ROSS KELLY

EXPERIENCE

My career of 40 plus years began in the mining industry, leading up to a role as Manager of Caterpillar Mining for Western North America. I have since branched into training and consulting, helping a number of businesses improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their staff and systems.

Initially I completed an apprenticeship in Heavy Plant Technology while working through an Engineering Associates degree in Tasmania. I worked in Tasmania, Victoria, NSW, the UK, France, PNG, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, USA (including Alaska), Mexico, Canada (including NW Territory and the Arctic Region). A large share of my career was in the mining industry, primarily with Caterpillar Undeground Mining, but with roles in Komatsu as well.

Living and working in a range of locations gave me a depth of experience dealing with isolated work sites, basic conditions and resources, varieties of cultures and languages. It also provided the opportunity to mentor local staff and guide them into further career advancement. In some instances, it involved setting up new operations, building relations and contacts in the region. During this time I have held a variety of roles: Technician (hands on), Team Leader, Technical Trainer, Field Service Engineer, Customer Development and Regional Manager.

I created and worked through the accreditation process for a Registered Training Organisation which I managed and where I oversaw a large apprenticeship program across Victoria and Tasmania. This included all internal staff training and development for an 800-person firm.

Working directly for and dealing with businesses from small family-owned and run to multinationals gave me insight into how businesses operate. Importantly I saw the causes of inefficiencies and issues that can impact operations and staff morale. I formalised my understanding of business practices by completing an advanced diploma in Business Management and online studies with Harvard Business School.

Since then I have helped several businesses through the process of auditing and updating their systems, operations and structure. This allows companies to operate at their full potential and employees to flourish.