John Wills
Canberra,ACT
Summary
Dynamic executive with a proven track record at the Anglican Diocese ACT/NSW, driving strategic initiatives that resulted in a 120% profit increase. Expert in strategy planning and stakeholder management, I excel in leading teams to achieve operational excellence and implement innovative solutions that enhance organizational performance.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Director Early Learning, Strategy and Projects
Anglican Diocese ACT/NSW
03.2023 - Current
- Developed the Early Years Strategy for Anglicare and ADS ( St Luke's ). Delivering a 120% upside in profit.
- Implemented the ELC Strategy, rolling out four new ELC's and upgrades of existing ELC's.
- Developed the Retirement Living Strategy for Anglicare. The roll out of the strategy involved the acquisition of land, major upgrades to existing villages, improved processes and procedures, new policies and practices and master planning for each site.
- Developed the affordable housing Strategy and expansion of the program throughout southern NSW.
GM EARLY LEARNING
Canberra /Goulburn
03.2020 - 03.2023
- Developed ELC Strategic plan for current Preschools and future expansion.
- Ensured financial sustainability of current OSCH and ELC programs (From a 880k loss into 350 k profit).
- Developed and implemented Early Learning Religious Education Curriculum.
- Develop partnerships with Allied Health providers to deliver a holistic service model to our community.
- NQS rating of exceeding and above achieved across all preschools.
- Developed Strategy for OOSCH programs.
- Developed clear transition processes, pathways for children, families from ELC into primary school.
- Increased focus on pedagogy / Curriculum in our preschools (intentional play based learning).
- Developed a governance model to ring fence the preschool operation from the primary school.
- Develop a ten year master plan for growth, identifying future preschool sites, impact of those proposed new locations on existing sites.
- Developed PD programs for all staff across our preschools.
- Developed new policies and procedures across our preschools that are relevant to preschools.
PROJECT LEAD
Catholic Education Melbourne
03.2017 - 03.2020
- Build new primary, secondary schools and ELC's as per contract and requirements of clients.
- Review and evaluate budgets of school building related projects and discussed with key stakeholders.
- Gather relevant data for the preparation of materials, labour and purchase orders in detail.
- Oversee the daily on-site operations including coordinating direct and indirect works.
- Inspect finished work, noting any substandard quality and promptly rectifying any errors.
- Collaborate with key personnel when looking at plans, blueprints and instructions, to make precise interpretations and forecasting timetable as well as materials and equipment required to complete the projects.
- Carry out work in a safe and efficient manner as well as enforced compliance of OH&S regulations across all staff in the worksite.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (CEO)
Asthma and Respiratory Foundation, NZ
03.2015 - 03.2017
- Undertook informed executive decisions relevant to the organisation's policies, mission, fundraising, goals, staffing and delegation of authority.
- Stated clear objectives in company efficiency in productivity and operations to manage outcomes across multiple company departments.
- Initiated the development, dissemination and implementation of time-bound activities with the goal of increasing productivity.
- Led and motivated staff to advance employee engagement to develop a high performing team.
- Built relationships with internal and external stakeholders in order to support identification, review, prioritisation and execution of key improvements opportunities/projects/programs to drive results.
- Embedded a culture of continuous improvement, encourage initiatives and ensure continuous improvement activity is being communicated, understood, and supported within the organisation.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Migas (apprenticeships)
03.2014 - 03.2015
- Conceptualised and enforced strategic plans to improve business processes across the company.
- Provided assistance with recruiting new staff members by setting guidelines and strict requirements for hiring.
- Oversaw, standardised and improved all operational, financial and marketing aspects of the business.
- Developed and implemented significant policy, system, process and productivity improvements as identified.
- Ensured superior quality of services and lead motivated teams towards maintaining consistent high performance.
- Managed the delivery of exceptional customer service, providing guidance to the management team.
DIRECTOR OF COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS
Australian Red Cross
01.2009 - 03.2014
- Deliver business planning and financial modelling advice.
- Conduct intelligent operational planning to ensure the achievement of company goals.
- Provided oversight for all management, operational, financial and business development aspects of the organisation.
- Delivered commercial funding services for development projects, local and international activities, business acquisition and/or expansion.
- Monitored and ensured strict compliance with legislative and statutory requirements.
- Established a collaborative and innovative organisational culture to ensure continued progress.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Zoos Victoria
02.2008 - 01.2009
- Undertook full responsibility for the company's strategic, financial and day-to-day operations.
- Streamlined and redeveloped the organisation's technological tool set, keeping up to date with international standards of providing advance methods in caring for and handling animals.
- Directed commercial strategy with major customers and stakeholders, to maintain and enhance growth.
- Designed new capital and product investment plan for the organisation such as merchandise and events.
- Assured all legal and regulatory documents were reviewed and ensured compliant with laws and regulations.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
The Centre of Adult Education (CAE)
01.2000 - 02.2008
- Provided technical and analytical expertise to a small, nation-wide roaming, internal auditing team responsible for scheduled and spot-check quality assurance reviews and investigations.
- Developed and maintained a comprehensive quality management system to achieve inspection readiness in the areas of financial management, occupational safety and health, human resource management, data collection management, security, and contractor management.
- Conducted systematic monitoring and review of compliance program controls; monitoring statutory and regulatory requirements and calibrated compliance programming accordingly.
- Conducted deep dives in cases where risks were identified; engaging all leaders and area management teams to determine the scope of the issue.
- Consistently exhibited strong interpersonal and analytical skills whilst performing under compressed schedules and constantly travelling to multiple sites.
Education
Master's - Business
RMIT
Master's - Education
Monash University
Master's - Counselling
Monash University
Grad Dip - Organization Behaviour
Grad Dip - Education
Skills
- Strategy Planning & Execution
- Business Development
- Organisational Restructuring
- Process Re-engineering
- Change Management
- Operations Management
- Risk Management
- Project Management
- Team Leadership
- Staff Development
- Client Engagement
- Stakeholder Management
- Sales & Marketing
- Manufacturing
- Logistics & Supply Chain Management
- Financial Planning
- Cost Control
Affiliations
- Australian Institute of Company Directors
- Australian Social and Market Research Society
- Australian Counselling Association
- Registered Teacher Victoria
Research And Analysis Experience
- Founding member of the Australian Social and Market Research Society.
- Head of all research at Lend Lease (secondary and primary research). Demographic, geographic, behavioural trend analysis.
- Developed scope for all research conducted at Susan, Jag, Red Cross, Myer, etc.
- Conducted all the Economic forecasting for investment strategies at Susan Corporation, Palmer Corporation, Red Cross, CAE.
Board Experience
Chair of Nutrition Australia Vic, SA, WA, Chair of Auscontact, Australia, Chair of Playgroup Vic, Deputy Chair of TAFE Victoria, Deputy Chair City Library, Board Member Radiology Board, Medical Ethics committee, Board Member Australian Practicing Nurses Association, Board Member Food Bank, Board Member Wynne Support Systems, Board Member OLGC (school)
Languages
- English
- Russian
- Polish
References
Available upon request
Volunteer Experience
- Chair of Nutrition Australia Vic/TAS/WA
- Deputy Chair Vic TAFE Association
- Deputy Chair of Australia of Australian Practicing Nurses Association
- Board member Vic Relief/Food Bank
- Chair Playgroup Vic
Prior Work Experience
- GM Strategy and Research, Lend Lease Australia for all retail assets
- Director, Susan Corporation (Property Development and Retail)
- Director, Palmer Corporation (Property and Retail)
- Assoc. Director, Myer
Attributes
- Transformational leader with ability to conceive and drive cultural change.
- Collaborative and supportive team player.
- Highly driven, resilient and reliable with an exemplary work ethic.
- Superior organisational and time management skills.
- Exceptional skills in decision making and problem solving.
- Well-developed communication, interpersonal and liaison skills.
- Meticulous attention to detail.
- Innovative, creative and resourceful.
Language Skills
Polish
Professional
Russian
Elementary
Timeline
Executive Director Early Learning, Strategy and Projects
Anglican Diocese ACT/NSW
03.2023 - Current
GM EARLY LEARNING
Canberra /Goulburn
03.2020 - 03.2023
PROJECT LEAD
Catholic Education Melbourne
03.2017 - 03.2020
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (CEO)
Asthma and Respiratory Foundation, NZ
03.2015 - 03.2017
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Migas (apprenticeships)
03.2014 - 03.2015
DIRECTOR OF COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS
Australian Red Cross
01.2009 - 03.2014
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Zoos Victoria
02.2008 - 01.2009
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
The Centre of Adult Education (CAE)
01.2000 - 02.2008
Master's - Business
RMIT
Master's - Education
Monash University
Master's - Counselling
Monash University
Grad Dip - Organization Behaviour
Grad Dip - Education
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