THOMAS LESTER

Costa Group is a mass producer of a variety of fruits and vegetables across the world and is a billion-dollar business. This site employs over 300 people and is FMCG based facility specializing in the production of mushrooms, producing over 260T a week.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead a multidisciplinary maintenance team of 12 tradespeople and 2 apprentices across a 24/7 site.
• Plan, schedule, and prioritize all preventative and reactive maintenance, ensuring plant reliability and minimal downtime.
• Oversee the RM budget, cost-control initiatives, and optimization of maintenance spending.
• Coordinate maintenance activities with production and operational leadership.
• Manage internal/external stakeholders, contractor engagement, and supplier negotiations.
• Source quotes, procure parts, and maintain critical spares inventory for essential production assets.
• Ensure team compliance with all WHS policies, procedures, and audit requirements.
• Oversee servicing of critical plant systems, utilities, and automated production assets.
• Highly proficient in CMMS (MEX)—including planning, work order management, analytics, and reporting.
• Consistently improve maintenance planning accuracy, workflow efficiency, and team performance.

• Delivered FIFO project support for former employers and completed various local industrial and commercial jobs.
• Provided breakdown support, installation work, and short-term project labour for multiple clients.

• Took a short career break from electrical work while completing a 6-month PLC & SCADA course.
• Responsible for customer service, bar operations, stock management, cash handling, and venue opening/closing duties.

• Supported domestic and industrial electrical work for Naracoorte’s largest contractor and the primary service provider for the Teys meat-processing facility.
• Delivered domestic installations and large-scale industrial electrical works.
• Worked within teams to complete major installation projects.
• Trained apprentices and ensured compliance with safety and quality standards.

• Provided technical service, installation, and maintenance for woodworking machinery across SA.
• Installed, removed, and commissioned machinery including CNCs, saws, and edge banders.
• Responded to breakdowns and service callouts.
• Diagnosed faults on CNC and automated systems.
• Performed routine maintenance and equipment setup.

• Led service delivery for WA’s leading breakdown and machinery support provider in the plastics industry, servicing 30+ industrial clients.
• Attended critical breakdowns, performed advanced fault-finding, and delivered rapid solutions.
• Managed job scheduling, customer communication, and on-site coordination.
• Designed, quoted, and delivered electrical and controls projects to client specifications.
• Supervised small teams on long-term installation and automation upgrades.
• Trained apprentices and mentored junior staff.
• Proposed and implemented tailored machinery and automation solutions for customers.
• Managed client relationships, ensuring professional, solution-focused service.
• Maintained deadlines and project quality across all engagements.

• Worked across domestic, commercial, and industrial sites.
• Ran jobs independently and supervised apprentices.
• Managed tooling and vehicle stock.
• Carried out complex electrical work under guidance from senior leadership.

• Completed apprenticeship while rotating through multiple host employers.
• Gained hands-on experience under supervision across varied environments.
• Attended TAFE weekly and developed foundational trade skills.