Wayne Adcock

Currently reporting directly to the CEO, I am adept at developing operational strategies that underpin growth aspirations in line with the vision, the mission and the company values. I oversee all aspects of company operations, ensuring optimal productivity and alignment with business goals. My expertise lies in cross functional leadership and performance management, annual operations planning and capital investment (CAPEX), and the maintenance of production facilities within budget constraints (OPEX). Collaborating closely with the CFO, I prepare, and monitor performance against, budget forecasts and implement corrective measures as needed. My commitment to managing capital investments and operational expenses has consistently contributed to Kalfresh’s growth and profitability. Additionally, I provide strategic oversight for post-harvest farming operations in North and South Queensland, ensuring both regions remain aligned with the strategic intent.

Key Responsibilities:

• People, Safety, and Systems:
• Prioritise employee well-being and safety.
• Training and development
• Implement robust quality assurance and food safety management systems.
• Continuous improvement initiatives using Lean and Engineered solutions.
• CAPEX:
• Develop and present compelling business cases for capital projects, ranging from small ($0.25M to $1M) to large ($1M to $10M)
• Plan and execute projects effectively, ensuring alignment with the operational strategy
• Financial Accountability:
• Manage the P&L related to OPEX, including direct and indirect labour, quality assurance, maintenance, and engineering, and procurement.
• Monitor and report on CAPEX return on investment (ROI), including impact on overhead recovery, labour savings, and projected increases in volume and / or net profit.
• Ensure the P&L performance aligns with the Sales and Operating budget.
• Notable Achievements:
• Increased sweetcorn production capacity by 50% year-on-year since 2019 through incremental capital improvements and confidence building. Increased weekly revenue by $160k for this line (circa $16-20k net profit per week), while halving the labour cost per unit during the 2022 season. Secured $250,000 of funding through state and federal government incentive programs for Sweet Corn Automation and Packing shed upgrade.
• Green Bean Production Enhancement: Increased green bean production capacity by 40% in FY2022/23. Contributed approximately $110k in revenue (with $11-13k net profit) per week during the 2022 season with a 25% reduction in labour cost per unit.
• Optical sorting system for green beans: recently (December 2024) sourced and executed the installation and commissioning of an automated optical sorting system for this line, effectively reducing the labour cost from $0.25/kg to $0.14/kg on a program yielding approximately 12,000kg’s per week.
• Process Improvements: Successfully implemented basic SCRUM and Lean system pilots, enhancing operational efficiency, specifically focused on improving the effectiveness of plant maintenance and ongoing reductions in packing line labour costs.
• Optical Sorting System for Sweetcorn: Collaborated with a systems integrator to create a first of its kind optical sorting system for sweetcorn. Current state (at August 24), reduced labour cost per cob by $0.03 and potentially increased revenue per cob by $0.13. Combined savings and revenue in the region equate to approx. $20,000 per week.
• Maintenance and Engineering: built (and continue to build) a team of Engineers, Tradespeople, Operators and Technicians to support the above initiatives.

Company Overview: (recently changed to Champion X)

Full operational oversight of the design, engineering, procurement and manufacturing functions; assembly and integration of OEM technology for use in the manufacture of well head equipment used in the extraction of coal seam gas.

Key Responsibilities:

• People and safety
• P&L as it relates to estimation, quotation, procurement and integration of OEM equipment into Dover well head packages.
• Management of engineering and production line activities, including new design, quality assurance, product improvement and reliability engineering
• Notable Achievements:
• Turn around: reversed a reputational issue with QGC/Shell and re-positioned the company as a preferred supplier of engineered solutions
• Successful patent application for a field equipment reliability upgrade: QGC/Shell operate 3,000 well heads in remote western Queensland; this upgrade was designed to improve equipment reliability and reduce the need for high risk operator intervention
• Capital equipment rectification project: Completion of a field rectification project of 2,500 hydraulic power units in remote Western Queensland (for QGC/Shell) – approx. AUD$250M asset value

During my tenure at the Bradken Mining Group, Fixed Plant Division, I had the privilege of working with several accomplished coaches. In this multifaceted role, I held key positions such as:

• Technical Manager: Responsible for overseeing technical aspects related to heavy fabrication and foundry operations.
• Production Manager: Ensured efficient production processes and adherence to quality standards.
• Branch Manufacturing Manager: Managed day-to-day manufacturing operations, focusing on safety performance and end-user engineering support.
• My contributions extended to major mining clients, including BHP, Rio Tinto, and the Fortescue Metals Group. I consistently prioritized safety excellence and provided critical maintenance support to enhance operational efficiency.

Before my Australian journey, I spent over a decade working in the UK, honing my skills in heavy manufacturing operations across diverse sectors.

My roles included:

• Production Metallurgist: At Firth Rixon, I immersed myself in materials science, testing, and manufacturing processes. I contributed to the production of critical materials and components for aerospace applications.
• Technical Manager: My part-time studies complemented my full-time work, allowing me to develop expertise in managing complex projects. I collaborated with X-Cel Superturn to deliver high-quality components for the oil and gas industry.
• Throughout this period, I embraced challenges, expanded my knowledge, and laid the foundation for my future leadership roles. My commitment to excellence and continuous learning remains unwavering.