Sahan Thummodarage Email & Phone Number

Auckland, Nz

All Regions, New Zealand

Responsible for leading a large, multi-level team structure overseeing comprehensive account management, project management, asset management, and supply chain operations. Including executive liaison with the customer, responsible for fostering and strengthening strategic relationships with key stakeholders.Also responsible to provide visionary leadership, strategic direction, and executive oversight to all team members, both direct and indirect ensuring the delivery of exceptional solutions that align with organisational standards and contractual commitments, while also achieving targeted business unit profitability.Key responsibilities include the strategic management of fleet and assets to deliver substantial value, ensuring resource availability, robust information systems, and auditable processes to meet objectives. I also lead initiatives to promote a culture of safety, ensure technical compliance in large-scale projects, and drive continuous improvement in asset lifecycle management, replacement planning, and budgeting.Key achievements include playing a pivotal role in preparing and delivering tenders and bid proposals, leading transformational change initiatives that streamlined processes, boosted productivity, and reduced costs. I successfully turned around contract performance by implementing strategic improvements that enhanced service delivery and exceeded targets. Additionally, I introduced and integrated technologies to improve operational efficiency and turnaround times for Ground Support Equipment.Collaboration is central to my approach—I work closely with legal, finance, and procurement teams to align strategies and ensure smooth contract execution. I act as point of escalation for resolving complex client issues, while keeping executive leadership informed of risks and challenges impacting performance.

All Regions, New Zealand

I was responsible for planning and leading GSE and Tooling Operations across all Air New Zealand airports, including international and regional hubs focusing on improving business performance, achieving strategic and operational goals, and maintaining operational excellence in a safe and sustainable manner.In this capacity, I managed day-to-day operational requirements, overseeing the plant, machinery, equipment, tooling, and light vehicle fleet across the New Zealand network by collaborating with Airport Operations Managers, Aircraft Maintenance teams, and other key stakeholders, ensuring seamless delivery of GSE and tooling requirements aligned with business targets and strategic objectives.Led a high-performing team, I provided coaching and development to foster compliance with regulations and standards while driving continuous improvement initiatives. My responsibilities included financial performance monitoring, business process optimisation, and forward planning strategies, ensuring budgets are met, risks are managed, and operational activity is enhanced.A key aspect of my role was building and maintaining strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders and implementing strategies that optimise GSE operations. I also prioritised health, safety, and regulatory compliance, ensuring adherence to company policies and safe operating practices.Key Achievements include establishing a centralised GSE Operations team across New Zealand, consolidating cost centers for greater efficiency. Delivering milestones as part of the ongoing GSE Electrification Project, supporting Air New Zealand’s carbon emission goals and implemented GSE cost optimisation strategies, significantly reducing maintenance and operational expenses.Through strong leadership, strategic planning, and a commitment to operational excellence, I drove innovation and efficiency to support Air New Zealand’s mission of delivering world-class service.

Auckland, New Zealand

In this role, I was responsible for managing the entire lifecycle of aviation Ground Support Equipment (GSE). This included planning, acquisition, commissioning, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning of GSE, with a focus on operational efficiency and compliance.I managed fixed plant equipment, machinery, and tooling at Auckland’s Engineering base, ensuring the effective operation and maintenance of assets. Collaborating with internal teams and external vendors, I developed business cases, maintenance plans, and preventative maintenance schedules aligned with regulatory requirements. By overseeing supplier contracts, I ensured the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective services, regularly reviewing performance against contractual obligations.My role also involved developing and maintaining a comprehensive asset register in SAP, managing maintenance budgets, and overseeing the lifecycle of all equipment and tooling in Auckland. I contributed to OPEX and CAPEX projects, ensuring they were delivered on time and within budget, while actively maintaining the safety and security of assets, systems, and procedures.Key achievements include successfully creating preventative maintenance schedules for all fixed plant and equipment within the Engineering and Maintenance division, ensuring operational reliability and efficiency. I also designed and implemented streamlined processes for maintenance programs, driving improvements in performance and compliance. Additionally, I introduced measures to enhance aircraft maintenance tooling compliance and tool control, contributing to higher standards of safety, accountability, and operational excellence.Through strategic planning, effective relationship management, and a commitment to safety and compliance, I played a vital role in optimising GSE operations and supporting Air New Zealand's engineering excellence.

All Regions, New Zealand

Responsible for managing the service delivery of two teams at Refining New Zealand in Marsden Point and in Auckland.• Manage the service delivery of the Refining New Zealand contract performance and projects across New Zealand.• Responsible for the reliability of assets.• Support National Manager in tender and bid process.• Liaise closely with the client and other stakeholders including Contact Energy, Mercury Energy and Oceana Gold.• Participate in client-consultant meetings and technical meetings, and facilitate regular team meetings.• Deliver maintenance with the least interruption to enable achievement of client’s objectives.• Identify, recommend, and implement improvements to ensure efficiency and cost effectiveness.• Visit customer sites to maintain effective relationships with external stakeholders. • Oversee team activities, schedule and manage team’s workload, and structured tasks to meet deadlines.• Communicate company goals to the team and develop strategies to meet targets.• Plan work orders including projecting costs.• Manage inventories and record keep.• Plan and purchase materials through internal plants and external vendors.• Read and understand engineering drawings and write technical inspection reports.• Prepare quotes for repairs and new installs for customers.• Strip and inspect mechanical seals, and refurbish and test mechanical seals to an API/ISO standard.• Perform troubleshooting on seal failures, and assemble new mechanical seals.

Auckland, New Zealand

Bachelor Of Science - Bs

National Certificate, Real Estate (Nzqa Level 4)

National Certificate, Aeronautical Engineering (Nzqa Level 4)

National Certificate, Aeronautical Engineering (Nzqa Level 3)