Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Personal Information
References
Timeline
Generic

Dudley Tanton

Gold Coast,Australia

Summary

Dynamic engineering leader with a proven track record of delivering results, driving cost reduction strategies and implementing maintenance plans that achieved significant savings. Expert in project management and departmental restructuring, fostering a culture of operational excellence while mentoring emerging leaders to enhance team performance.

Overview

39
39
years of professional experience

Work History

Chief Engineer

PNG Forest Products
, Papua New Guinea
10.2023 - 04.2025
  • Company Overview: PNGFP’s extensive range of products and services for the domestic and export markets include: plywood and treated pine timber; modular bridging and decking systems; kit homes and pre-fabricated buildings; project construction and infrastructure developments. All timber is sourced from sustainable PNG pine plantations with the sawmilling and manufacturing plants in Bulolo powered by PNGFP’s own 26MW hydro power stations.
  • Oversee all departments including power generation, maintenance, transport workshops, projects, stores, machine & fabrication shop, crushing plant operations
  • Develop and implement maintenance strategies across the company
  • Implement KPI’s to understand development opportunities
  • Identify and develop emerging leaders
  • Budgeting and forecasting of capital projects/maintenance/operations
  • Deputise for General Manager
  • PNGFP’s extensive range of products and services for the domestic and export markets include: plywood and treated pine timber; modular bridging and decking systems; kit homes and pre-fabricated buildings; project construction and infrastructure developments. All timber is sourced from sustainable PNG pine plantations with the sawmilling and manufacturing plants in Bulolo powered by PNGFP’s own 26MW hydro power stations.
  • Implemented measuring tools for the business
  • Implement forecasting and cost control
  • Implement and train modern manufacturing techniques to nationals
  • Culture development of across team working
  • Identify and develop cost saving strategies through modern methods

Engineering Manager

AKD Softwoods
Caboolture, Australia
10.2022 - 09.2023
  • Managed capital projects and maintenance teams, ensuring alignment with operational objectives.
  • Developed five-year plans for capital projects and maintenance to optimize resource allocation.
  • Formulated strategies to enhance log throughput and maximize processing efficiency.
  • Implemented improvement initiatives to boost uptime, recovery rates, and waste capture.
  • Conducted budgeting and forecasting for capital projects, maintenance, and operations.
  • Served as deputy for Site Manager, overseeing daily operations and team performance.
  • Realigned departmental structures to enhance service delivery across operations.
  • Introduced forecasting and scorecard systems to monitor performance metrics.

Engineering Manager

Timberlink Australia
Mount Gambier, Australia
10.2021 - 10.2022
  • Developed five-year capital plan to guide strategic investments and operational improvements.
  • Implemented capital forecasting and scorecard system to enhance budget accuracy.
  • Drove modernization of manufacturing processes to increase efficiency and output.
  • Designed and executed improvement plans after $90M equipment installations.
  • Provided leadership for teams, aligning agendas with organizational objectives.
  • Devised stage gate process for structured capital planning and execution.
  • Managed project and process improvement teams, fostering a culture of operational excellence.
  • Deputized for General Manager, ensuring seamless operations in leadership absence.

Engineering Manager

Inghams Enterprises
Brisbane, Australia
11.2020 - 10.2021
  • Developed five-year capital plan to align with strategic objectives.
  • Delivered updated processes for capital, maintenance, and engineering functions.
  • Drove culture change initiatives to enhance market competitiveness.
  • Reviewed existing systems and created improvement plans to optimize performance.
  • Facilitated budgeting and forecasting for capital projects and maintenance activities.
  • Established frontline and reliability teams, mentoring to boost operational efficiency.
  • Achieved over $1M in savings within first three months of implementation.
  • Executed supplier comparison exercise to improve procurement performance.

Engineering & Environment Manager

Norco Foods Group
Gold Coast, Australia
07.2019 - 11.2020
  • Established a five-year capital and maintenance plan to enhance operational efficiency.
  • Implemented new capital processes to streamline project execution.
  • Developed improvement plans following review of existing systems and processes.
  • Drove culture change initiatives to maintain market competitiveness.
  • Set up reliability plans through restructuring, mentoring, and establishing area champions.
  • Managed budgeting and forecasting for capital projects, maintenance, and environmental services.
  • Successfully implemented safety focus groups to promote workplace safety compliance.
  • Ensured business compliance with environmental licensing requirements.

Capital Engineering Manager

Bega Cheese Group
Bega, Australia
01.2017 - 07.2019
  • Assisted in developing group strategy for capital processes, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives.
  • Created a comprehensive five-year capital plan to guide future investments.
  • Contributed as SLT member, advocating for strategic priorities and operational excellence.
  • Drove cultural transformation in capital processes to enhance efficiency and engagement.
  • Reviewed existing systems and developed improvement plans to optimize performance.
  • Managed budgeting and forecasting for capital projects, maintaining fiscal responsibility.
  • Led Capital Engineering team, promoting collaboration and innovative solutions.
  • Implemented new ERP system, integrating project order management for streamlined operations.

Owner

Food-Pro Engineering
, Brisbane/UK
06.2013 - 01.2017
  • Delivered comprehensive Project Management and Engineering Services for food and beverage manufacturers.
  • Devised and implemented a custom project management system for Coca-Cola Amatil Richlands.
  • Developed and managed a Project Management Office to enhance operational efficiency.
  • Led $80M EPCM integration project for Asahi/Schweppes, overseeing new facility construction.
  • Created assessment plans for independent bakeries to optimize operations.
  • Planned layout for poultry facility to improve workflow and production capacity.
  • Directed engineering and project management initiatives for Hiestand Malaysia during eight-month term.
  • Defined equipment specifications for procurement of new facilities, ensuring compliance with industry standards.

Group Engineering & Capital Projects Manager

Goodman Fielder
Sydney, Australia
10.2010 - 06.2013
  • Managed capital funding exceeding $140M for factories across Australia, New Zealand, and Asia Pacific.
  • Produced three to five-year capital plans for group operations.
  • Developed business cases and board papers to secure project funding.
  • Collaborated on cost-out initiatives and profit improvement capital funding.
  • Generated project performance reports for company executives.
  • Established a new project management process utilizing Kepner Tregoe methodology.
  • Created tenders and project scopes for major capital investment projects.
  • Oversaw multiple projects from concept through completion.

Senior Engineering Manager (contract Role)

Al Marai Foods (Western Bakeries)
, Saudi Arabia
09.2009 - 09.2010
  • Oversaw installation of new equipment within state-of-the-art facility.
  • Managed capital funding totaling $10 million from approval to closeout.
  • Directed contractors for civil works and equipment services.
  • Evaluated contractor performance and negotiated contracts to ensure compliance.
  • Established a new engineering and maintenance team for factory startup.
  • Supported Operations Director in developing new factory environment.
  • Ensured successful completion of construction and installation of services.

Various

Various
United Kingdom
10.1986 - 09.2009
  • Managed engineering department overseeing installation of new bun processing plant.
  • Directed joint venture for asset management across London with Royal Mail Engineering Company.
  • Oversaw site operations and engineering at St Martin Food Products, reorganizing distribution processes.
  • Supplied contract labor for equipment installations, servicing, and process improvements in meat processing.
  • Conducted installations and commissioning of meat processing equipment throughout USA, Europe, and Australia.
  • Executed site engineering tasks at Unilever, providing shift coverage for all plant operations.

Education

4 Year full time studies - Electrical, Mechanical & Electronic Engineering

South Kent College of Technology
United Kingdom

Skills

  • Cost reduction strategies
  • Contract negotiation
  • Project management
  • Departmental restructuring
  • Budgeting and forecasting
  • EPCM project execution
  • Process improvement
  • Project planning
  • Results orientation
  • Asset lifecycle management
  • Leadership and mentoring
  • Maintenance strategies
  • Microsoft Office proficiency
  • CMMS, ERP, and MRP expertise

Personal Information

Willing To Relocate: 1

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Chief Engineer

PNG Forest Products
10.2023 - 04.2025

Engineering Manager

AKD Softwoods
10.2022 - 09.2023

Engineering Manager

Timberlink Australia
10.2021 - 10.2022

Engineering Manager

Inghams Enterprises
11.2020 - 10.2021

Engineering & Environment Manager

Norco Foods Group
07.2019 - 11.2020

Capital Engineering Manager

Bega Cheese Group
01.2017 - 07.2019

Owner

Food-Pro Engineering
06.2013 - 01.2017

Group Engineering & Capital Projects Manager

Goodman Fielder
10.2010 - 06.2013

Senior Engineering Manager (contract Role)

Al Marai Foods (Western Bakeries)
09.2009 - 09.2010

Various

Various
10.1986 - 09.2009

4 Year full time studies - Electrical, Mechanical & Electronic Engineering

South Kent College of Technology

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Dudley Tanton