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James Buist
Site Operations Manager at Refresco UK
Professional Background
James Buist is a highly experienced professional renowned for his customer-focused approach and results-driven mindset within the international multi-site food plant operations sector. With a remarkable career spanning over numerous prestigious organizations, he has acquired extensive plant operations experience that includes high-risk environments as well as ambient and frozen food sectors. His expertise covers a diverse range of food production, notably in bakery, sugar and chocolate confectionery, fish processing, and bottling operations.
James currently serves as the Site Operations Manager at Refresco UK, where he showcases his exceptional leadership skills and passion for operational excellence. As a former Site Operations Manager at Cott Beverages, he significantly contributed to streamlining processes and enhancing productivity. His experience as a Manufacturing Manager at Greencore reinforced his capacity to manage and develop productive teams, driving improvements in efficiency and outcomes.
Moreover, his leadership journey includes key roles such as Factory Manager at Crediton Confectionery Ltd. and Operations/General Manager at Heathrow Bakery Ltd. His ability to lead and inspire teams has been instrumental in implementing operational and strategic initiatives throughout his career in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) environment. James's broad experience across multiple roles demonstrates his versatility and profound understanding of the food industry’s intricate operations.
With a wealth of experience in general management, James has also held prominence as General Manager (Bakery) at Supreme Group and Ciano International, where he implemented standards that enhanced product quality and compliance. His strategic approach is complemented by a history of fostering meaningful relationships with staff members and stakeholders, ensuring that everyone is aligned with the company’s vision.
In addition to managing large teams, his role as General Manager at The New McCowans (Scotland) Ltd. and Loch Duart Ltd. saw him rise to the challenge of maintaining production standards, achieving cost efficiencies and ensuring product quality. He adeptly navigated the complexities of these environments by fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Before establishing his career in the UK, James honed his manufacturing skills as Processing Manager at The New Zealand King Salmon Co. and Manufacturing Manager at Cadbury New Zealand. His early roles as Production Manager at Kibun Company (UK) Ltd. laid the foundation for his effective management style and operational insight.
Education and Achievements
James Buist holds a remarkable educational background aligned with his career in food plant operations management. While specifics of his educational qualifications are not provided, his extensive practical experience in leadership, supply chain management, coaching, and change management demonstrate his commitment to ongoing personal and professional development. James has continuously sought to expand his skill set and knowledge base, ensuring that he remains at the forefront of industry standards and innovations.
Notable achievements throughout James’s distinguished career include:
- Delivering significant operational improvements and efficiency gains in various roles, thereby enhancing the overall productivity of each organization he served.
- Developing and leading training programs that have resulted in strong teams capable of meeting and exceeding production targets.
- Successfully implementing change management strategies that have positively influenced workplace culture and operational effectiveness across multiple sites.
- Cultivating strategic partnerships with suppliers and clients to strengthen supply chain operations and improve service delivery, contributing substantially to organizational success.
- Playing a critical role in successfully managing the complexities associated with multi-site operations, ensuring each facility operates smoothly and aligns with corporate objectives.
Thanks to his ambitious spirit and unwavering commitment to excellence, James Buist has built a reputation as a forward-thinking leader in the food processing industry. He consistently strives to harness his skills and knowledge to drive positive change and build a cooperative workplace culture.
Conclusion
In conclusion, James Buist shines as a proven leader with a remarkable career trajectory marked by his vast experience in food plant operations and management in the FMCG arena. His blend of leadership, coaching, and continuous improvement focuses on creating a productive work environment that yields exceptional results. His commitment to organizational growth and customer satisfaction continues to set the standard in the industry. As James advances in his career, his valuable experience will undoubtedly contribute to shaping the future of global food manufacturing operations.
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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