Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Certification
Accomplishments
Volunteer Experience
Hobbies and Interests
References
Timeline
Generic
Robert William Bennett

Robert William Bennett

Edinburgh,Midlothian

Summary

A skilled professional with expertise in team building, motivation, and work delegation, complemented by a strong foundation in health and safety and safe working practices. Demonstrates proficiency in quality control and is DSEAR , COSHH and first aid trained, ensuring compliance with regulations concerning dangerous substances and explosive atmospheres as well as several hazardous to health chemicals including xylene, toluene, several different amines and diisocyanates. Holds a black belt in Six Sigma through LinkedIn Learning, with a further eighty-nine courses completed showcasing a commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence. Adept at training and development, leadership, diversity and inclusion, with a proven ability to conduct root cause analysis to drive effective solutions. Aspires to leverage these competencies to foster an inclusive work environment that prioritises safety and quality.

Overview

40
40
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification

Work history

Wedding / Portrait Photographer

Self Employed
Bonnyrigg, Midlothian
06.1985 - 11.1989
  • After my Graduation from College I set up my own business as a photographer. Whilst this was a great learning curve for me I found that the emergence of digital was killing the high street photographic market and took on a full time job within the photographic industry in particular the Quality control and chemical replenishment and recycling side.
  • Established a comfortable environment for subjects contributing to natural-looking portraits.
  • Worked on location assignments demonstrating flexibility and adaptability.
  • Guided subjects in posing which resulted in appealing photographs.
  • Provided excellent customer service leading to repeat business and referrals.
  • Managed bookings and schedules efficiently, ensuring a smooth workflow.
  • Collaborated with clients to understand their vision, resulting in tailored photoshoots.
  • Offered photography packages catered to individual client needs achieving high client satisfaction rates.
  • Utilised advanced photographic equipment and software, enhancing photo quality.
  • Stayed updated with the latest photography trends and techniques, offering modern styles to clients.
  • Performed post-production tasks on photographs for added aesthetic appeal.
  • Composed pictures with creative and technical eye for detail.
  • Took portraits of individuals, families and groups at interior and exterior locations.
  • Inspected proofs to verify quality of prints and adjusted or retouched to achieve desired appearance.

Quality Control Technician

Colourcare Ltd
Livingston, West Lothian
11.1989 - 07.1995
  • I started working for Colourcare as a Quality Control Technician, duties included the replenishment of developers and fix baths, to reclaim silver halides and form small ingots of silver ready for collection, all within a high turnover environment.
  • Interpreted test results for quick problem-solving decisions.
  • Conducted routine checks to reduce product defects.
  • Coordinated calibrations of instruments to ensure accurate readings.
  • Collaborated with production team, achieving smoother operations.
  • Followed documentation procedures meticulously, promoting traceability.
  • Kept equipment in optimal condition, ensuring consistency in results.
  • Evaluated sample data using precise measurement tools.
  • Prepared detailed reports on quality control findings, aiding process improvement strategies.
  • Assisted in internal audits, ensuring regulatory compliance.
  • Maintained product quality by conducting regular inspections.
  • Investigated quality issues to identify root causes and raise appropriate corrective action.
  • Provided technical support to production teams, guiding processes to maintain quality adherence.
  • Gathered and maintained inspection records in company databases.
  • Audited components and materials across all stages of manufacturing process.
  • Facilitated day-to-day quality inspections and maintained related documentation.

Mobile QC technician

Kodak
Glasgow
08.1995 - 04.1997

Within my remit for Kodak I serviced the minilabs within the high street stores in the North of Scotland, controlling the chemistry replenishments within the E6 and C41 processes . Using densitometry to evaluate the chemistry onsite to keep high quality standards in busy one hour turn around stores.


  • Contributed ideas towards process improvement initiatives, encouraging innovation.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to achieve seamless operations.
  • Liaised frequently with suppliers for consistent delivery of high-quality materials.
  • Maintained inventory levels of testing supplies, avoiding shortages or delays.
  • Documented test results meticulously for accurate record-keeping.
  • Ensured compliance with industry regulations, improving company reputation.
  • Guaranteed continued accuracy of verification equipment through ongoing calibration.

Coating department operator

Whiley Foils
Livingston, West Lothian
04.1997 - 08.2004
  • With the birth of my second child I found financially I was better off within another industry. I started working for Whiley Foils on nearly £3K more on the shop floor than I was earning as a technician. I took the chance and expected my previous people skills to eventually put me into a position to progress. In my six years within the company I developed many new skills including multi spooling machine operation, vacuum processes including vaporising a high grade aluminium wire whilst passing a polythene substrate through the vapour at speeds of up to 10 metres per second. I gained advance COSHHE training within my time at Whiley foils. as well as St Johns Ambulance training to become a trained first aider, and fire-fighter training with the fire service to take on the role of fire team member within the plant. I took an early redundancy package from the company in 2004 as the business market of hot stamping foils is being quickly replaced by inkjet and cold dye fusion processes. The business was digressing and had already started the defection to the third world labour markets, opening a plant in China in 2000 saw a marked drop in production at Livingston.
  • Performed troubleshooting tasks promptly, avoiding major breakdowns.
  • Worked on complex assembly lines, enhancing production speed.
  • Documented daily operations accurately, assisting in record keeping.
  • Optimised machine settings to improve product quality.
  • Operated high-speed machinery to achieve project deadlines on time.
  • Maintained clean and safe work environment for maximum productivity.
  • Upheld all health and safety regulations for risk reduction.
  • Ensured adherence to safety protocols with constant vigilance.
  • Performed routine inspections of machinery, preventing potential malfunctions.
  • Monitored machine output, ensuring quality control standards were met.
  • Assisted in training new staff, ensuring efficient team performance.
  • Managed operation of heavy machinery to meet production targets.
  • Performed planned preventative maintenance to minimise production downtime.
  • Manually loaded, unloaded and manoeuvred bulky goods, safely lifting and transporting heavy loads.
  • Lifted heavy weights using best moving and handling practices to avoid injury.

Shift Supervisor

Elements plc
Livingston, West Lothian
01.2007 - Current
  • For the last seventeen years I have been employed by Elementis specialty chemicals at Livingston, manufacturing various Rheolates for the paint and varnish sectors, Pastes and Gels for the cosmetics industries and bentone powders for the building sectors and the petrochemical industry. I started making personal care product thickeners within the gel plant where I served two years , before moving over to the newly built polymerisation plant known as the rheolate plant. in the last three years I have progressed my position within the company to Shift supervisor. Within this demanding role I am currently responsible for three plants at the Livingston site. The day to day manufacture of products, the J D Edwards stock system . To problem solve and liaise with transport and planning daily. This is a role involving a continental shift programme of four days rotation with twelve hour shifts .Within the role I am responsible for the health and safety of the full site especially during weekends and night-shift's ,my shift employees holidays, absences and disciplinary procedures , whilst keeping control over contractors and any environmental issues. The continuing flow of production and liaising where necessary with engineering in solving any breakdown issues or improvements.
  • Handled any emergencies or issues during shifts with professionalism and calmness.
  • Provided constructive feedback to employees, fostering professional growth and development.
  • Conducted regular inventory checks; ensured consistent stock levels.
  • Carried out administrative tasks meticulously; kept accurate records of shift activities and incidents.
  • Fostered a positive work environment, resulting in increased employee morale.
  • Delegated tasks to staff members to ensure efficient shift operation.
  • Facilitated smooth handovers between shifts for seamless business operations.
  • Ensured adherence to health and safety regulations; maintained safe workplace conditions.
  • Upheld company policies consistently, reinforcing a culture of compliance within the team.
  • Kept employees operating productively to meet business and customer needs.
  • Led by example and demonstrated company best practices.
  • Positively reinforced successful shift performance, providing clear, specific, timely and respectful coaching to 14 shift staff.
  • Supervised activities of workers and enforced safety regulations.
  • Maintained team-oriented atmosphere with open communication and quick conflict resolution.
  • Updated staff on changes to internal policies and procedures for continued compliance and standardisation.
  • Worked closely with management to manage staff levels and allocate resources for production plans.

Education

Lasswade Community High School
Bonnyrigg, Midlothian
01.1977 - 01.1984

O.N.C - Photography / Audio Visual Technology

Stevenson College of Further Education
Edinburgh

H.N.C - Photography

Napier University
Edinburgh

Film and TV Production

Dundee College of Commerce
Dundee, Dundee City

Computer Systems and Network Support in IT

Open Learning Centre International
Edinburgh
/2016 - /2016

N.V.Q - Plumbing Theory and Installation

Blackhall Plumbers
Edinburgh

Skills

Team leadership and motivation

Delegation of tasks

Safety compliance standards

Quality control processes

Six Sigma certification

Employee training programs

Inclusive workplace initiatives

Root cause identification

Permit management training

Efficient waste management

Inventory control expertise

Forklift operation skills

Production metrics reporting

Personnel management

Certification

  • Full Drivers Licence up to 7.5 tonne Passed in 1985
  • Full Counter-Balance Forklift Licence Passed in 1989. Resits in 2001, 2004, 2007, 2010 , 2013 , 2016 2019 and 2022
  • Full Reach Forklift Licence Passed in 1989 Resit in 2001.
  • Confined spaces certified , Breathing apparatus certified and permit writing trained

.

Accomplishments

Supervisors position was taken up three years ago with a four month probationary period before taking on the role full time.


Volunteer Experience

  • Historic Scotland Re-enactment
  • National Trust for Scotland, Path building programme at Ben Lawers
  • Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, Training consultant, Including two terms as D of E Convener for Edinburgh.
  • 51st Edinburgh Boys Brigade, Warrant Officer

Hobbies and Interests

Photography, Boxing, Scottish History, Walking, Climbing and DIY.

References

  • Francois, Kay, HR Manager, 116 Carmondean Road, Livingston
  • William, Armitage, Papermill Wynd, Edinburgh

Timeline

Shift Supervisor

Elements plc
01.2007 - Current

Coating department operator

Whiley Foils
04.1997 - 08.2004

Mobile QC technician

Kodak
08.1995 - 04.1997

Quality Control Technician

Colourcare Ltd
11.1989 - 07.1995

Wedding / Portrait Photographer

Self Employed
06.1985 - 11.1989

Lasswade Community High School
01.1977 - 01.1984

O.N.C - Photography / Audio Visual Technology

Stevenson College of Further Education

H.N.C - Photography

Napier University

Film and TV Production

Dundee College of Commerce

Computer Systems and Network Support in IT

Open Learning Centre International
/2016 - /2016

N.V.Q - Plumbing Theory and Installation

Blackhall Plumbers
Robert William Bennett