Former Greenhead Student Builds Career in Commercial Operations

05 March 2026

James Ince, a former student of Rastrick High School and Greenhead College has carved out a successful career in commercial operations, combining a background in sales with operational expertise to become a Commercial Operations Manager.

After attending Rastrick High School, James studied Politics, Philosophy, Religion & Ethics and Film Studies at Greenhead College from 2018 to 2020. While his academic pathway did not lead directly to university, the skills and mindset developed during his time at College have played a significant role in shaping his professional journey.

Reflecting on his time at Greenhead College, James said:
“My time at GHC taught me that, whilst there is no escaping the need to work hard, working efficiently is key too! The college gave the freedom to understand that there is no ‘one size fits all’ way of working and catering to my own strengths was a way to get to where I wanted to be.”

Finding a Passion for Operations

James’s interest in commercial operations grew from a desire to better understand how businesses function behind the scenes.

“My view was that working in operations would give me a strong understanding of how the business works day-to-day and the challenges behind the scenes,” he explained. “As I became more familiar with internal processes, I found myself naturally getting involved in improving internal systems and helping to build a stronger foundation for growth alongside the wider team.”

Having spent four years working in sales before joining The Pink Link, James saw an opportunity to combine his commercial awareness with operational knowledge. This blend of experience enabled him to move into a broader role, contributing strategically to business growth while maintaining a practical understanding of internal processes.

A Pivotal Career Decision

One of the most defining moments in his early career came when he decided to move away for work. After about six months, he realised the role and environment were not a good long-term fit.

Choosing to return home and take on an administrator position initially felt like a step backwards. However, in hindsight, it proved to be one of the most important decisions of his career.

“The experience helped me understand more about myself; how I work best, what kind of culture suits me and the type of business I want to be part of,” he said. “This has not only influenced the direction my career has taken but also how I chose to conduct myself at work.”

Life as a Commercial Operations Manager

Now working as a Commercial Operations Manager, no two days are the same. James’s responsibilities range from working on commercial pricing and improving internal processes to reviewing driver performance data and KPIs. On other days, he visits customers or travels to network partner businesses.

Key to his success, he says, has been adaptability and a willingness to make decisions with confidence.

He also credits his former Philosophy, Religion and Ethics teacher, Ian Kennedy, with having a lasting impact on his development. “Mr. Kennedy seemed to really understand how to get the most out of everyone in his class and how to deliver the teachings in his lessons to resonate with everyone. His ability to ‘work the room’ and make sure no one was left behind was amazing and admirable.”

Advice for Current Students

For students considering a future in business or commercial operations, James’s advice is to remain open-minded – particularly about starting out in small or medium – sized enterprises (SMEs).

“There’s a lot of focus on large corporate roles but many SMEs are actively looking for motivated young professionals and can offer great opportunities to learn quickly,” he said. “In a smaller business, you often see more of how the whole company operates rather than just one department, which can really help you build a strong foundation early in your career.”

From college classrooms to commercial strategy meetings, James’s journey demonstrates that career paths are rarely linear — and that adaptability, self-awareness and a strong work ethic can open unexpected doors.