Jim started his teaching career in Stockport in a primary school in 1991 and he quickly established a position as a subject leader for a variety of subjects, and head of pastoral care in the early 1990s. During his early teaching career, he worked regularly with the local authority on the development of curriculum planning, assessment, providing professional development for teachers and support for SEND pupils and those who are in danger of falling behind. Jim worked with Edexcel on the advisory group for maths SATs; the NFER for Science tests at KS2 and the national numeracy strategy in its construction stage. Jim was appointed as headteacher at Mellor in 2007. He was instrumental in establishing the first primary academy in Stockport in 2011. Jim worked with governors developing a case for change and engaging the local community, demonstrating the benefits of establishing Mellor academy. After working as a Director of School at Mellor for almost 15 years, Jim was appointed CEO of Honeycomb Education Trust in February 2025. The Honeycomb Education Trust was officially launched as a school trust with two primary schools (Mellor Primary and Bolshaw Primary) after a period of working together in successful partnership.