Benjamin Thomas

UEFA B-Licence Coach | Head Coach – Grimsby Town Women | RAF Aircraft Engineer

Grimsby, England, United Kingdom

About

With extensive experience in technical operations, I currently serve as Supervisor in the Royal Air Force within an explosive storage area, overseeing the safe handling, storage, and management of explosive ordnance and weapons systems. I am committed to maintaining rigorous safety and compliance standards and fostering a culture of professional growth and operational excellence among my team. In addition to my technical role, I actively lead as Head Coach for Grimsby Town Women’s First Team, where I oversee player recruitment, staff development, and strategic planning. My focus is on building a cohesive, competitive squad while promoting talent identification and player development within a structured and supportive environment.

Experience

  • Supervisor - ESA at Royal Air Force (RAF)
    Aug 2025 - Present · 11 mos

    As a Supervisor within the Explosive Storage Area (ESA), I am responsible for overseeing the safe, compliant, and effective management of explosive ordnance, weapons systems, and associated engineering support within the RAF. My role combines technical expertise with strong leadership to ensure operational readiness while maintaining the highest safety and security standards. Key Responsibilities: • Supervise the receipt, storage, issue, and accounting of explosive ordnance in accordance with stringent RAF and Defence safety regulations. • Lead, mentor, and develop a team of technicians, ensuring professional growth, discipline, and operational effectiveness. • Manage daily operations within the ESA, including inventory control, inspection schedules, and explosive handling procedures. • Conduct risk assessments and enforce Health & Safety protocols to mitigate hazards in a high-risk environment. • Liaise with senior engineers, armourers, and operational staff to meet flying schedules and mission requirements. • Ensure full compliance with Defence standards, Quality Assurance processes, and Explosives Regulations. • Support wider RAF engineering activity through cross-functional collaboration in aircraft weapons preparation and deployment readiness. Skills & Expertise: • Leadership & Team Supervision • Explosives Handling & Storage Management • Weapons Systems Engineering • Health, Safety & Risk Management (explosives environment) • Logistics & Inventory Control • Problem Solving in High-Pressure Environments • Training & Mentoring Impact In this role, I play a vital part in ensuring RAF aircraft are armed, safe, and operationally ready. By maintaining the integrity of explosive storage and weapons systems, I directly support frontline capability, operational effectiveness, and the safety of personnel.

  • Grimsby Town Football Club (Part-time · 1 yr 8 mos)
    • Womens First Team Head Coach
      May 2025 - Present · 1 yr 2 mos

      As Head Coach of Grimsby Town Women’s First Team, I lead all aspects of the squad’s football operations, from player recruitment and retention to staff development and strategic planning. I’m responsible for building a strong and cohesive team by identifying talent through trials and maintaining a full, competitive squad throughout the season. Key responsibilities include: • Recruiting and managing a multidisciplinary support team (assistant coaches, performance staff, etc.) • Managing the team’s operational budget, covering areas such as facilities, equipment, and travel • Collaborating with technical staff across the men’s first team and academy to ensure alignment in coaching standards and player development • Strengthening links across the club’s female pathway, including the ETC, Foundation programmes, and upcoming BTEC course provision • Representing the women’s programme at club and community events to support its growth and visibility I work closely with colleagues across GTFC and external partners to ensure a high standard of service, professionalism, and collaboration. I’m committed to continuous improvement, safeguarding, and upholding the club’s core values, brand identity, and B Corp principles.

    • Womens First Team Assistant Head Coach
      Nov 2024 - May 2025 · 7 mos

      As the Assistant Head Coach for Grimsby Town FC Women’s First Team, I play a key role in developing and implementing strategies that drive team performance on and off the pitch. My responsibilities include designing and delivering high-quality training sessions, analyzing match performance, and collaborating closely with the Head Coach to foster a winning culture. A significant part of my philosophy is centered on developing young players from our Emerging Talent Centre (ETC). I am passionate about nurturing homegrown talent and providing a clear pathway for players to progress into the first team. By prioritizing individual development and fostering confidence, I aim to help these players thrive at the senior level while contributing to the long-term success of the club. Through a player-centered approach, I emphasize technical excellence, tactical awareness, and team cohesion, while creating an environment that empowers players to reach their full potential. At Grimsby Town FC, I take pride in contributing to the growth of women’s football and inspiring the next generation of talent to achieve success at the highest levels.

  • Telos Electrical Services Ltd (Grimsby, England, United Kingdom)
    • Apprentice Electrician
      Feb 2024 - Jun 2025 · 1 yr 5 mos

      As an apprentice electrician, I am gained hands-on experience and technical knowledge in electrical installations, maintenance, and repairs for both residential and commercial properties. My role involved working alongside experienced electricians to design, install, and service complex electrical systems, ensuring all work complies with safety standards and regulations. Key responsibilities include: - Assisting in the installation of electrical wiring, lighting, and control systems in domestic and commercial buildings. - Performing routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs to ensure optimal system performance. - Collaborating with clients, architects, and contractors to deliver custom electrical solutions tailored to specific project needs. - Learning and applying best practices in electrical safety, quality control, and energy efficiency.

    • Apprentice Electrician
      Feb 2023 - Feb 2024 · 1 yr 1 mo

      During my exit from the military I am volunteering in my spare time to gain experience within the electrical industry. I have worked within both domestic and commercial settings where I have helped first and second fix properties as well as testing some installs.

  • Womens First Team Assistant Manager at Lincoln United FC
    Jul 2024 - Sep 2024 · 3 mos

    As Assistant Manager for Lincoln United FC Women at Step 4 of the women's football pyramid, I worked closely with the head coach to develop and implement tactical strategies and manage day-to-day operations for the squad. My responsibilities included overseeing training sessions, offering individual player development plans, and providing tactical input during matchdays. Key Responsibilities: Assisted in devising and executing tactical game plans, adapting strategies based on match performance and opposition analysis. Led training sessions focused on player fitness, technical skills, and tactical awareness, in alignment with the team's goals. Provided in-game tactical adjustments and delivered real-time feedback to players during competitive matches. Worked collaboratively with the head coach and club staff to ensure smooth team operations, including squad rotation and match preparations. Supported the head coach in post-match analysis, identifying areas of improvement and opportunities to enhance team performance. Key Achievements: Contributed to the successful management of the squad in a highly competitive environment, improving team performance and results during my tenure. Played a key role in player development, with several athletes showing significant technical and tactical improvements in line with team objectives. Maintained positive communication between coaching staff, players, and club management, helping to build a cohesive and motivated team environment

  • Royal Air Force (RAF) (7 yrs 4 mos)
    • Aircraft Engineer
      Nov 2016 - Feb 2024 · 7 yrs 4 mos

      I have been responsible for corrective and preventative maintenance, rectification, testing and fault finding of aircraft systems, components and associated equipment. Within my time in the RAF I have worked within a number of roles and people from different cultures and backgrounds from all over the world. I have helped to promote an inclusive environment within my working area, which has helped develop working relationships with international partners. I have been responsible for leading a small team of people to plan and deliver takings to the highest possible standard that meet strict deadlines, meeting certain criteria and ensuring that all personnel stayed within strict aviation policy. I have shown my passion for continuous improvement by leading a number of projects that have helped to improve and modernise the working environment. within all of my roles I have demonstrated an understanding and awareness of human factors and how they can impact the output of personnel and how to mitigate any risk that may be caused due to human factors.

    • First team Coach | Womens Representative Football Team
      Aug 2019 - May 2022 · 2 yrs 10 mos

      As First Team Coach for the Royal Air Force Women’s Representative Football Team, I was responsible for leading the technical and tactical development of the squad. During my tenure, we achieved notable success, winning the prestigious Inter Services Cup twice. My role encompassed managing training sessions, devising match strategies, and fostering player development within a highly competitive environment. Key Responsibilities: Planned and executed comprehensive training programs, focusing on enhancing players’ technical abilities, tactical understanding, and overall fitness. Developed game plans and in-match strategies tailored to exploit opposition weaknesses and leverage team strengths. Provided individual coaching to players, focusing on performance improvement, positional awareness, and personal development. Assisted with squad selection and worked closely with other coaches to ensure optimal team performance across competitions. Conducted post-match analysis to identify areas for tactical improvement and guide player development initiatives. Key Achievements: Led the team to win the Inter Services Cup twice (2021 and 2022), contributing to the team’s dominance in inter-service competitions. Instrumental in improving the squad’s tactical discipline and match-day performances, resulting in consistently high levels of success. Fostered a culture of teamwork, discipline, and resilience, significantly enhancing both individual and collective performances. This role honed my ability to manage high-level football operations while achieving significant competitive success, with a focus on player growth and team cohesion.