Craig Smith
Sudbury,Suffolk
Summary
Operations Manager with over 30 years of experience in timing and data management within the motorsport sector. Proven expertise in timekeeping for live sporting events and broadcast television. Strong attention to detail and ability to perform under pressure, consistently delivering results in dynamic environments. Committed to excellence with a history of loyalty to three organisations since entering full time employment.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Operations Manager
Timing Solutions Ltd
Nationwide (working from home when not at events)
04.2015 - Current
- Oversaw operational processes to deliver reliable timekeeping services for over 500 events annually.
- Managed a varied team of 50 personnel, including full-time and casual staff.
- Served as Chief Timekeeper for The British Touring Car Championship since 2020, overseeing timing and data operations.
- Coordinated event preparation, setup, and de-rigging to ensure seamless execution.
- Collaborated with Head of Technology to enhance hardware and software solutions for clients.
- Operated outside broadcast standard graphics software to support live event coverage.
- Organised personnel and resources according to client specifications for each event.
- Delivered high-quality professional services, maintaining industry standards and customer satisfaction.
Timing Technician
Timing Solutions Ltd
Nationwide (working from home when not at events)
02.2013 - 04.2015
- Delivered Timing and Data services for club-level events as Chief Timekeeper.
- Obtained Motorsport UK National and International Race Timekeeping licences.
- Serviced hardware at race circuits, ensuring optimal performance.
- Installed and repaired transponder loops.
- Travelled internationally to support Chief Timekeepers at various events.
Production Manager
A&B Glass
Sudbury, Suffolk
01.2010 - 02.2013
- Led production team manufacturing double-glazed windows and doors, meeting daily targets.
- Ensured efficient operations across departments, maintaining high-quality standards.
- Identified training needs to achieve optimal skill levels and cover absences.
- Planned plant maintenance program to minimise machine downtime.
- Collaborated with purchasing to maintain accurate stock levels, identifying overusage.
Production Team Leader & Production Supervisor
A&B Glass
Sudbury, Suffolk
04.2003 - 01.2010
- Led a team of eight to maintain peak production flow.
- Assisted in double-glazing production across departments as needed.
- Adapted quickly to different roles, providing coverage during staff shortages.
- Promoted to Production Supervisor in 2008 for effective problem resolution.
- Managed a team of 32, producing 1000+ windows and doors weekly.
- Ensured a safe, efficient working environment with regular team leader meetings.
Machine Tool Setter
Grabor Plastics
Sudbury, Suffolk
11.1996 - 04.2003
- Oversaw the production of blow-moulded bottles and containers using specialised equipment.
- Maintained product quality by adjusting machinery parameters.
- Configured machinery and changed moulds to achieve targeted production outputs.
Timekeeper (weekend work only)
RS Sports Timing
Nationwide
01.1993 - 02.2013
- Initiated journey as Timekeeper in 1993, collaborating with my father (who was also a Timekeeper) at various motorcycle racing events to deliver Timekeeping service.
- Engineered custom MS-DOS based timing system with a local IT company before transitioning to transponder-based timing in 2003, using Mylaps Orbits software
- Oversaw approximately 15 events annually until my father retired from Timekeeping in 2013
Skills
- Event coordination
- Data operations
- Resource management
- Timing technology
- Equipment maintenance
- Team supervision
- Client relations
- Staff training
- Analytical thinking
- Cost reduction and efficiency
- Resilience in high-pressure situations
- IT infrastructure understanding
- Leadership skills
- Interpersonal communication
Certification
2008 NVQ Level 2 in Leadership and Management.
2010 NVQ Level 3 in Leadership and Management.
2011 NVQ Level 4 in Leadership and Management.
Affiliations
I love running and cycling, and wholly believe this contributes to my positive wellbeing. I regularly enter races to keep myself race fit, and I train to a plan specific for the races. I have previously raced the New York, Manchester, Amsterdam and London Marathons, achieving a PB of 3hrs 14mins. My future goal is to complete a Triathlon.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Operations Manager
Timing Solutions Ltd
04.2015 - Current
Timing Technician
Timing Solutions Ltd
02.2013 - 04.2015
Production Manager
A&B Glass
01.2010 - 02.2013
Production Team Leader & Production Supervisor
A&B Glass
04.2003 - 01.2010
Machine Tool Setter
Grabor Plastics
11.1996 - 04.2003
Timekeeper (weekend work only)
RS Sports Timing
01.1993 - 02.2013
Similar Profiles
Adrian CharlesAdrian Charles
Mover at Perfect Timing MoversMover at Perfect Timing Movers
Nicole SharbonoNicole Sharbono
Production Worker at Colorado Timing SystemsProduction Worker at Colorado Timing Systems
Evelyn BlairEvelyn Blair
Assistant at Spruce Race Timing INCAssistant at Spruce Race Timing INC
Jonathan MatthewsJonathan Matthews
Deputy manager at B and MDeputy manager at B and M
April MastersApril Masters
Motor vehicle technician at John Banks LtdMotor vehicle technician at John Banks Ltd