GARY CHARLES
Penarth,Vale Of Glamorgan
Summary
A highly experienced Installation Manager and former Managing Director with over 25 years of international experience across the UK and Australia. Proven track record in leading high-spec installation projects, including heritage joinery (Buckingham Palace), solar panel systems, and Tier 1 insurance roofing contracts. Expert in coordinating multi-disciplinary teams, managing complex supply chains, and maintaining rigorous HSE standards. Recently returned to the UK after a successful 7-year tenure in Brisbane and a 6-month global sabbatical; currently delivering a full-scale residential renovation featuring bespoke interior installations.
Overview
44
44
years of professional experience
35
35
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Installation Lead – Residential Renovation & Bespoke Joinery
Penarth
2024.10 - Current
- Project Management: Directing a complete residential overhaul, managing the end-to-end installation of structural elements and high-end interior finishes.
- Bespoke Fittings: Designing, manufacturing, and installing custom luxury wardrobes and integrated cabinetry to heritage standards.
- Operational Control: Managing procurement, budget tracking, and site safety, ensuring all installations comply with UK Building Regulations and HSE standards.
Career Sabbatical
Global Travel
2024.04 - 2024.10
- Planned six-month world travel sabbatical for personal development and cultural exploration following a long-term professional tenure in Australia.
Installation & Contract Manager
Charles Roofing Pty Ltd
Brisbane
2016.12 - 2024.03
- Team Leadership: Spearheaded the operational delivery of specialist roofing installations, serving as the primary lead for Tier 1 Insurance Builders on storm-damage recovery.
- Quality Assurance: Conducted detailed site inspections and formulated value reports to ensure installation precision and client satisfaction.
- Safety Oversight: Meticulously managed all Health & Safety documentation (JSA/SWMS) for high-risk work, maintaining a 100% safety record across all sites.
Managing Director
GT Charles Building & Carpentry
Harlow
2002.04 - 2016.04
- Directed a specialist firm focused on high-end extensions and new-build installations.
- Renewable Energy: Coordinated strategic teams for large-scale solar panel installations in partnership with ARC Electrical, managing multi-site logistics and technical procurement.
Site Manager
Croft Developments
Harlow
1998.04 - 2002.04
- Managed the annual installation and delivery of approximately 50 prestige dwellings.
- Negotiated sub-contracts and managed overall site production, labor allocation, and cost-management procedures.
General Foreman / Installation Manager
Maybey Construction Ltd
London
1993.02 - 1998.03
- Luxury Refurbishment: Managed a £6.7M project installing 36 luxury apartments within Victorian terraces.
- Private Commissions: Directed the high-spec installation of a £2M private development for Sir Elton John, requiring elite-level finish and discretion.
Apprentice Carpenter & Joiner
Newby Bros Ltd
Southgate
1982.08 - 1987.05
- Completed specialized heritage joinery installations at Buckingham Palace and 10 & 11 Downing Street.
Education
Certificate of Higher Education - Carpentry & Joinery
Tottenham Technical College
Tottenham , London 1986.04 - 2021.06
Diploma of Higher Education - Institute of Carpenters
Tottenham Technical College
Tottenham , London 1986.04 - 1986.06
Skills
- Project leadership
- Multi-site logistics
- Subcontractor management
- Resource planning
- Specialist installations
- Bespoke cabinetry and wardrobes
- Heritage joinery
- Solar PV systems
- Specialist roofing techniques
- Zinc, slate, and GRP expertise
- Compliance management
- Financial oversight
- Value reporting strategies
- Procurement processes
- Rigorous HSE oversight
- Project management
- Quality assurance
- Procurement management
- Safety compliance
- Team leadership
- Contract negotiation
- Custom cabinetry
- Site inspections
- Budget tracking
- Client relationship management
- Risk assessment
- Technical oversight
- Operational control
- Heritage standards
- Communication skills
- Problem-solving
- Willingness to learn
- Calm under pressure
- Active listening
- Leadership
- Team building
- Team leadership and motivation
- Commitment to excellence
- Customer focused
- Strategic planning
- Health and safety awareness
- Complaint handling and resolution
- Project planning and coordination
- Public Relations
- Deadline management
Custom Section
- 2024-10-01, Present, Penarth, Penarth, CF, 641DH, Installation Lead – Residential Renovation & Bespoke Joinery, Project Management: Directing a complete residential overhaul, managing the end-to-end installation of structural elements and high-end interior finishes., Bespoke Fittings: Designing, manufacturing, and installing custom luxury wardrobes and integrated cabinetry to heritage standards., Operational Control: Managing procurement, budget tracking, and site safety, ensuring all installations comply with UK Building Regulations and HSE standards.
- 2024-04-01, 2024-10-01, Global Travel, Career Sabbatical, Planned six-month world travel sabbatical for personal development and cultural exploration following a long-term professional tenure in Australia.
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Installation Lead – Residential Renovation & Bespoke Joinery
2024.10 - Current
Career Sabbatical
2024.04 - 2024.10
Installation & Contract Manager
Charles Roofing Pty Ltd
2016.12 - 2024.03
Managing Director
GT Charles Building & Carpentry
2002.04 - 2016.04
Site Manager
Croft Developments
1998.04 - 2002.04
General Foreman / Installation Manager
Maybey Construction Ltd
1993.02 - 1998.03
Certificate of Higher Education - Carpentry & Joinery
Tottenham Technical College
1986.04 - 2021.06
Diploma of Higher Education - Institute of Carpenters
Tottenham Technical College
1986.04 - 1986.06
Apprentice Carpenter & Joiner
Newby Bros Ltd
1982.08 - 1987.05