Jack Curry

Intro

I am a Project Manager and Continuous Improvement Specialist with 17 years of experience in data-driven optimisation, team building, and stakeholder management. Based in Newbury, I combine technical expertise with strong communication skills, honed through my MSc in Science Communication, to deliver impactful and successful projects.

Over the past four years, my career has focused on project management and optimisation. During this time, I have successfully developed and deployed two CRM systems, established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), managed complex data integration projects, and curated three commercial products. My accomplishments also include coordinating 900 software demos, planning and delivering 60 webinars, developing six websites, and creating educational materials to enhance organisational growth and client engagement. You can explore more of my awesome work here.

I am currently on the path to becoming a Chartered Project Professional (ChPP) through the Association of Project Management (APM). I’m excited to continue growing my expertise and applying my skillset to deliver results in today’s dynamic and challenging environment.

Beyond my professional endeavors, I am a lifelong learner with a passion for diverse pursuits. From repairing and refurbishing electronics, climbing mountains or scuba diving, to crafting intricate Dungeons & Dragons campaigns, I enjoy exploring new skills that challenge my creativity and problem-solving abilities. These activities not only strengthen my troubleshooting and strategic thinking but also enrich my storytelling—skills that prove invaluable in both my personal and professional life.

Work

I am a results-driven Operations Manager, Project Manager and Salesforce Administrator with over a decade of experience leading projects and teams, streamlining processes, and driving measurable business impact. My career has spanned diverse industries, where I’ve delivered operational excellence, enhanced team collaboration, and implemented innovative solutions tailored to organisational goals. Noted below are my key responsobilities and achievements.

Cruelty Free International (2021 – Present)

Operations Manager & Salesforce Administrator (2023 – 2024)

Project Manager (2021 – 2023)

During my tenure at Cruelty Free International, I have held roles combining project management, operations leadership, and CRM administration. My work has been pivotal in supporting the organisation’s mission to end animal testing by driving efficiency, fostering collaboration, and delivering technological innovation.

Responsibilities:

• Salesforce CRM Management: Spearheaded the implementation and customisation of Salesforce, integrating it with existing systems and consolidating Excel based processes to streamline data management and improve user experience.
• Process Development: Designed and implemented standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency and compliance across operations.
• Contract Management: Streamlined contract workflows to enhance efficiency and reduce processing times.
• Team Leadership: Built and managed a high-performing team, fostering collaboration and achieving operational excellence.
• Compliance Program Implementation: Introduced a comprehensive compliance program to meet regulatory standards and client expectations, achieving a 95% satisfaction rate.
• Cost Management: Identified opportunities for operational cost savings, delivering a 20% reduction through process refinement and efficient resource allocation.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Worked closely with internal and external stakeholders to align project objectives with organisational goals.

Key Achievements:

• Salesforce Customisation: Streamlined operational workflows by tailoring Salesforce, resulting in improved efficiency and accurate reporting.
• Process Design: Developed and implemented robust processes to ensure organisational compliance and consistency across all operations.
• Cost Optimisation: Achieved a 20% reduction in operational costs through process improvements and enhanced team collaboration.
• Project Tracking Solutions: Led the successful implementation of Salesforce-based tools, improving project tracking and compliance monitoring.
• Data Accuracy & UX Enhancement: Improved the Salesforce CRM ecosystem by enhancing data accuracy and delivering a more user-friendly experience.
• Team Building & Training: Built and trained a high-performing, motivated team, fostering enthusiasm and a culture of continuous improvement.

Wolfram Research Europe (2021 – 2022)

Project Manager (2021 – 2022)

As a Project Manager at Wolfram Research Europe, I successfully led multiple high-value projects, ensuring delivery on time, within scope, and budget. My efforts significantly enhanced the company’s digital footprint, strengthened relationships with key stakeholders, and improved operational efficiency across teams.

Responsibilities:

• Project Management: Led the planning, execution, and delivery of multiple high-value projects, ensuring they were completed on time, within budget, and aligned with company objectives.
• Web Development Oversight: Managed the design, implementation, and deployment of user-friendly websites to improve digital presence and customer engagement.
• Content Development: Coordinated the creation of over 900 software demos and 60 webinars, providing valuable resources for education and marketing.
• Data Analysis: Conducted audience analysis to optimise license uptake and user activation, particularly in collaboration with the Egyptian Government.
• Team Collaboration: Worked cross-functionally with developers, marketing teams, and external stakeholders to deliver cohesive project outcomes.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Maintained effective communication with clients and government representatives to ensure alignment with project goals and expectations.

Key Achievements:

• Web Design and Deployment: Directed the design and launch of user-friendly websites to enhance customer engagement and brand visibility. Developed proficiency in web design technologies, including HTML and JavaScript, improving the quality and functionality of digital platforms.
• Marketing Campaigns & Webinar Creation: Developed and executed marketing strategies for webinars, managing budgets effectively and delivering high-impact events.
• License Activation Optimisation: Conducted audience analysis to develop targeted strategies, increasing license activation rates across Egypt.
• Stakeholder Management: Engaged key stakeholders throughout project lifecycles, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and fostering collaboration.

PassivSystems (2020 – 2021)

Sales and Support Officer

As a Sales and Support Officer at PassivSystems, I played a pivotal role in promoting and supporting renewable heating systems, heat pumps, and smart thermostatic controls for Shell and EDF. Combining sales expertise with technical knowledge, I effectively communicated the benefits of PassivSystems' innovative solutions to clients in the renewable energy sector, driving adoption and satisfaction.

Responsibilities:

• Requirements Gathering: Conducted in-depth needs assessments with clients to understand project requirements, timelines, and budgetary constraints, ensuring tailored solutions met their unique needs.
• Support: Provided comprehensive support for PassivSystems' product range, including innovative smart thermostats designed for heat pumps and renewable heating systems.
• Market Research: Leveraged PassivSystems' expertise in solar PV monitoring and management to cross-sell renewable heating solutions, showcasing the company's leadership in smart energy technology.
• Stakeholder Management: Collaborated with clients, engineers, and councils to ensure heat pumps were installed in compliance with planning regulations.

Key Achievements:

• Excel Proficiency: Designed and implemented a cost savings calculation tool in Excel, empowering clients to make data-driven decisions about renewable energy investments. This tool became instrumental in showcasing the long-term financial benefits of PassivSystems' solutions.
• Sales Performance: Consistently exceeded sales targets, driving 52% of team revenue in a six-person team by delivering exceptional customer service and effectively communicating product value and expectations.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Successfully coordinated teams across sales, engineering, and installation, ensuring smooth project delivery from initial consultation through to final implementation.

IKEA Reading (2018 – 2019)

Kitchen Planner (2018 – 2019)

As a Kitchen Designer at IKEA, I provided expert guidance to customers in creating functional and aesthetically pleasing kitchen spaces. I utilised IKEA's planning software to design custom kitchen solutions, ensuring customer satisfaction and adherence to IKEA's design principles and product range.

Responsibilities:

• Kitchen Design: Created detailed kitchen designs and renderings using computer-aided design (CAD) software, tailoring layouts to customer needs and preferences.
• Customer Consultation: Conducted in-depth consultations with clients to understand their requirements, budget constraints, and design preferences.
• Product Knowledge: Maintained comprehensive knowledge of IKEA's kitchen product range, including cabinets, appliances, and accessories.
• Space Optimisation: Developed efficient kitchen layouts, maximising functionality and storage in various room sizes and shapes.
• Project Management: Managed kitchen projects from initial concept to final design, ensuring timely completion and customer satisfaction.
• Technical Specifications: Provided detailed product lists, kitchen quotations, and estimates for additional services to customers.

Key Achievements:

• Customer Satisfaction: Consistently received positive feedback for creating designs that met and exceeded customer expectations, contributing to repeat business and referrals.
• Design Efficiency: Streamlined the design process, reducing average consultation time while maintaining high-quality outputs and customer satisfaction.
• Product Upselling: Successfully increased average order value by recommending complementary products and design solutions that enhanced overall kitchen functionality.
• Team Collaboration: Worked effectively with installation teams and other departments to ensure smooth project execution and resolve any design-related issues promptly.

Various Orgs - Freelance (2016 – 2019)

Ecological Surveyor,Specialising in Bats (2016–2019)

During my time as an Ecological Surveyor, I specialised in bat ecology, leading surveys and assessments to support sustainable development projects. My work combined technical expertise with project management to deliver high-quality ecological services for a wide range of clients.

Responsibilities:

• Survey Coordination: Supported coordination of over 300 ecological surveys across diverse sites, ensuring adherence to project timelines, resource allocation, and stakeholder communication for successful delivery.
• Desktop Studies: Conducted comprehensive research, including analysis of historical maps, data from local environmental records centres, and statutory site information, to identify potential ecological constraints.
• Reporting: Assisted in the preparation of detailed ecological reports, such as impact assessments, mitigation strategies, and licensing requirements, to support clients' planning applications and development proposals.
• Team Leadership: Led cross-functional teams of field surveyors, data analysts, and report writers, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing to enhance project efficiency and outcomes.

Key Achievements:

• Bat Surveying Expertise: Gained advanced proficiency in bat surveying techniques, including emergence/re-entry surveys and static detector data analysis, ensuring high-quality ecological assessments.
• Ecological Compliance: Played a key role in delivering several high-profile development projects by ensuring adherence to ecological legislation and policies, mitigating environmental impacts effectively.
• Operational Efficiency: Improved data collection and reporting processes by implementing streamlined workflows, enhancing project delivery speed and accuracy.
• Training: Trained 10 surveyors to a level of high compentence, capable of correct species identification, improving overall survey quality and conservation value

The Teashop on the Canal, Newbury (2013–2016)

Staff, Supervisor, Manager (2013–2016)

During my time at The Teashop on the Canal, I progressed through roles as Staff, Supervisor, and Manager, gaining hands-on experience in hospitality operations, team leadership, and customer service. This period honed my ability to manage day-to-day operations while fostering a welcoming environment for customers and staff alike.

Responsibilities:

• Staff Management: Supervised and trained a team of up to 10 staff members, ensuring high standards of service and operational efficiency.
• Customer Service: Delivered exceptional customer experiences, handling inquiries and resolving issues to maintain the teashop’s reputation for quality service.
• Operational Oversight: Managed daily operations, including inventory control, scheduling, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Event Coordination: Organised and executed special events, such as afternoon teas and group bookings, tailoring services to meet customer needs.
• Financial Management: Monitored budgets, managed cash flow, and prepared daily financial reports to support efficient business operations.

Key Achievements:

• Rapid Career Progression: Promoted from Staff to Manager within three years, showcasing strong leadership, dedication, and the ability to exceed expectations.
• Team Development and Morale: Boosted team productivity and morale by designing and delivering impactful training programs and fostering a culture of open communication.
• Operational Efficiency: Optimised kitchen and front-of-house operations by implementing process improvements that significantly reduced waste and increased overall efficiency.
• Customer Satisfaction: Consistently surpassed customer satisfaction targets, driving repeat business and contributing to outstanding online reviews and feedback.

voluntary Experience

Reading University (2018 – 2019)

Digital Curator of Acarology (2018 – 2019)

As a Digital Curator of Acarology at the University of Reading, I supported groundbreaking research on early human migration patterns through the study of lice. In addition to collecting mite samples from bees to support health monitoring. This interdisciplinary work involved contributions to both biological research and digital curation, leveraging technology to create high-resolution imagery for morphometric analysis.

Responsibilities:

• Sample Collection: Collaborated with museums and archives to collect lice samples, ensuring proper handling and documentation for research purposes.
• Microscopic Photography: Captured high-quality microscopic images, applying advanced techniques to highlight key morphological features.
• Image Processing: Overlaid multiple photographs and image layers to produce high-resolution composite images for detailed morphometric studies.
• Data Management: Organised and maintained digital records of specimens and images, ensuring accessibility and accuracy for ongoing and future research projects.

Key Achievements:

• Research Contribution: Played a pivotal role in advancing research that linked lice morphology to early human migration patterns, deepening the understanding of human evolutionary history.
• Enhanced Image Analysis: Introduced advanced overlay techniques to image analysis workflows, significantly improving the precision and accuracy of morphometric studies.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Collaborated effectively with biologists, historians, and archivists, ensuring seamless integration of expertise and successful execution of the research project.

Bangor University (2013 – 2016)

Benthic Larval Research Assistant (Alongside Studies) (2013 – 2016)

As a Benthic Larval Research Assistant at Bangor University, I supported post-doctoral research investigating the impact of microplastics on the marine food chain. This role combined fieldwork and lab-based analysis, providing valuable insights into the effects of environmental pollutants on benthic organisms.

Responsibilities:

• Sample Retrieval: Conducted fieldwork to collect benthic and larval samples from diverse marine environments, adhering to strict protocols to ensure data integrity.
• Lab Analysis: Performed microscopic and chemical analysis of samples to identify and quantify the presence of microplastics within benthic organisms.
• Data Processing: Analysed complex datasets, supporting the preparation of research papers and reports to contribute to the understanding of microplastic impacts.
• Collaboration: Worked closely with post-doctoral researchers and faculty members, providing technical support to ensure research objectives were met efficiently.

Key Achievements:

• Research Impact: Played a key role in advancing research on microplastic accumulation in the marine food chain, contributing valuable findings to published academic studies and enhancing the understanding of environmental pollution.
• Laboratory Efficiency: Improved laboratory operations by implementing optimised workflows for sample processing and analysis, increasing efficiency and reducing turnaround time.
• Foundational Expertise: Developed a robust understanding of marine ecology, pollution assessment, and data analysis, laying the groundwork for continued professional growth and future career opportunities.

About

From studying marine ecosystems to leading digital transformation projects, my career has been driven by curiosity and the desire to make an impact.

Hi, I’m Jack Curry, a 31-year-old professional with a passion for science, strategy, and sustainability. I hold an MSc in Science Communication and a BSc in Marine Biology and Zoology, blending my love for the natural world with the power of storytelling and effective collaboration.

I enjoy making things happen and over the years, I’ve honed my expertise in project management across various methodologies, whether it’s Agile, Waterfall, or hybrid approaches. I thrive on leading teams to achieve their goals, ensuring projects stay on track while fostering a collaborative and innovative environment. My work reflects my commitment to clear communication and sustainable solutions, often inspired by my background in conservation and marine biology.

Outside of work, I’m an adventurer at heart. You’ll often find me scaling rock faces, strategising over a board game, or volunteering in conservation initiatives. I also enjoy connecting with others, whether it’s through meaningful conversations or simply sharing a laugh.

Curiosity drives me—whether I’m researching the latest developments in science or exploring new hobbies to diversify my skillset. Let’s connect and see how we can make an impact together!

Recent Projects

Adaptability and flexibility: Generalists can easily adapt to different tasks and technologies, making them valuable assets in rapidly changing tech environments13. Broader job opportunities: A diverse skill set opens up more job prospects across various tech roles and company sizes. Problem-solving versatility: Exposure to multiple technologies enhances problem-solving abilities by providing different perspectives and approaches3. Full-stack potential: Generalists often become full-stack developers, understanding both front-end and back-end development, as well as business needs2. Effective communication: Knowledge of various technologies improves collaboration with specialists in different areas3. Career growth: Jack-of-all-trades professionals can more easily transition into roles like system administration or technical leadership45. Project management: Broad knowledge facilitates better management of complex projects involving multiple technologies1. Continuous learning: The habit of acquiring diverse skills keeps the mind sharp and demonstrates a passion for professional growth3. Unique value proposition: In smaller companies or startups, being able to handle various tasks can make you an invaluable team member3. Informed decision-making: Understanding multiple aspects of technology enables better strategic choices in system design and implementation.

Contact

Email: jackcurry20@gmail.com

OR

Phone: 07767436026

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