James Ayling
About James Ayling
James Ayling is a Community Manager with extensive experience in retail management, currently serving as Branch Manager at Waitrose & Partners and Retail Store Manager at John Lewis & Partners in London. He has a strong background in leadership and community engagement, particularly with The Scouts, where he has held the position of Community Manager since 2010.
Current Role at The Scouts
James Ayling has served as Community Manager at The Scouts since 2010, contributing to the organization for 14 years in Surrey, England. In this role, he oversees community engagement and development initiatives. He is actively involved in Scouting, managing an area and running his own unit. His responsibilities include leading strategic projects that enhance service delivery and community involvement.
Experience at Waitrose & Partners
James Ayling has held various managerial roles at Waitrose & Partners from 2005 to 2014, accumulating nine years of experience. Since 2014, he has been the Branch Manager, overseeing operations in the London Area for ten years. His role includes managing a multi-million pound complex unit and ensuring the delivery of omni-channel services.
Current Role at John Lewis & Partners
Since 2014, James Ayling has also worked as a Retail Store Manager at John Lewis & Partners in London, England. His responsibilities include managing store operations and enhancing customer experience. He has maintained this position for ten years, contributing to the store's success and operational efficiency.
Educational Background
James Ayling studied Retail Management at City and Guilds, London Institute, where he earned a Licentiateship Award in Retail Management from 2009 to 2011. He also completed a Food Safety Supervision course at Highfield, achieving the HABC Level 3 Award in Food Safety Supervision from 2011 to 2012. Earlier, he attended Strodes College, where he achieved A - C grades in Business, Accounting, IT, and Maths from 2005 to 2007.
Leadership and Strategic Projects
Throughout his career, James Ayling has led several strategic projects focused on people, service, and brands. He has a proven track record of balancing a successful commercial scorecard with transformational leadership. His experience in managing complex units and leading teams has contributed to his effectiveness in both retail and community management.