James Russell

Key Account Director at IFS | Optimising Aerospace & Defense Operations with ERP and Asset Management Solutions

London, England, United Kingdom

About

As Key Account Director at IFS, I focus on building and managing strategic partnerships within the Aerospace & Defense sector. Previously, I've worked as an Account Director on strategic accounts delivering services across the IT spectrum, Smart Factory/Industry 4.0 and P2P outsourcing. IFS provides enterprise software solutions designed to transform operations through advanced ERP, Enterprise Asset Management, Enterprise Service Management and Field Service Management. My role involves taking 360-degree responsibility for aligning client objectives with tailored technology strategies that enhance efficiency and decision-making. My expertise lies in collaborating with senior stakeholders to address industry-specific challenges, such as optimising the Through Life Service Management challenge, new contracting mechanisms, joint Go-To-Markets along with downstream capability such as streamlining supply chains and improving MRO operations. I bring a client-centric approach to every engagement, ensuring that our solutions are not only innovative, but also deliver tangible value and measurable outcomes. By leveraging IFS’s cutting-edge tools and Industry focused expertise, I help clients navigate the complexities of today’s competitive environment while positioning their businesses for long-term success. If this resonates with you and you'd like to talk, please feel free to contact me. Discover our solutions: www.ifs.com Specialities: ERP, EAM, ESM, Application Services (projects and support), Infrastructure Services/Cloud (Public, private, hybrid), Contract negotiation, Service/Operations Management, Account Strategy Planning, Intelligent Data Capture, OCR, Relationship Building, Sales

Experience

  • Key Account Manager at IFS
    Jul 2021 - Present · 5 yrs

    Part of the Key Accounts team aligned to Aerospace & Defense, looking after strategic relationships with full 360 responsibility.

  • Account General Manager at DXC Technology
    Oct 2015 - Mar 2021 · 5 yrs 6 mos

    Managed ~$43m portfolio of accounts in Manufacturing sector delivering a range of application, infrastructure, end user compute, IoT and cyber security services. Chiefly responsible for account performance across the board, with particular focus on revenue protection, growth (new and existing scope), financial performance (P&L management, cash management, forecasting), commercial contract management and relationship management.

  • Strategic Account Director at Xchanging
    Dec 2013 - Sep 2015 · 1 yr 10 mos

    Worked in the Strategic Accounts team as an Account Director (portfolio of ~ $3m), I was responsible for managing the relationship and selling across all of the Xchanging service lines including Business Process Services (BPS), Information Technology Services (ITS) and Procurement Services. Primary focus was managing an outsourced P2P service for a large retail account in addition to a UK based retail bank. - Gained valuable experience working with geographically spread delivery teams and driving best practice. - Played a role in a large S2P renewal with a global manufacturer by supporting with due diligence work and successful expansion of P2P service. - Developed pipeline in key accounts for IoT (Internet of Things) and outsourced product development.

  • Account Executive at Brainware, a Lexmark Company
    Aug 2011 - Dec 2013 · 2 yrs 5 mos

    New business sales responsibility - consulting Global 2000 organisations typically at CXO level - across EMEA, with particular focus on England, Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

  • New Business Sales Executive at ControlCircle
    Oct 2009 - Mar 2011 · 1 yr 6 mos

    • Creation of leads for Sales Executives, sourcing accounts, contacts and booking meetings. Promoted after 3 months to manage business development team due to hitting target of 3 meetings per week. Promoted to Sales Executive after a further 6 months where I was responsible for end-to-end sales, dealing with cXo contacts across industries. • Grew lead generation team from 2 to 6 people whilst doing lead generation and remained in top two performers. Helped develop marketing initiatives, initiated training plans and individual coaching which drove more consistent performance in leads generated. • £70k TCV inside first 3 months from You At Work Ltd, Charles Tyrwhitt LLP, and Paypoint Plc • Established strong pipeline of more than £5.5 million in TCV. • Part of Social Committee, Workplace Improvement Group, and football team manager