Alumni

James Ealey

Career Path: Executive Director, Commercial Northern Housing Consortium
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

I have been with Consortium Procurement for just over one year in the role of Executive Director (Commercial) and am part of our Executive Management Team. My role with the Consortium is to oversee and direct all aspects of our commercial procurement offering, which includes all aspects of marketing, business development, commercial and procurement, working closely with Heads of Commercial, Procurement and Marketing accordingly.

I have over 25 years marketing and commercial experience gained across a range of businesses and sectors, both on the client and agency side. This includes the likes of media giant Reach plc, regional law firm Ward Hadaway, plus an international accountancy group, alongside director level roles at regional and national marketing agencies. I was also formerly Regional Chair of the Business Marketing Club, the independent voice of the B2B marketing industry, in addition to being a NSPCC Business Advocate. Across my career I have also successfully graduated from of the Common Purpose leadership programme, as well as gaining the PG DipM from the Chartered Institute of Marketing, in addition to working with the Sandler sales programme, alongside my Northumbria degree in Government & Public Policy.

What are you doing now?

I am currently Executive Director at the Commercial Northern Housing Consortium. The Northern Housing Consortium represents the views of housing organisations in the North of England and we are a membership organisation made up of local authorities, ALMOs and associations that provide social housing for tenants. Not only does the NHC bring its members together to share ideas, we represent their interests and ensure they are heard at a regional and national government level. The NHC is delighted to have members based outside of the North as, while we have a Northern approach to policy and public affairs, we know practical approaches to realising efficiencies and demonstrating value for money is not geographically restricted. In addition to representing the views of housing organisations in the North of England, the Northern Housing Consortium also has a strong commercial arm, Consortium Procurement. With a portfolio of over 400 members across the whole of the UK, we have provided public sector bodies with a compliant and trusted procurement route for nearly 30 years. This has led to us collectively saving our members around £10m each year.

What was it about Northumbria that made you decide to study here?

Great city, exciting course & superb sports facilities.

What was it like studying at Northumbria?

Mainly lectures small group working. Enjoyable and thought provoking.

How connected was your course with industry?

Although not directly connected with my eventual career path, the skills of research, independent learning and the ability to question were key components that have been a constant thread through my career path.

What was the best thing about your course?

The learning and the people.

How did studying at Northumbria help you achieve your career goals/ give your career an edge?

As above, the skills of research, independent learning and the ability to question were key components that have been a constant thread through my career path.