James Houghton

Self-motivated, innovative, energetic individual, who thrives in highly demanding and challenging work environments. More than fifteen years practical work experience developing several skills such as teamwork, innovation, problem solving, time management, team management and sales. Highly analytical with an eye for detail and well organised. Possesses excellent interpersonal and communication skills and has the drive to succeed as part of a fast paced, commercial team.

Trade+ Supervisor at Screwfix (2023-01 – Present)

Managed trade customer relationships, quotations, and product sourcing while supervising a team to achieve operational targets. Combined commercial awareness, leadership, and market research to deliver competitive solutions for customers while maintaining strong store performance.

• Managed trade customer accounts, sourcing products and preparing detailed quotations to meet customer requirements.
• Negotiated and brokered deals with customers, balancing profitability, lead times, and customer expectations.
• Conducted competitor research to ensure competitive pricing and maintain strong market positioning.
• Led and supervised a team, setting objectives and monitoring performance against weekly targets.
• Planned and coordinated team workloads to ensure operational and sales goals were achieved.
• Oversaw warehouse management, stock control, and operational efficiency within the store.
• Worked closely with trade customers to fulfil job sheet requirements and provide tailored product solutions.

Sales Assistant at Screwfix (2021-02 – 2023-01)

Provided exceptional customer service in a fast-paced retail environment, helping customers identify products and solutions for their projects. Developed strong product knowledge across a wide range of products while supporting sales growth, stock management, and operational efficiency.

• Assisted customers in-store and over the phone, providing product advice and identifying suitable solutions for their requirements.
• Sourced products and prepared customer quotes, ensuring competitive pricing and value.
• Investigated competitor pricing and market trends to help maintain strong customer offers.
• Processed orders, managed stock movements, and supported efficient warehouse operations.
• Liaised with customers regarding product availability, lead times, and order fulfilment.
• Built strong customer relationships through excellent service and product knowledge.
• Supported multiple stores within the local area, including Leigh, Widnes, and Warrington.

Car Salesman at Arnold Clark (2020-03 – 2021-01)

This role required strong communication and relationship-building skills to understand customer needs and match them with suitable vehicles. I was responsible for guiding customers through the full sales process, from initial enquiry to final purchase, while ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction. The role involved working towards structured sales targets, handling objections, and maintaining product knowledge across a wide range of vehicles and finance options.

I consistently worked in a target-driven environment, balancing customer experience with commercial awareness to maximise sales opportunities and profitability.

• Engaging with customers face-to-face and over the phone to understand their requirements and budget.
• Managing the full sales process from enquiry through to handover.
• Demonstrating vehicles and explaining features, benefits, and finance options.
• Negotiating pricing and trade-in valuations to secure deals.
• Working towards individual and team sales targets in a high-pressure environment.
• Following up leads and maintaining relationships to generate repeat business.

Delivery Driver at Dominos (2018-01 – 2020-02)

• Liasing with customers to ensure correct details were provided.
• Planning routes to ensure efficient delivery time.
• Liasing with instore staff for amendments to orders.

Data and Security Engineer at Kite Networks (2017-04 – 2017-11)

This role involved working closely with customers to understand their requirements and deliver network infrastructure solutions to a high standard. I was responsible for the installation of various cabling systems including CAT5, CAT6A, fibre and telephony, ensuring all work was completed safely, efficiently and to specification. The role also included mounting network cabinets and maintaining organised, tidy installations.

All completed work was thoroughly tested using a Fluke tester to ensure compliance with industry standards and reliability of the network.

• Liaising with customers to fulfil their requirements and meet their needs.
• Installation of cables including CAT6A, fibre, CAT5 and telephony cables.
• Mount cabinets and ensure that the cables were safe and tidy.
• Ensure the cabling would meet standards by checking all areas with a fluke tester when installed.

Telecommunications Engineer at Digitel Europe Ltd (2015-02 – 2017-04)

This role required flexibility, initiative and the ability to work both alone and as part of a team at many different sites across the Northwest. The role demanded exceptional organisational skills and efficiency in order to meet the needs of clients and work to tight deadlines.

• Installation and maintenance of PBX switches from Samsung.
• Structured cabling of internal and external Cat 5e.
• Designing/programming telephone systems to a customer's specification.
• Maintaining the PCs in the office and upgrading/troubleshooting them as required.
• Working with customers to resolve their issues & faults both on site and remotely.
• Conducting network connectivity surveys and Wi-Fi Surveys.
• Liaising with sales staff to ensure that they understand the telephone systems, in order to facilitate smooth installation.
• Installing and configuring Switches/Routers/Firewalls to ensure VoIP systems work correctly.

Level 3 Diploma in IT – Wirral Metropolitan College (2013 – 2015)

GCSE in Multiple subjects – St Mary's Catholic College