineering consulting teams, building capability.

  • Providing technical and project leadership to deliver handheld devices from concept through to mass production. Examples are Ploom S and Ploom S10.
  • Managing validation and adherence to various international standards
  • Managing the varying timelines of each project alongside a budget ~1$million pa.
  • Developing product specification.
  • Managed all documentation projects across R&D.
  • Committee member for UK BSI standards, internal Intellectual Property (IP) committees.
  • Drove JTI IP applications becoming a top 3 inventor in the company, leading it to become a top 100 inventor in Europe for the first time.

Alongside my strong project management, my adaptability and willingness to engage in new roles lead me selected to help transfer the department from London to Vienna. Here the team of 26 were all external hires from varied backgrounds. I was now responsible for implementing new processes within this team to enable a fast start.

Laboratory manager

Loughborough University 

May 2018 – December 2018

In this role, I supervised three research laboratories with over 15 researchers working on 10 different projects. My role involves me developing new research concepts, identify personnel to undertake this research and ensuring the deliverable are met on time. I also work supporting laboratory equipment selection and sample preparation.

  • Highly organised in project planning.
  • Facility management.
  • Supporting and supervising junior researchers.

Research Associate Positions

Loughborough University 

September 2016 – December 2018

Commercialising of plasma technology for health care and agrochemical applications.

To ensure the research I had carried out made an impact I was heavily involved in grant applications to explore and commercialise technology ensuring my research was developed to practical applications. This included financial forecasting and planning for the project and for the wider research team. For example, one project focused on the development of a consumer electronic device for the treatment of contact lenses. I was involved in securing the necessary funds, the design and testing of a prototype that boasted superiority against commercial solutions which led to a patent application to secure the technology.  In another project, I developed a reactor for the sterilisation of seeds without chemicals and coordinated the testing. The successes of this project led to the formation of a spin-out company (Zayndu) producing commercial units.

Here I developed skills in:

  • Product development.
  • Project finance management.
  • Patent applications.

Training

Management Essentials – Harvard university Online 

November – December 2022

In this online training course I learnt the key skill for management through comprehensive case studies and group work actives. Over 4 modules I learnt the principles of and learnt how to apply

  1. Process management: How to apply a process  and structure to management
  2. Decision Making: Analyse the process and learn how to influence the decision.
  3. Implementation: How to act upon a decision and ensure it has carried out effectively.
  4. Change management: How to carry out fundamental changes within an organisation.

Prince2 Foundation – Axelos

December 2021

As one of the fundamental training courses in Project Management I learnt the key skills required to successfully run projects. The process learnt are universal across all industries of all scales due to the use of common language, systems and procedures. key principles learns include

  • Setting roles and responsibilities
  • Tailoring project management to the specific project
  • Confirm value for the business

EngineeringYES

May 2016

In this training course, the objective was to learn skills and to understand the process required to take research on a bench scale to a commercial product. Whilst working in a team we had to select appropriate IP protecting for a fictitious product and present a funding strategy to a panel of national experts. The presented included and required a comprehensive understanding of:

  • Cost analysis and calculating market size to determine the ROI.
  • Risk analysis.
  • Exit strategies.
  • Business plan forecasting.

EngineeringYES

May 2016

In this training course, the objective was to learn skills and to understand the process required to take research on a bench scale to a commercial product. Whilst working in a team we had to select appropriate IP protecting for a fictitious product and present a funding strategy to a panel of national experts. The presented included and required a comprehensive understanding of:

  • Cost analysis and calculating market size to determine the ROI.
  • Risk analysis.
  • Exit strategies.
  • Business plan forecasting.

Fit for Industry

February 2017

Having been successful in the highly competitive selection process I joined other candidates from around Europe in Turin for the EU funded training programme. Here I both developed new skills and learnt how to apply existing skills for industry. This included carrying out several tasks where the aim was:

  • Problem-solving under time pressure.
  • Identify strengths and weakness within a team.
  • Responding to personal feedback and adapting my performance.

IT Skills

MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio) – Advanced

Solid Edge (CAD) – Advanced

NX (CAD) – Proficient

MATLAB – Proficient

COMSOL – Proficient

Employment

ASDA, Reading, UK    (Delivery Driver) 

June 2013 – October 2014

Nandos, Reading, UK (Waiter)

June 2014 – September 2014

Truro Sawmills, Truro, UK (Supervisor) 

June 2008 – October 2010

Hobbies and interests

As a person who thrives on being busy and who greatly enjoys working within a team, sports have always been of great importance to me. This winning mentality and dedicated attitude have enabled me to achieve my goal of playing for a professional Rugby team. After years of high-level commitment to the sport, I have been fortunate enough to sign with Oxford RL playing under a professional contract. Away from rugby I also enjoy a variety of water sport, including surfing and sailing, due to my huge appreciation for nature. I believe this has enabled me to gain transferable skills in:

  • Teamwork and leadership.
  • Delivering under pressure.
  • Execution of a given strategy.

Positions of responsibility

Supervision of projects

During my PhD, I supervised 15 people working on 10 different projects. I had to design the projects, manage the spending of a budget and ensure they would achieve a high grade.

  • Project planning.
  • Time management.
  • Mentoring (teach students about scientific principles and using specialist equipment).

 

President of Reading University Rugby League

I worked as the President of Reading University Rugby League where I committed myself and held myself fully accountable for the actions and decisions I made on behalf of the committee. It also enabled me to take the lead in making sound and effective financial decisions.

  • Financial Management (including budgeting, financial reports, bookkeeping).
  • Organisation of Staff.
  • Running day to day operations of the club (including training sessions, matches, socials).