Will Ellwood
General Manager at ATS - The Shooting Range Experts- Claim this Profile
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Bio
Dr. Dimitrios Loukas
I had the pleasure to work with Will for three years in a large-scale defense program in the UAE. Will led the contractor team that deployed specialist systems countrywide and I worked as the client-side Program Manager. Will managed to deliver massive amounts of high-quality work, both in terms of physical deliverables and documentation. He demonstrated the capacity to setup a delivery organization from scratch, establishing a company in a new region, hiring and leading a team of 130 persons, and deliver results for our client. Apart from his outstanding leadership and communication skills, Will is a true expert in his line of business. Our interactions during this program eventually led to my doctorate research and thesis. Will has s a solid and hands-on understanding of the program delivery process and he is able to communicate this effectively to non-expert stakeholders. He also has outstanding planning skills, developing realistic time, materials, resources and cost schedules. Delivery is organized in minute detail, risks within his control are mitigated effectively and risks at the side of other stakeholders are identified clearly and well in advance. In terms of communication Will is able to develop concise and transparent reporting structures that provide the client all necessary information, minimizing the need for day to day communication and enabling focus on issues that can affect the overall program performance. He delivered numerous assets, that introduced new capabilities for multiple teams in our client’s organization. Will managed to deliver cutting edge systems, training and maintenance services across a large geographic area, providing exceptional value for our client. I would highly recommend Will for leadership positions in the defense and technology sectors because he has a proven delivery record, excellent program management capabilities, and the ability to establish and run efficient business operations. Please feel free to reach out to me if you require any further information or clarification.
Liam Hansen
Will is a highly competent project manager, who has consistently demonstrated a strong delivery focused approach in delivery of complex projects. Will has demonstrated highly developed planning, risk management and problem solving skills, which have enabled him to deliver successful outcomes. A particular strength of Will's is his highly developed communication and interpersonal skills. He is eminently approachable, and works effectively in complex, diverse and multi-cultural environments. I would highly recommend Will's skills in the management of complex projects.
Dr. Dimitrios Loukas
I had the pleasure to work with Will for three years in a large-scale defense program in the UAE. Will led the contractor team that deployed specialist systems countrywide and I worked as the client-side Program Manager. Will managed to deliver massive amounts of high-quality work, both in terms of physical deliverables and documentation. He demonstrated the capacity to setup a delivery organization from scratch, establishing a company in a new region, hiring and leading a team of 130 persons, and deliver results for our client. Apart from his outstanding leadership and communication skills, Will is a true expert in his line of business. Our interactions during this program eventually led to my doctorate research and thesis. Will has s a solid and hands-on understanding of the program delivery process and he is able to communicate this effectively to non-expert stakeholders. He also has outstanding planning skills, developing realistic time, materials, resources and cost schedules. Delivery is organized in minute detail, risks within his control are mitigated effectively and risks at the side of other stakeholders are identified clearly and well in advance. In terms of communication Will is able to develop concise and transparent reporting structures that provide the client all necessary information, minimizing the need for day to day communication and enabling focus on issues that can affect the overall program performance. He delivered numerous assets, that introduced new capabilities for multiple teams in our client’s organization. Will managed to deliver cutting edge systems, training and maintenance services across a large geographic area, providing exceptional value for our client. I would highly recommend Will for leadership positions in the defense and technology sectors because he has a proven delivery record, excellent program management capabilities, and the ability to establish and run efficient business operations. Please feel free to reach out to me if you require any further information or clarification.
Liam Hansen
Will is a highly competent project manager, who has consistently demonstrated a strong delivery focused approach in delivery of complex projects. Will has demonstrated highly developed planning, risk management and problem solving skills, which have enabled him to deliver successful outcomes. A particular strength of Will's is his highly developed communication and interpersonal skills. He is eminently approachable, and works effectively in complex, diverse and multi-cultural environments. I would highly recommend Will's skills in the management of complex projects.
Dr. Dimitrios Loukas
I had the pleasure to work with Will for three years in a large-scale defense program in the UAE. Will led the contractor team that deployed specialist systems countrywide and I worked as the client-side Program Manager. Will managed to deliver massive amounts of high-quality work, both in terms of physical deliverables and documentation. He demonstrated the capacity to setup a delivery organization from scratch, establishing a company in a new region, hiring and leading a team of 130 persons, and deliver results for our client. Apart from his outstanding leadership and communication skills, Will is a true expert in his line of business. Our interactions during this program eventually led to my doctorate research and thesis. Will has s a solid and hands-on understanding of the program delivery process and he is able to communicate this effectively to non-expert stakeholders. He also has outstanding planning skills, developing realistic time, materials, resources and cost schedules. Delivery is organized in minute detail, risks within his control are mitigated effectively and risks at the side of other stakeholders are identified clearly and well in advance. In terms of communication Will is able to develop concise and transparent reporting structures that provide the client all necessary information, minimizing the need for day to day communication and enabling focus on issues that can affect the overall program performance. He delivered numerous assets, that introduced new capabilities for multiple teams in our client’s organization. Will managed to deliver cutting edge systems, training and maintenance services across a large geographic area, providing exceptional value for our client. I would highly recommend Will for leadership positions in the defense and technology sectors because he has a proven delivery record, excellent program management capabilities, and the ability to establish and run efficient business operations. Please feel free to reach out to me if you require any further information or clarification.
Liam Hansen
Will is a highly competent project manager, who has consistently demonstrated a strong delivery focused approach in delivery of complex projects. Will has demonstrated highly developed planning, risk management and problem solving skills, which have enabled him to deliver successful outcomes. A particular strength of Will's is his highly developed communication and interpersonal skills. He is eminently approachable, and works effectively in complex, diverse and multi-cultural environments. I would highly recommend Will's skills in the management of complex projects.
Dr. Dimitrios Loukas
I had the pleasure to work with Will for three years in a large-scale defense program in the UAE. Will led the contractor team that deployed specialist systems countrywide and I worked as the client-side Program Manager. Will managed to deliver massive amounts of high-quality work, both in terms of physical deliverables and documentation. He demonstrated the capacity to setup a delivery organization from scratch, establishing a company in a new region, hiring and leading a team of 130 persons, and deliver results for our client. Apart from his outstanding leadership and communication skills, Will is a true expert in his line of business. Our interactions during this program eventually led to my doctorate research and thesis. Will has s a solid and hands-on understanding of the program delivery process and he is able to communicate this effectively to non-expert stakeholders. He also has outstanding planning skills, developing realistic time, materials, resources and cost schedules. Delivery is organized in minute detail, risks within his control are mitigated effectively and risks at the side of other stakeholders are identified clearly and well in advance. In terms of communication Will is able to develop concise and transparent reporting structures that provide the client all necessary information, minimizing the need for day to day communication and enabling focus on issues that can affect the overall program performance. He delivered numerous assets, that introduced new capabilities for multiple teams in our client’s organization. Will managed to deliver cutting edge systems, training and maintenance services across a large geographic area, providing exceptional value for our client. I would highly recommend Will for leadership positions in the defense and technology sectors because he has a proven delivery record, excellent program management capabilities, and the ability to establish and run efficient business operations. Please feel free to reach out to me if you require any further information or clarification.
Liam Hansen
Will is a highly competent project manager, who has consistently demonstrated a strong delivery focused approach in delivery of complex projects. Will has demonstrated highly developed planning, risk management and problem solving skills, which have enabled him to deliver successful outcomes. A particular strength of Will's is his highly developed communication and interpersonal skills. He is eminently approachable, and works effectively in complex, diverse and multi-cultural environments. I would highly recommend Will's skills in the management of complex projects.
Experience
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ATS - The Shooting Range Experts
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Australia
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Defense and Space Manufacturing
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1 - 100 Employee
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General Manager
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Apr 2023 - Present
In his current role at ATS, Will is a driving force behind strategic growth and innovation. ATS, as a top-tier live fire target systems business, remains dedicated to providing realistic combat training for the Australian Defence Force and global Armed Forces. As part of a Veteran-owned enterprise, Will's contributions are pivotal in shaping the strategic vision, identifying growth opportunities, managing financial intricacies, and guiding the trajectory of product development. His leadership has been instrumental in orchestrating the creation and implementation of cutting-edge technology-based capabilities, yielding substantial enhancements in end-user training outcomes. Show less
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Operations Manager
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Jul 2022 - Apr 2023
During his tenure as the Operations Manager at ATS, Will orchestrated pivotal advancements, notably introducing an online, centralized Integrated Master Schedule (IMS). This groundbreaking initiative reshaped internal dynamics, enhancing project organization, resource management, commercial modeling, and advanced analytical reporting. Will's multifaceted role encompassed diverse responsibilities, including business development, crafting AUSDEFCON tender responses, guiding the development of complex programs, operationalizing successful converted opportunities, and driving product innovation. These achievements fostered unparalleled synchronization across the organization, setting new industry benchmarks for success. Show less
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Malibu Boats Australia
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Australia
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Shipbuilding
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1 - 100 Employee
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Director
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Nov 2021 - Jul 2022
As a Director at Malibu Boats Australia, a world-leading Tow Boat Manufacturer, Will was recruited to devise and execute strategic plans, establishing strong market positioning across seven franchisees in Australia and New Zealand, leading to a remarkable 76% market share. Key Achievements: - Forged successful partnerships through skillful negotiations and stakeholder management, notably a strategic collaboration between Malibu Boats, Formula 1, and General Motors Specialty Vehicles (GMSV), driving substantial sales growth. - Formulated an annual strategic marketing blueprint for Malibu and its franchisees, resulting in an impressive 140% increase in annual production bookings, valued at around AED 200 million. This included a record quarterly growth of 21.46% in Q2 2022. - Pioneered a comprehensive framework, processes, and procedures, fostering a high-performance environment across multiple business units—manufacturing, testing, sales, marketing, and product support. This framework ensured superior product quality and service standards for Malibu products in the Australian and New Zealand markets. Show less
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Avenue One Design
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Australia
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Design Services
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1 - 100 Employee
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Founder & Managing Director
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Mar 2019 - Nov 2021
Transitioning from the Defence industry, Will embarked on an entrepreneurial journey as the Founder and Managing Director of Avenue One Design, a distinguished high-end residential design and project management studio situated in Sydney. With a visionary approach, he established a resilient, profitable, and enduring business model within the formidable realm of the property market. Notably, Avenue One Design achieved a remarkable reputation by orchestrating the creation and delivery of some of Sydney's most exclusive properties. These sought-after residences, valued between $5 million and $40 million, were testament to the studio's exceptional design and project management prowess. Show less
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ATS - The Shooting Range Experts
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Australia
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Defense and Space Manufacturing
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1 - 100 Employee
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Senior Project Manager, UAE
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Oct 2016 - Feb 2019
In his role as Senior Project Manager, Will achieved a remarkable promotion and international transfer to support the UAE Armed Forces in shaping end-user requirements and developing the next generation training capability. His contributions were instrumental in securing the acceptance of a compelling commercial and technical proposal, encompassing software development, installations, training, and sustained post-delivery support.At the helm of one of the world's most expansive initiatives, Will skillfully orchestrated the groundbreaking program for the UAE Governement. This encompassed the establishment and ongoing maintenance of state-of-the-art combat shooting capabilities, incorporating an array of live fire training systems, equipment, and facilities. He also spearheaded the delivery of comprehensive end-user training courses.As the primary liaison for both client-side management and internal program operationalization, Will's leadership played a pivotal role in the initiative's success. He also made significant contributions to developing and submitting contract extension frameworks. Notably, Will's innovative drive extended to overseeing the product development of multiple 'world-first' solutions, spanning software, hardware, and equipment. These innovations significantly augmented the Armed Forces' training capabilities. Show less
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Operations Manager
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Dec 2015 - Oct 2016
Elevated to the role of Operations Manager, Will spearheaded a comprehensive range of responsibilities. These encompassed guaranteeing consistent program delivery across projects, engineering development programs, technical services maintenance contracts, and end user training programs.In this capacity, Will expertly orchestrated the coordination of all project and operational resources. This included meticulously managing personnel, materials, and equipment to ensure the punctual execution of projects, all within budget constraints and aligned with stringent quality and client standards.His remit extended further to fiscal management, where he adeptly oversaw budgets and resource allocation. Will also demonstrated acumen in enhancing organizational systems and processes, optimizing resource planning and management for heightened efficiency.In his role, Will upheld ISO 9001 quality system standards with rigor, affirming a commitment to unparalleled quality in all endeavors. Additionally, his adept oversight of contractual management underscored his role in fostering successful project outcomes. Show less
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Project Manager, AUS
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Dec 2013 - Dec 2015
In his capacity as a Project Manager at ATS within the defense industry, Will undertook a pivotal role in overseeing electronic target range installations, upgrades, and innovation projects spanning global locations such as Australia, UAE, KSA, Qatar, Bahrain, Singapore, Jordan, Azerbaijan, and Bangladesh.In this role, Will was entrusted with the comprehensive management of electronic target range installations and upgrades, extending across diverse international settings. These undertakings included the establishment of advanced live fire training facilities and equipment, showcasing his expertise in complex project execution on a global scale.Highlighted Achievements:- Spearheaded the seamless delivery of sophisticated electronic target systems, seamlessly integrated with a Range Control System (RCS). In addition to ensuring seamless integration, Will customized these systems to cater to distinct range types. He played a pivotal role in overseeing onsite acceptance testing, commissioning processes, and comprehensive operator training.- Demonstrating astute problem-solving skills, Will identified and converted technical proposals into actionable solutions to address gaps in end training needs. Specifically, he excelled in creating and operationalizing capabilities for live fire training systems and equipment. His role involved meticulous stakeholder management, engaging senior members of the ADF, and orchestrating coordinated technical solutions to achieve optimal outcomes.Through his leadership as a Project Manager at ATS, Will showcased remarkable skills in overseeing multifaceted projects and innovating solutions that enhanced training capabilities for defense entities worldwide. Show less
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Targetry Technician
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May 2010 - Dec 2013
As a skilled Targetry Technician, Will specialized in the maintenance, installation, and integration of live fire target systems across various contracts. Notably, he managed maintenance subcontracts for the EMOS National Maintenance Contract and the Expanded Land Forces (ELF) program. These endeavors encompassed equipment installations and upgrades for approximately 95% of the Australian Defence Force's assets spread throughout the country.In his role as a Targetry Technician, Will's proficiency in maintenance and technical management played a pivotal role in optimizing the operational readiness of the Australian Defence Force's assets. This experience laid the foundation for his subsequent promotion to a higher leadership position. Show less
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Education
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Diverse Training Concepts
Advanced Diploma, BSB60420 - Leadership and Management -
Diverse Training Concepts
Diploma, BSB50120 - Business -
2011 - 2013
Open Training Education Network (OTEN)
Diploma, Project Management (DipPM) -
Diverse Training Concepts
Diploma, CPP50619 Security & Risk Management -
Diverse Training Concepts
Certificate IV, TAE40116 Training & Assessment -
The learning People Global
(PMP) Project Management Professional (In progess) -
The Learning People Global
Prince 2 ® Certification – Foundation & Practitioner (In Progress) -
The Learning People Global
Prince 2 ® Certification – Agile Practitioner (In Progress) -
Diverse Training Concepts
Certificate IV, CPP40719 Security Management -
2022 - 2022
Diverse Training Concepts
Certificate II, CPP20218 Security Operations -
2016 - 2016
Grey Campus - UAE
PMP 40 Hour Classroom Training Bootcamp Course
Community
