LUKE ASHTON
Dows Creek,QLD
Summary
Strategic and results-driven Operations and Business/Branch Manager with over a decade of leadership experience across the industrial, construction, and manufacturing sectors. Proven ability to optimise operational performance, lead high-performing teams, and drive sustainable business growth across regional markets. Expertise in manufacturing operations, union and EBA negotiations, financial oversight, and strategic sales leadership.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Business / Branch Manager
Pipemakers Australia
07.2021 - Current
- Lead branch operations including staffing, safety, budgeting, and compliance to exceed performance and profitability targets
- Negotiate union and EBA outcomes supporting workforce stability and operational efficiency
- Execute regional sales strategies and oversee multimillion-dollar government and commercial tenders
- Provide financial reporting, forecasting, and operational insights to executive leadership
Industrial Sales Representative
NQ Water
10.2019 - 07.2021
- Directed regional sales, technical support, and client engagement across multiple locations
- Implemented a technical sales model improving customer satisfaction and revenue growth
- Aligned service capacity with demand to optimise operational output
Business Development Manager
Freyssinet – Vinci Construction
04.2019 - 10.2019
- Identified and secured high-value civil and infrastructure projects
- Prepared competitive proposals and managed contract negotiations
- Built strong relationships with government and private-sector clients
Sales Engineer
Pall Corporation
03.2017 - 04.2019
- Increased annual revenue from $1.2M to $1.9M through account expansion and new business development
- Delivered engineered filtration solutions tailored to client specifications
- Ensured regulatory and technical compliance through cross-functional collaboration
Customer Support Representative
Cummins South Pacific
04.2014 - 09.2016
- Delivered technical support and service for key industrial clients
- Improved communication workflows between customers, service teams, and operations
Account Manager
Bridgestone Earthmover Tyres
03.2012 - 04.2014
- Managed major client portfolios, consistently exceeding sales and service targets
- Completed Certificate IV in Business Sales, strengthening negotiation and commercial capability
Education
Certificate IV - Business Sales
Bridgestone Earthmover Tyres
Skills
- Strategic Sales & Business Development
- Branch & Operational Leadership
- Manufacturing Operations Management
- Union & EBA Negotiations
- Financial Management & P&L Control
- Tendering & Contract Compliance
- Client Relationship Management
- Process Improvement & Efficiency
- Workforce Planning & Safety Leadership
- Stakeholder Engagement
Accomplishments
- Delivered sustained regional revenue growth through process optimisation and client retention
- Led successful union and EBA negotiations balancing workforce wellbeing with operational goals
- Achieved multimillion-dollar tender wins through compliant, high-quality submissions
- Consistently exceeded sales, budget, and operational KPIs across leadership roles
Certification
- Pump Systems Training — NQ Water
- Licences: Open C Driver Licence | LF Forklift
Timeline
Business / Branch Manager
Pipemakers Australia
07.2021 - Current
Industrial Sales Representative
NQ Water
10.2019 - 07.2021
Business Development Manager
Freyssinet – Vinci Construction
04.2019 - 10.2019
Sales Engineer
Pall Corporation
03.2017 - 04.2019
Customer Support Representative
Cummins South Pacific
04.2014 - 09.2016
Account Manager
Bridgestone Earthmover Tyres
03.2012 - 04.2014
Certificate IV - Business Sales
Bridgestone Earthmover Tyres