Ross Punton
Stockton-on-Tees,Durham
Summary
I am an accomplished Senior Section Leader with extensive experience in managing operations and leading teams within the manufacturing and automotive sectors. I have a proven track record in continuous improvement, quality assurance, and safety management, with a strong focus on reducing defects and promoting a proactive safety culture. I have demonstrated expertise in project management, stakeholder collaboration, and risk management. Adept at training, coaching, and mentoring to enhance team performance. My career highlights include leading large teams at Hitachi Rail UK to achieve KPI's, making data-driven decisions to enhance performance and reduce defects within the manufacturing process. I am committed to leveraging skills in process optimisation and customer service to drive organisational success.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Section Leader
Hitachi Rail UK
Newton Aycliffe, Durham
07.2016 - Current
- Manage day-to-day operations for special processes, including painting and welding.
- Lead continuous improvement workshops across manufacturing areas to reduce defects.
- Monitor quality and compliance across processes, records, and deliverables regularly.
- Promote positive safety culture by reinforcing consistent, proactive workforce practices.
- Carry out effective problem-solving through structured analysis and practical resolution steps.
- Managed large teams of operators, team leaders, and section leaders toward KPIs.
- Support leadership through coaching, mentoring, and performance management activities.
- Manage project lifecycle from planning through delivery and coordinate risk mitigation.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to support aligned business goals and priorities.
- Actively promote continuous improvement methodology and data-driven decision-making culture across teams.
Technician
Audi
Stockton-on-Tees, Durham
02.2013 - 06.2016
- Diagnostics and fault finding on Audi-branded vehicles.
- Carry out electrical and mechanical repairs.
- Responsible for delivering a quality service on time, and exceeding customer expectations.
Team Leader - Mechanical Fitter
General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS)
Doha , Qatar
01.2008 - 01.2013
- Maintaining US military vehicles and equipment.
- Led a team of technicians repairing battle-damaged APCs during combat operations.
- Ensured vehicles were built expeditiously so they could return to service, ensuring reliability and quality.
Technical Consultant
General Motors
Peterlee, Durham
01.2007 - 01.2008
- Liaised with Vauxhall and Saab 'gold' technicians to support fault-finding and warranty claims.
- Diagnosed complex faults to support the main dealer network and satellites.
Senior Technician
Renault
Darlington , Durham
06.2002 - 01.2007
- Started at Renault as an apprentice technician.
- Completed the senior technician programme in 2006
- Mentored new apprentices, as well as supported experienced technicians with fault-finding on Renault-branded vehicles.
- Customer service is at the forefront of my role, exceeding customer expectations and delivering on the promises the brand mandates.
Education
Mental Health First Aid
NHS England
Durham 2023
NVQ Level 3 - Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair
City and Guilds
Nottingham 2005
GCSEs - Secondry Education
Ian Ramsey Church of England
Stockton-on-Tees, STT2002
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
Qualitrain
Durham Skills
- Continuous improvement
- Quality assurance
- Safety management
- Team leadership
- Performance management
- Project management
- Health and Safety Compliance
- Stress tolerance
- Data analysis
- Customer service
- Stakeholder collaboration
- Problem solving
- Training, coaching, and mentoring
- Process optimization
- SAP and scheduling systems
- Positive attitude
- Leadership skills
- Time-management
- Decision making
- Risk Management
Timeline
Senior Section Leader
Hitachi Rail UK
07.2016 - Current
Technician
Audi
02.2013 - 06.2016
Team Leader - Mechanical Fitter
General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS)
01.2008 - 01.2013
Technical Consultant
General Motors
01.2007 - 01.2008
Senior Technician
Renault
06.2002 - 01.2007
Mental Health First Aid
NHS England
NVQ Level 3 - Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair
City and Guilds
GCSEs - Secondry Education
Ian Ramsey Church of England
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
Qualitrain