Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Certification
Custom
Timeline
Generic

Louis Lessing

Bedford,UK

Summary

Resourceful professional with qualifications in carpentry, cabinetmaking, bricklaying/Block laying, and protective coatings. Strong background in landscaping and estate management, with expertise in security, safety, and project administration. Proven ability to streamline operations, enhance employee performance, and ensure regulatory compliance while maintaining a safe work environment. Bilingual in Afrikaans and English, skilled in building relationships and optimizing processes for improved productivity.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification

Work history

Small business owner

Deco&Do ltd
Bedford, Central Bedfordshire
01.2022 - 09.2025
  • Managed all aspects of small business operations, ensuring seamless project delivery.
  • Delivered diverse construction and maintenance projects, demonstrating adaptability with various materials.
  • Diagnosed and resolved complex issues, showcasing strong problem-solving skills.
  • Executed projects from consultation to completion with emphasis on quality standards.
  • Maintained compliance with industry regulations to mitigate legal risks.
  • Developed new business opportunities to expand market reach.
  • Negotiated contracts with suppliers, achieving cost reductions.
  • Represented organisation to public groups and government agencies.
  • Managed daily operations
  • Negotiated contracts with suppliers to secure best prices.

Maintenance Supervisor

Heart Academies Trust – Bedford Academy
01.2019 - 12.2021
  • Assumed accountability for maintenance across all designated sites through regular inspections.
  • Managed repairs and maintained inventory, including CCTV and security equipment.
  • Devised and executed strategies to meet workload demands efficiently.
  • Assigned duties to staff based on forecasted workloads, ensuring optimal resource allocation.
  • Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations across all sites.
  • Enhanced staff skills through training, guidance, and performance appraisals.
  • Established corporate relations with maintenance crews, cleaners, and staff members.
  • Achieved promotion from Facilities Assistant to Maintenance Supervisor within six months.
  • Ensured safe work environment through diligent inspection and enforcement of safety protocols.
  • Minimised downtime by promptly addressing any mechanical issues or breakdowns.
  • Directed major repair projects to successful completion without compromising on safety standards.
  • Conducted staff training to improve skill set and ensure quality workmanship.
  • Maintained an orderly work area, promoting a safe and efficient workspace.
  • Handled emergency repairs swiftly-kept downtime minimal.
  • Supervised maintenance team and reviewed completed work to evaluate performance.
  • Maintained daily facility operations with strong focus on preventive maintenance and swift repairs.
  • Handled employee relations issues and resolved challenges to support retention.
  • Received and resolved customer complaints escalated by staff.
  • Organised continuous facilities cleaning, minimizing risk and maintaining professional appearance.

Residential Estate and Farm Manager

Welgelegen Estate - Kraaibosch Country Estate Pty ltd
, South Africa
01.2012 - 12.2018
  • Oversaw maintenance and repair of equipment, grounds, and facilities.
  • Managed commercial, industrial, and residential properties from inception to completion.
  • Identified and addressed Fauna and Flora cases, including diseases and pests.
  • Coordinated activities while evaluating performance of staff and contracted personnel.
  • Collaborated with supervisors, owners, and contractors to resolve procedural issues.
  • Directed ecological development and managed weekly Farmers market preparations.
  • Recruited, trained, and supervised household and grounds staff for optimal performance.
  • Successfully maintained an estate comprising 450 houses.
  • Conducted regular equipment maintenance checks to prevent breakdowns in peak seasons.
  • Ensured farm safety, reduced accidents on the field.
  • Adopted organic farming methods; improved product quality immensely.
  • Managed farm operations for optimal productivity and efficiency.
  • Trained farm staff for increased productivity and skill development.
  • Established an effective irrigation system; optimised water usage drastically.
  • Worked closely with employees to improve practices, techniques and safety choices, optimising performance and minimising waste.
  • Completed structural inspections to determine maintenance requirements and organise repairs.
  • Established maintenance programmes for heavy farm equipment, including Tractors, Dozers and JCB's.
  • Prepared reports to update senior management on operational progress.
  • Oversaw hiring process to recruit long-term workers and seasonal contractors.

Education

National TAFE Certificate: NQF 3 - Bricklaying/Block laying

National TAFE
Australia
02.2009 - 09.2012

National FIETA Certificate: NQF Level 3 - Furniture Making: Wood: Wood Machining and Cabinet Making and Carpentry

National FIETA
South Africa
01.2006 - 11.2009

Skills

  • Operations management
  • Event setup and regulation
  • Site inspection and maintenance
  • Horticultural techniques
  • Tactical thinking
  • Project oversight
  • Crisis handling
  • Technical problem-solving
  • Resilience under pressure
  • Business management
  • Machinery maintenance
  • Fencing installation and repair
  • Landscape management
  • Problem solving
  • Team leadership and mentoring
  • Health and safety regulations
  • Risk assessment and mitigation
  • Company branding methods
  • Proactive attitude
  • Interpersonal leadership

Certification

  • National Certificate - Safeguarding Children Level 2
  • National Certificate - GDPR Essentials
  • National Certificate - Equality and diversity
  • National TAFE Certificate: NQF 3 - Bricklaying/Block laying
  • National SSPC Certificate: NQF C2 - Planning and specifying Industrial Coatings Projects C2
  • National FIETA Certificate: NQF Level 3 - Furniture Making: Wood: Wood Machining and Cabinet Making
  • National Certificate: Word, Excel, Outlook
  • IPAF Certificate: Working at Heights 3A and 3B | Health & Safety at Work Act 1974
  • National Certificate – Health and safety in the working environment

Custom

Act as the primary point of contact for staff, contractors, and the property owner., Serve as the first point of contact for emergencies., Maintain accurate records, manage inventory, and handle correspondence., Develop and implement policies and procedures for the smooth running of the estate.

Timeline

Small business owner

Deco&Do ltd
01.2022 - 09.2025

Maintenance Supervisor

Heart Academies Trust – Bedford Academy
01.2019 - 12.2021

Residential Estate and Farm Manager

Welgelegen Estate - Kraaibosch Country Estate Pty ltd
01.2012 - 12.2018

National TAFE Certificate: NQF 3 - Bricklaying/Block laying

National TAFE
02.2009 - 09.2012

National FIETA Certificate: NQF Level 3 - Furniture Making: Wood: Wood Machining and Cabinet Making and Carpentry

National FIETA
01.2006 - 11.2009
Louis Lessing