Elaine Southward
Workington,Cumbria
Summary
Dynamic and ambitious professional with extensive leadership experience and a strong focus on inclusive leadership and people management. Demonstrates exceptional communication and influencing capabilities across all business levels, coupled with critical thinking proficiency. Skilled in governance, oversight, budget, and financial management, with a strategic mindset that excels in developing unconventional yet effective strategies for success. Expertise in Quality, Health & Safety, and Environmental management ensures the ability to balance organisational objectives while maximising performance. Thrives in high-pressure environments, consistently striving for positive results.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work history
Operations Director and Company Secretary
HiDef Aerial Surveying Ltd
Workington, Cumbria
2016.08 - 2024.02
- Managed daily administration of company as Board Director and Company Secretary for seven years.
- Oversaw business growth, increasing staff from 30 to 150 and turnover from £1.5m to £15m.
- Developed QHSE system, achieving ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001 accreditation with zero non-conformances.
- Established internal audit process, conducting monthly H&S audits and training staff as auditors.
- Advised Board on finance matters, including budgets and cost control strategies.
- Oversaw maintenance, security, and emergency planning for all company facilities.
- Directed disaster recovery planning and risk assessments, acting as emergency controller during crises.
- Streamlined operations through process improvements, enhancing overall productivity.
Office / Compliance Manager
HiDef Aerial Surveying Ltd
Workington, Cumbria
2009.12 - 2016.08
- Managed recruitment and oversight of operations team comprising 30 staff and 20 subcontractors for resource efficiency.
- Executed around 15 monthly surveys in compliance with cost, time, quality, and safety criteria.
- Established and upheld Company Quality, Health & Safety, and Environmental Management System standards.
- Streamlined development of company processes to meet external legislative requirements.
- Built strong professional relationships with a wide array of stakeholders to facilitate communication.
- Oversaw budgeting, cost control, and financial negotiations to align with project goals.
- Crafted detailed project plans from start to finish, consistently meeting milestones.
- Identified potential project risks and implemented solutions to mitigate issues effectively.
Operations Manager
Sellafield Limited
Sellafield, Cumbria
2024.07 - 2025.03
- Enhanced operational efficiency through process optimisation and strategic plan implementation.
- Optimised workflow procedures through strategic planning and team coordination.
- Led teams to achieve business objectives within budget constraints.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to meet project milestones on schedule.
Finance & Administrative Director
Mitchells Auction Company
Cockermouth, Cumbria
2025.04 - Current
- Directed team to deliver high-quality customer service, enhancing client satisfaction.
- Supervised staff training programmes focused on skill enhancement and professional development.
- Implemented operational changes to boost efficiency across various departments.
- Championed change initiatives to streamline organisational processes and improve performance.
- Developed comprehensive business plans aimed at sustainable company growth.
- Oversaw financial planning, ensuring fiscal stability and responsible resource allocation.
- Fostered a positive work environment, significantly increasing employee morale and engagement.
Education
CPD - Director Development Programme
University of Salford
Salford 2021.12 -
NEBOSH National General Certificate - Occupational Health and Safety
NEBOSH
Carlisle 2018.08 -
Mental Health First Aider - Mental Health
MHFA England
Carlisle 2019.05 -
NVQ Level 3 - Support Work in Schools
Work Based
Workington /2007 -
Skills
- Articulate – excellent communication and influencing capabilities at all business levels with strong focus on inclusive leadership and people
- Professional – ambitious and enthusiastic professional with critical thinking proficiency, extensive leadership experience and wide ranging understanding of governance and oversight and first-rate budget & financial management skills
- Strategic thinking - good strategy development capabilities and able to visualise success and identify unconventional yet highly effective strategies for achieving it Thriving in high-pressure, fast-paced and multi-faceted situations, whilst striving for positive results
- QHSE / Organisational - extremely capable of skilfully balancing organisational objectives and productive relationships with expertise in Quality, Health & Safety and Environmental management and acumen for measuring and maximising performance and inspiring colleagues
Charity Trustee & Legal Secretary
Voluntary role for a local domestic violence charity, something I find extremely rewarding. Work with a team of likeminded professional to secure the future of the charity by strengthening the board and creating a new strategy and funding streams.
Referee
Lesley Bowen, Senior People Partner, Operations and Site Management, Sellafield Ltd
lesley.m.bowen2@sellafieldsites.-com
Stephen Revell, Chairman, Mitchells Auction Company Limited
stephenm.revell@gmail.com
Timeline
Finance & Administrative Director
Mitchells Auction Company
2025.04 - Current
Operations Manager
Sellafield Limited
2024.07 - 2025.03
CPD - Director Development Programme
University of Salford
2021.12 -
Mental Health First Aider - Mental Health
MHFA England
2019.05 -
NEBOSH National General Certificate - Occupational Health and Safety
NEBOSH
2018.08 -
Operations Director and Company Secretary
HiDef Aerial Surveying Ltd
2016.08 - 2024.02
Office / Compliance Manager
HiDef Aerial Surveying Ltd
2009.12 - 2016.08
NVQ Level 3 - Support Work in Schools
Work Based
/2007 -