JAMES TATE

Email: james.tate@sage.com Tel: 07891533892

Profile

As people play a big part in Sage, I am very people focused with a friendly manner as well as being determined and willing to succeed in my roles. I am a strong team player and only too happy to share my knowledge and experiences with both customers and colleagues, offering support when and where necessary. I really enjoy opportunities to make a difference, and like to offer suggestions on a whole range of issues as well as encouraging those to give feedback on my own performances.

My communication skills are of a high standard, both written and verbal, as well as good listening, negotiating and influencing skills. I have regularly sent communications to the wider community on a range of topics, some of them particularly sensitive. I was previously content owner for the intranet page for my current team, for the Engage Action Team that covers the whole of IT, and also for the Colleagues@Sage page. I was also as an author for the launch of Brian.

As I have worked at Sage for over 15 years, my social networking skills are of a high standard, and this has really increased since I have been Project Leader for the last six Christmas parties. The Christmas party is always a sensitive project and I have led teams to deliver every one both on time and within budget

As the Christmas party project must be delivered on time, it has helped me develop strong organisational and planning skills. I have transferred these skills into my current role that allows me to hit other deadlines regularly. I am able to work within budgets regarding overtime available for my current and previous teams, making sure workloads are distributed evenly and within any budget constraints.

When problems arise I am confident to take on the responsibility and make the final decisions for major issues that would affect the outcome of projects. I feel comfortable negotiating with internal and external people of all levels and to be then nominated for awards due to my performance, it has been most pleasing and I long for such success to continue in a career at Sage.

I am currently a member of the Colleagues@Sage team so I regularly tie in with the Leadership team to discuss certain issues. Colleagues@Sage are there to act as a voice for our colleagues and I work with the Leadership team make sure their concerns are heard.

I have regularly work with the outside community to create opportunities for people to receive work experience within Sage. This includes people in diverse minority groups.

I am an experienced reporting analyst who always perseveres to achieve the best results. With excellent negotiating and problem solving skills, I can swiftly identify the root cause of any problem and have the intelligence to develop an effective solution.

Career History

August 2011 – to date Business Intelligence Developer

SAGE (UK) LIMITED (Newcastle)Provide in-depth analytical reports to all areas of the business.Re-structure internal procedures for IT Data team in order to provide a more robust, dynamic and trustworthy service to customers. Customer satisfaction scores increased from -18 to +17 within 3 months.Created structure within SharePoint to assist with transition to new reporting technologies.Re-assess system of incoming work and made necessary changes to improve overall customer experience.Develop complex segmentation methods to improve marketing success rates and return on investmentAnticipate future challenges and highlighting opportunities through the implementation of insight tools and analysis.

June 2005 – August 2011 Report Design Analyst

SAGE (UK) LIMITED (Newcastle)Provided exclusive support and design work for escalated queries.Created bespoke, robust reports suitable for individual customers’ needs, helping them make improvements to running their businesses.Created new working procedures for more efficient service regarding Report Designer.Represented Sage as Report Design Expert at Connections events in Birmingham and London.Created ‘Back to Work’ program for colleague following long-term sickness and actively worked towards encouraging and giving feedback so colleague regained lost skills.Trained technicians and set personal targets, feedback, distributed work to colleagues, arranged overtime when necessary and overall leadership and supervision.Delivered training for new trainees based upon support boundaries, limitations and technical solutions. Created test and scoring system for recruitment procedure. Supervised and marked tests, giving one-to-one feedback to applicants.Collated and presented performance related data for Senior Managers on daily, weekly and monthly basis, giving recommendations and identifying trends for future forecasts. Each set of data was provided within strict deadlines.

February 2001 – June 2005 Technical Support

SAGE (UK) LIMITED (Newcastle)Provided expert technical advice to customers using core productsTested new versions of Accounts and Payroll Report Designer programs prior to release and wrote appropriate helpfile material. Joined Sales as part of a pilot to promote SCV2, generating sales of £75,000 over 10 weeks.Re-designed Accounts Print helpfiles and Knowledgebase articles.

October 1995 – February 2001 Structural Engineer

GATESHEAD COUNCILProvide reports on the structural integrity of council owned property, including houses, leisure centres, community centres and police buildings. Prepare evaluation reports for tenants exercising the ‘Right to buy’ option. Produce detailed structural drawings showing the construction of new projects or repair work to existing buildings. Liaise and negotiate with council tenants in person with any queries regarding council buildings.Create a network of business contacts in and beyond the company who may contribute to its improved service Daily dealings with a wide variety of clients, using an array of communication methods. Influencing clients to choose the right policy for themselves and the business.

Additional/voluntary rolesProject Manager – Sage Christmas Party 2011 – to dateProject Manager – Comic Relief, Red Nose Day 2011Training Coordinator - Comic Relief, Red Nose Day 2012 - 2013Internal Communications Campion, IT 2014 – to dateEngage Action Team Member, IT 2012 - 2016People Insight Forum Rep 2014 - 2015Colleagues@Sage Rep 2015 – to dateYoung Entrepreneurs Awards Judge 2015, 2016Sage Guiding Principles Awards Judge 2014, 2015Diversity & Inclusion Event Coordinator 2015 – to date

Education

Civil Engineering – 2001 Business Management – 1997

Skill Summary

IT skills - Microsoft Office, Access, Crystal Reports, Microsoft BI stack (SSMS, SPSS, SSRS, SSIS, SSAS, PowerPoint, PowerPivot, PerformancePoint), SharePoint.Project Management – supplier negotiation, customer engagement, stakeholder engagement, community engagement, employee engagement, communications, customer service, social media, public relations, marketing, social networking, budget control.Other – training delivery, employee negotiation, employment law, capability and disciplinary procedures, work experience placements

Interests

Charity work, football coaching, child engagement and welfare, music.