Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Operations Management
Timeline
Generic
STEPHEN SKEA

STEPHEN SKEA

Perth,WA

Summary

Operations Director /General manager / Projects director with 24 years of experience in commercial and industrial construction, mining, oil and gas, and power generation. Demonstrated ability to manage teams exceeding 1,600 personnel, driving operational efficiency and productivity improvements. Proven success in strategic planning and cost-reduction initiatives, resulting in enhanced project outcomes. Recognized for strong leadership and deep industry knowledge, ensuring effective team performance and seamless operations.

Overview

24
24
years of professional experience

Work History

Operations Director / Projects Director

Alchemy Bullion & Wealthstack
Perth, Australia
05.2021 - Current
  • Oversaw Perth office staff and 20+ tech personnel across Europe and US.
  • Developed road maps and strategies to target larger markets.
  • Managed all departments to ensure operational efficiency.
  • Directed site project management activities for timely completion.
  • Facilitated business development and capital raising for future ventures.
  • Executed informed decisions regarding business direction and growth.
  • Led build-out of blockchain platform and associated applications.
  • Negotiated contracts to secure favorable terms and conditions.

Operations Director

Hertel Altrad
, Australia
05.2017 - 12.2020
  • Managed over 100 office staff and 1,500 on-site personnel across Australia, achieving $750 million turnover with 23% EBITDA.
  • Created operational and financial efficiencies to enhance productivity and profitability.
  • Oversaw all business departments to ensure seamless operations and strategic alignment.
  • Delivered financial and operational presentations to international partners, showcasing company strengths.
  • Led business development initiatives and maintained strong client relationships.
  • Managed projects and contracts to meet deadlines and budgetary requirements.

General Manager

Hertel Modern Pty Ltd
, Australia
05.2014 - 05.2017
  • Executed high-level operational and financial management for business functions.
  • Oversaw international head office relations to ensure alignment on business matters.
  • Developed and managed operating budget to support organizational goals.
  • Supervised and mentored management and staff to enhance performance.
  • Coordinated short- and long-term operational strategies for efficiency.
  • Formulated business strategies and objectives to drive growth.
  • Facilitated tender clarifications and negotiations with stakeholders.
  • Ensured regulatory compliance while managing contractor and stakeholder relationships.

Regional Operations Manager / Projects Director

Superheat Pty Ltd
, USA, Canada, UK
01.2013 - 05.2014
  • Directed business development initiatives to expand market reach and increase revenue.
  • Coordinated overall project execution, ensuring alignment with objectives and timelines.
  • Managed material procurement processes to ensure timely availability of resources.
  • Facilitated complete business setup, establishing operational frameworks and protocols.
  • Oversaw full financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.
  • Reviewed project planning requirements to align resources with strategic goals.
  • Handled commercial responsibilities from pricing strategies to invoicing operations.
  • Executed contracts management, ensuring compliance with terms and conditions.

Contracts Manager/ Project Manager

Hertel Modern Pty Ltd
, Australia
01.2010 - 01.2013
  • Managed material procurement for multiple major projects, ensuring timely availability of resources.
  • Oversaw project planning requirements to align with client specifications and timelines.
  • Handled commercial responsibilities from pricing through invoicing to maintain budget integrity.
  • Executed all administrative duties related to project management for seamless operations.
  • Coordinated logistics to optimize resource allocation across multi-discipline activities.
  • Facilitated overall project coordination for clients including THIESS, ERG, and FMG.
  • Led project efforts for significant initiatives such as Worsley Multi-Fuel Cogen and Karratha Gas Plant.
  • Collaborated with various stakeholders to ensure effective communication and project delivery.

Contracts Manager / Project Manager

MAS
, Singapore
01.2008 - 01.2010
  • Liaised with Ministry of Manpower to ensure compliance with regulations.
  • Managed projects from inception to completion, ensuring timely delivery.
  • Oversaw material procurement to optimize resource allocation and reduce costs.
  • Analyzed project planning requirements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Handled pricing and invoicing to maintain financial accountability.
  • Executed all administrative duties related to project operations.
  • Coordinated logistics to streamline transportation and delivery processes.

Contracts Administrator

Modern Industries
, Australia
01.2006 - 01.2008
  • Executed all project administrative functions to ensure smooth operations.
  • Managed logistics to facilitate timely project execution.
  • Oversaw material procurement to maintain adequate supply levels.

Procurement and Logistics Officer

Modern Industries
, Australia
01.2002 - 01.2006

Streamlined material ordering and organization processes to enhance efficiency.

Managed site logistics to optimize workflow and resource allocation.

Oversaw commercial responsibilities to ensure compliance with budgetary constraints.

Sheetmetal Workers Apprentice

Cape Modern
Port Hedland, Australia
01.1998 - 01.1999
  • Sheet metal fabrication apprentice

Education

Bachelor of Commerce - Finance & Accounting

Murdoch / bond University
01.2002

Claims Preparation and Assessment -

Master Builders Western Australia
11-2009

Certificate III Business -

TAFE
07-1999

Accounting Diploma -

TAFE
07-1999

Certificate III in Public Safety -

ERG Training
01.2005

Skills

  • Operational and financial efficiency
  • Budget development
  • Tender management
  • Business operations coordination
  • Strategic development
  • Stakeholder management
  • Dispute resolution
  • Goal setting
  • Professional representation
  • Team leadership
  • Communication skills
  • Adaptability
  • Problem solving
  • Project management
  • Construction oversight
  • Estimating and claims management
  • Contract administration
  • Project initiation and closure
  • ISO compliance management
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Project controls oversight
  • Procedural management
  • Business strategy development
  • Strategic analysis and insight
  • Operational oversight
  • Financial oversight
  • Integrated operations strategy
  • Value chain optimization strategies
  • Business development initiatives
  • Project evaluation and identification
  • Market trend analysis
  • Contract negotiation and management
  • Client relationship management
  • Staff management and recruitment
  • Logistics management

References

  • Liam Power, Financial Director, Wealthstack, (Previously: Hertel Altrad), +61 448 308 337, liam.power@wealthstack.com
  • Shaun Currie, Work Force Services Manager, Bechtel, (Previously: Hertel Altrad), +61 416 357 178, scurrie@bechtel.com
  • Jon Statham, Operations Manager, SRG Global, (Previously: Hertel Altrad), +61 419 048 510, Jon.statham@srgglobal.com.au

Operations Management

I have a proven ability to efficiently manage multimillion-dollar contracts and companies with high profit margins and zero LTIs. My career progression from a sheet metal worker's apprentice to an ASIC-registered operations director, demonstrates deep construction, engineering, and industrial services expertise. I have led complex infrastructure projects across commercial and industrial sectors, including housing developments, high-rise buildings, hospitals, data centers, shopping centers, airports, oil and gas facilities, mining production plants, power generation stations, and waste-to-energy projects.

My core skill sets as a general contractor and project executive spans multiple disciplines: mechanical (piping, structural steel), electrical (high-voltage systems, instrumentation), HVAC (chillers, ducting, refrigeration), insulation and fireproofing (passive fire protection, thermal barriers), scaffolding and rope access (industrial height safety), fit-outs and refurbishments (interior construction, tenant improvements), manufacturing and fabrication (modular builds, prefabrication), logistics (fleet management, mobile equipment optimization), building automation (smart systems, IoT integration), and full turnkey project execution.

I played a pivotal role in growing a business from $100 million to $750 million in revenue with a 23% EBITDA, overseeing large-scale workforce operations with 1,500+ craft labor on sites, 150 manufacturing workshop personnel in a 17,000 sqm fabrication facility, and 600+ mobile and fixed assets deployed across multiple sites. My commercial acumen enabled me to estimate, win, manage, and execute 600+ contracts, ranging from $500K to $1 billion, across diverse sectors such as construction, oil and gas, mining, industrial maintenance, and infrastructure development.

Timeline

Operations Director / Projects Director

Alchemy Bullion & Wealthstack
05.2021 - Current

Operations Director

Hertel Altrad
05.2017 - 12.2020

General Manager

Hertel Modern Pty Ltd
05.2014 - 05.2017

Regional Operations Manager / Projects Director

Superheat Pty Ltd
01.2013 - 05.2014

Contracts Manager/ Project Manager

Hertel Modern Pty Ltd
01.2010 - 01.2013

Contracts Manager / Project Manager

MAS
01.2008 - 01.2010

Contracts Administrator

Modern Industries
01.2006 - 01.2008

Procurement and Logistics Officer

Modern Industries
01.2002 - 01.2006

Sheetmetal Workers Apprentice

Cape Modern
01.1998 - 01.1999

Bachelor of Commerce - Finance & Accounting

Murdoch / bond University

Claims Preparation and Assessment -

Master Builders Western Australia

Certificate III Business -

TAFE

Accounting Diploma -

TAFE

Certificate III in Public Safety -

ERG Training
STEPHEN SKEA