Neil Strachan
Broxburn,West
Summary
I joined Portakabin in April 2014 as a Chargehand after working for many years in the construction industry. I have progressed within the company to my current role as Service Manager.
In 2022 I was seconded to Opex, having the privilege and challenge of helping deliver a Lean approach in Scotland which allowed me to understand the business and identify areas where we could become more efficient.
I enjoy new challenges and see the role of Regional Operations Manager as the perfect challenge.
I consider myself to be an encouraging manager with talents for team building, leading and motivating. I have an excellent customer relations aptitude and relationship-building skills. I'm an analytical problem-solver proficient in using independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success. Dedicated to applying training, monitoring and morale-building abilities to enhance employee engagement and boost performance.
Overview
42
42
years of professional experience
Work history
Service Manager
Portakabin Scotland Ltd
Uphall, West Lothian
2024.01 - Current
- Implemented cost-saving measures which resulted in significant budget savings without compromising service quality or efficiency.
- Oversaw workforce recruitment and development processes to guarantee service excellence.
- Oversaw maintenance of organisation's facilities to guarantee compliance with industry regulations.
- Assessed employee performances regularly, providing constructive feedback where necessary for continuous improvement.
- Led team meetings to set performance goals and review progress regularly.
- Established clear lines of communication between management and staff, fostering a harmonious working environment.
- Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations at all times, reducing risk of accidents in the workplace.
Service Manager
Portakbin Scotland
Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire
2021.11 - 2024.01
- Build firm but respectful relationships with staff, leading by example and providing continued encouragement for high levels of motivation and satisfaction.
- Champion development of new services to improve operational output and meet KPIs.
- Assess daily operational needs and requirements and use team meetings to encourage staff to achieve their goals.
- Monitor operational progress against budgets for cost-effective service provision.
- Devise and implement improvements to service procedures, improving customer satisfaction scores.
- Procure equipment and consumables to deliver on team goals.
- Display ethical behaviour in line with code of conduct to set positive example for employees.
- Resolve complex issues with strong analysis and investigations.
- Enforce health and safety requirements for worker protection, keeping accidents and company liability at minimum.
- Led team meetings to set performance goals and review progress regularly.
Service Supervisor
Portakabin Scotland
Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire
2017.01 - 2021.11
- Devised and implemented improvements to service procedures, improving customer satisfaction scores.
- Prepared rotas and assigned workloads to achieve service targets.
- Procured equipment and consumables to deliver depot goals.
- Assessed daily operational needs and requirements and used SDED meetings to encourage staff to achieve their goals.
- Coached and mentored new team members.
Chargehand
Portakabin Scotland
Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire
2014.04 - 2017.01
- Directed work to operatives and sub contractors to produce quality results.
- Supervised activities of workers and enforced safety regulations.
- Worked closely with management to manage staff and allocate resources for planned work load
- Established and maintained organised working environment for team of five.
Joiner/owner
Neil Strachan Joinery
Braemar, Aberdeenshire
2001.07 - 2014.04
- Gave estimates of amount and cost of materials needed to complete jobs.
- Improved completed structures through maintenance and repairs.
- Assessed and mitigated risks before starting work on-site.
- Fitted structures to specifications within tight deadlines.
- Adhered to safety regulations for consistent compliance with UK requirements.
- Carried out thorough snagging to guarantee final results aligned with project specifications.
- Sourced timber, negotiated prices and estimated project costs.
- Designed and fitted bespoke door frames, partition walls and other wooden structures.
- Interacted with wide range of customers whilst demonstrating strong interpersonal abilities.
- Helped other tradesmen whilst maintaining first time fix mentality.
- Allocated resources to teams and projects based on need, performance and availability.
Joinery manufacturing foreman
Mike Paterson joinery
Banchory, Aberdeenshire
1988.07 - 2001.07
- Used knowledge of different types of wood to choose correct material for specific jobs.
- Interacted with wide range of customers whilst demonstrating strong interpersonal abilities.
- Gave estimates of amount and cost of materials needed to complete jobs.
- Cut wood on machines or by hand depending on complexity of design.
- Sourced timber, negotiated prices and estimated project costs.
- Adhered to safety regulations for consistent compliance with UK requirements.
- Met specifications outlined in project briefs for private and commercial projects.
- Measured, cut and shaped wood to meet project requirements.
Apprentice Joiner/ time served joiner
Robbie Duncan Joinery
Drumoak, Aberdeenshire
1983.08 - 1988.07
- Assisted joiners with machine and tool maintenance operations to minimise malfunctions.
- Adhered to safety regulations for consistent compliance with UK requirements.
- Measured, cut and shaped wood to meet project requirements.
- Used knowledge of different types of wood to choose correct material for specific jobs.
- Carried out thorough snagging to guarantee final results aligned with project specifications.
- Fit range of first fixings, second fixings and formwork.
- Cut wood on machines or by hand depending on complexity of design.
Education
Appointed Person -
CPCS
Scottish Qualifications Certificate - English, Arithmetic, History, Technical Drawing, Woodwork
Banchory Academy
Banchory, Aberdeenshire08.1983
Skills
- Service management
- Motivational leadership
- Staff development
- Workflow planning
- Staff management
- Quality assurance
- Customer service management
- 5S principles
- Health and safety compliance
Timeline
Service Manager
Portakabin Scotland Ltd
2024.01 - Current
Service Manager
Portakbin Scotland
2021.11 - 2024.01
Service Supervisor
Portakabin Scotland
2017.01 - 2021.11
Chargehand
Portakabin Scotland
2014.04 - 2017.01
Joiner/owner
Neil Strachan Joinery
2001.07 - 2014.04
Joinery manufacturing foreman
Mike Paterson joinery
1988.07 - 2001.07
Apprentice Joiner/ time served joiner
Robbie Duncan Joinery
1983.08 - 1988.07
Appointed Person -
CPCS
Scottish Qualifications Certificate - English, Arithmetic, History, Technical Drawing, Woodwork
Banchory Academy