James McKendry-Bliss

Experienced Centre and Operations Manager with an established career leading premium workplaces, commercial property operations and customer-focused businesses. Combines a hospitality mindset with strong commercial judgement, creating environments where members feel valued, teams understand the standard expected and buildings operate safely and efficiently. Experienced in Central London serviced offices, national workplace portfolios, budgets, supplier management, client retention, facilities, compliance and workplace improvement.

A visible, approachable leader who remains calm under pressure and enjoys the pace and variety of a high-service environment.

Project Director - Palmer Too Ltd

(2011-10 - 2026-06)

Led commercial property, workplace and operational projects, balancing client expectations, budgets, compliance and delivery.

• Senior client contact, translating operational requirements into practical and commercially sound solutions.
• Managed budgets, supplier selection, contractor performance and delivery programmes while controlling cost and quality.
• Coordinated workplace improvements, maintenance and building-services activity with minimal operational disruption.
• Oversaw H&S, risk assessments, method statements, statutory requirements and contractor compliance.
• Built trusted client and supplier relationships through clear communication and decisive problem-solving.
• Identified opportunities to improve service, presentation, efficiency and sustainability.

Facilities & Support Services Manager - The Insolvency Service

(2008-09 - 2011-10)

Responsible for facilities and support services across a 32-office UK estate.

• Coordinated planned/reactive maintenance and ensured issues were prioritised and resolved with minimal disruption.
• Managed FM suppliers, service contracts, service levels, costs and remedial actions.
• Led H&S and statutory compliance activity across multiple locations.
• Supported office moves, restacks, fire-alarm upgrades, access-control installations and property improvements.
• Partnered with operational teams and senior stakeholders to deliver responsive workplace support.

Operations Manager - MWB Business Exchange - Central London

(2005-12 - 2008-08)

Managed premium Central London serviced office centres, with responsibility for member experience, centre operations, teams, facilities and commercial service standards.

• Led the complete day-to-day centre operation, treating occupiers as guests and maintaining a consistently premium environment.
• Built strong member relationships, resolved issues personally and supported retention through responsive, high-quality service.
• Led front-of-house and operational colleagues, setting standards and coaching performance.
• Worked with sales colleagues on enquiries, centre tours, move-ins and occupancy through excellent presentation and customer experience.
• Managed budgets, suppliers, contractors, maintenance, H&S and compliance without compromising service quality.
• Supported office refreshes and workplace improvements, combining operational needs with presentation and design.
• Created member engagement opportunities and acted as the senior on-site decision-maker during operational issues.

Resourcing Manager - Fujitsu Services

(2003 - 2005)

Managed resource planning and service delivery within a demanding client-focused environment.

• Coordinated people and resources against operational requirements, balancing service quality, capacity and changing priorities.
• Built effective stakeholder relationships and resolved resourcing and delivery issues through clear planning and communication.

Operations Manager - SCC - Leisure Industry

(2000 - 2003)

Led day-to-day customer-facing operations in a busy leisure environment.

• Managed teams, staffing, service standards, performance and problem resolution in a fast-paced operation.
• Combined strong customer experience with commercial discipline and consistent presentation standards.

Senior Customer Service Manager - Mecca Bingo

(1996 - 2000)

Led large customer-facing teams, coaching colleagues, resolving complaints and maintaining strong service and commercial standards.

Manager - Lloyds Supersave Drugstores

(1992 - 1996)

Managed retail operations, people, stock, standards and customer service in a busy store environment.

Area Manager / Manager - ZY for Men

(1988 - 1992)

Progressed from store management to multi-site leadership, supporting managers and driving consistent sales, service and presentation standards.

Retail Manager - Chelsea Girl / Concept Man (now River Island)

(1986 - 1988)

Developed the commercial, people and customer-service foundations carried throughout career.

BTEC National Diploma - Travel & Tourism

BTEC First Diploma - Leisure Studies A Level - Mathematics O Levels - 9 O Levels including English and Mathematics