Contract, interim and freelance
Forecasting and analytics that people act on.
I turn messy operational data into forecasts, alerts and recommendations a business can use.
I was Head of Analytics at Yodel, where I led the volume forecasting, fraud detection and store placement work. I am available for contract, interim and fixed-scope projects, working remotely across the UK or on site in the North West.
Recent work
Three problems. Three working answers.
All three at Yodel, a UK parcel carrier. Each went past the dashboard to something the business could act on. Read the full stories.
An accomplished analytics and AI leader who can combine strategic thinking, technical innovation and outstanding people leadership to deliver real business value.”Former line manager, Yodel. LinkedIn recommendation, October 2026.
“What sets him apart is his ability to combine technical knowledge with an understanding of the wider business… an excellent sounding board for ideas well beyond his own area of expertise.”
How I can help
Work I can pick up straight away.
A day-rate contract, interim cover while you recruit, delivery of a data project, or a fixed-scope piece of work.
Interim leadership and delivery
Cover a head of analytics or BI gap while you recruit, or lead the delivery of a data, BI or AI project. Keep the work moving, steady the team and leave a clear plan for whoever comes next.
Demand and volume forecasting
Build a forecast you can trust, or review the one you have: where it goes wrong, why, and what would fix it.
Fraud and anomaly analysis
Find the pattern in transaction or operational data, size it, and set up alerts so people can act early.
Reporting people act on
Replace reports nobody reads with a small set of measures, alerts and recommendations tied to real decisions.
Ways to work
Day rate, project or monthly support.
- Contract or interim, on a day rate
- Fixed-scope freelance projects
- Monthly forecasting support on a retainer, once a forecast is in place
- Remote across the UK, or on site and hybrid in the North West
How I use AI
I use modern AI tools to write code and test ideas faster. You get the analysis and a working model.
About me
30 years in systems and data. A decade leading analytics.
I’m James. I’ve spent over 30 years in IT, most of it leading the teams that build systems and make sense of data.
I joined Yodel in 2015 to lead the UK data team, then led its new analytics and AI function as Head of Analytics until 2026. The forecasting, fraud and store placement work above came from that role.
Earlier in my career I worked in systems analysis, business analysis, and team and project management, including leading the delivery of fraud-prevention systems at Experian.
I have a BSc in Applied Statistics and Computing.
Get in touch
Need forecasting or analytics help?
Tell me about the role or the problem. I read every message myself and reply by email.