Simon Gunston
Basingstoke,Hampshire
Summary
Accomplished professional with extensive expertise in workforce training, sourcing strategies, and inventory control systems. Demonstrates proficiency in data analysis software and capacity planning, ensuring operational efficiency and regulatory compliance. Skilled in contract negotiation, financial performance frameworks, and budgeting, with a strong focus on profit and loss analysis. Adept at developing KPIs and performance metrics to drive productivity improvements. Possesses comprehensive knowledge of HVAC systems, electrical engineering, and building automation. Career goals include leveraging technical skills to enhance facilities maintenance operations while optimising resource allocation and risk management.
Confident Operations Director experienced in leading high-performing teams to achieve key objectives. Keen problem-solver and logical thinker for reliable issues identification and solution planning. Communicates well with diverse staff teams to engage, enthuse and motivate to success.
Offering strong leadership skills and strategic mindset, with background in driving operational improvements and team development. Knowledgeable about project management, process optimisation, and stakeholder engagement. Ready to use and develop skills in resource allocation, performance analysis, and cross-functional collaboration in Facilities Manager role.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
8
8
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Operations Director
Equazion Limited
Reading, United Kingdom
05.2009 - Current
- Nurtured relationships with key industry partners to expand business horizons.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers for cost savings without compromising quality.
- Designed comprehensive business plans which laid foundation for growth opportunities.
- Implemented staff development programmes, resulting in an empowered workforce.
- Conducted budget monitoring activities to ensure financial stability of operations.
- Drove process improvements through implementation of latest technology platforms.
- Managed risk effectively, ensuring business continuity during challenging periods.
- Streamlined workflow processes to increase productivity throughout the facilities department.
- Reviewed supplier contracts regularly, securing better deals where possible.
- Maintained safety standards with strict adherence to health and safety regulations.
- Handled emergency situations calmly, ensuring minimal disruption to business operations.
- Organised routine maintenance tasks, resulting in fewer unexpected repairs.
- Implemented energy-saving measures which led to decreased utility bills over time.
- Managed contractors to ensure smooth operations during renovations.
- Conducted risk assessments to reduce workplace accidents and injuries.
- Controlled budgets, ensuring efficient use of resources without compromising service quality.
- Scheduled preventive maintenance activities, reducing the frequency of breakdowns significantly.
- Coordinated team tasks, enhancing overall productivity in the workplace.
- Planned and coordinated preventative maintenance and reactive repair work to maintain cost efficiency.
- Responded to building emergencies and managed repairs within required timeframe.
- Performed best practices and quality standards to comply with occupational health and safety procedures.
- Investigated problems and determined appropriate remedies.
- Oversaw pre-planned contractor works for alignment with processes.
- Produced management reports outlining important facility statistics.
- Maintained daily operations through technical support for production and maintenance departments.
- Verified contractors and suppliers deliver cost-effective, high-quality services per contractual terms.
- Planned and managed resources and budget to support and deliver objectives.
- Hired and supervised contractors, closely monitoring workmanship to produce cost-effective resourcing.
- Maintained meticulous equipment technical files for safety and legal compliance.
- Analysed building control and HVAC system performance and recommended improvements.
- Navigated complexities of project and contractor management, consistently meeting and exceeding expectations.
- Maintained smooth-running business operations by delegating priorities to staff abilities.
- Managed subcontractors for timely completion of repair works.
- Developed preventative maintenance schedules, extending the life of essential machinery,.
- Maintained excellent working conditions through regular site inspections and repairs as needed,.
- Improved building efficiency with proactive HVAC system maintenance.
- Prepared detailed reports for comprehensive facilities maintenance.
- Decreased downtime with routine equipment inspections.
- Performed risk assessments for potential threats within the facility environment.
- Responded promptly to emergency situations, ensuring minimal disruption to operations.
- Worked with suppliers to manage schedules, specifications and quality compliance.
Small Business Sales Executive
Clarify Solutions
Reading, United Kingdom
02.2007 - 04.2009
- Carried out day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Quickly learned and applied new skills to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
- Successfully delivered on tasks within tight deadlines.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Increased customer engagement by delivering high-quality product demonstrations.
- Identified new business opportunities that enhanced growth potential of the company.
- Managed key client accounts meticulously, ensuring consistent delivery of service excellence leading to nurturing long-term partnerships.
- Delivered engaging sales presentations at industry events to attract potential customers and partners.
- Maintained an extensive knowledge of all products offered, assisting in informative customer interaction.
- Championed cross-selling initiatives to maximise sales volume and profit margins.
- Established strong relationships with key industry players to expand business reach.
- Implemented robust CRM systems that improved tracking of sales activities and client interactions.
- Crafted compelling pitches for securing high-value deals with clients.
- Responded promptly to customer queries, ensuring resolution whilst upholding satisfaction levels.
- Boosted sales revenue through aggressive and targeted marketing strategies.
- Built long-term relationships with customers and generated referrals from existing clients.
- Generated new leads and opportunities to maximise revenue.
- Achieved and exceeded sales targets in line with client growth across all products and services.
- Maintained contact with customers throughout sales and pre-delivery process.
- Understood customer needs to craft exceptional sales journeys.
- Effectively handled daily customer meetings, sales calls and account management tasks, improving sales team efficiency.
- Established and maintained positive, profitable client relationships through superb communication.
- Presented sales data and insights to leadership to aid strategy development and planning.
- Communicated with potential and existing customers in-person, over telephone and via webchat.
Small Business Account Manager
Orange (EE)
Windsor, United Kingdom
09.2002 - 05.2007
- Carried out day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Quickly learned and applied new skills to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
- Successfully delivered on tasks within tight deadlines.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Consistently arrived at work on time and ready to start immediately.
- Offered friendly, efficient customer service and handled challenging situations with ease.
- Increased customer satisfaction by resolving issues.
- Improved efficiency and productivity by acquiring new skills.
- Displayed energy and enthusiasm in fast-paced environment.
- Completed customer orders with speed and accuracy.
- Used Microsoft Word and other software tools to create documents and clear communications.
- Completed upgrade and new contract applications for single and multiple orders.
- Managed small business accounts with 5-50 handsets.
Education
NVQ Level 3 - Electrical Electronic Engineering
Thames Valley University
Reading 09.2004 - 06.2006
NVQ Level 2 - Electrical Electronic Engineering
The Henley College
Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire 09.2002 - 06.2004
GCSEs - Maths, English Language, English Literature, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, History, French & Drama
The Bulmershe School
Woodley, Wokingham 09.1997 - 06.2002
Skills
- Workforce training and mentoring
- Sourcing strategies
- Inventory control system
- Data analysis software
- Capacity planning aptitude
- Performance metrics evaluation
- Risk assessment techniques
- Workforce management systems
- Supplier assessment
- Inventory control
- Payment Processing
- Regulatory compliance
- Profit and Loss Analysis
- Contract negotiation
- Financial performance frameworks
- Budgeting and forecasting
- Labour productivity analysis
- Production scheduling
- Employee training
- KPI development
- Operational efficiency
- Performance monitoring
- Operational planning and forecasting
- HVAC systems expertise
- Professional time management
- Trend analysis capability
- Building automation understanding
- Electrical systems knowledge
- CAD operation
- HVAC systems knowledge
- Understanding of ip networking
- BMS software proficiency
- Fire alarm systems knowledge
- Electrical engineering
- Engineering Design
- Network configuration
- Construction site safety
- Visio Office
- Quality assurance monitoring
- Materials requisition
- Emergency systems maintenance
- Equipment repairs
- COSHH
- Plumbing repairs
- PPM delivery
- PAT testing
- Legionella management
- Maintenance budget control
- Maintenance scheduling
- Facilities maintenance
Affiliations
- Computing
- Software Coding
- Flying
- Family
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Operations Director
Equazion Limited
05.2009 - Current
Small Business Sales Executive
Clarify Solutions
02.2007 - 04.2009
NVQ Level 3 - Electrical Electronic Engineering
Thames Valley University
09.2004 - 06.2006
Small Business Account Manager
Orange (EE)
09.2002 - 05.2007
NVQ Level 2 - Electrical Electronic Engineering
The Henley College
09.2002 - 06.2004
GCSEs - Maths, English Language, English Literature, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, History, French & Drama
The Bulmershe School
09.1997 - 06.2002