Alumni in profile

Max Nulley's studies in engineering and business administration have proven to be a successful combination in achieving rapid career progression. Max was hired by the Ford Motor Company of Australia as a project engineer in 1995 while completing a Bachelor of Engineering (Manufacturing) at Deakin. Over 10 years, he's risen quickly through the ranks of Engineering, Maintenance and Production Supervision and is now Area Manager (Casting Operations) for Ford in Geelong.

Max says that his management role is providing plenty of challenges.

"I manage two separate manufacturing plants-one iron casting and an aluminium casting plant. These plants employ 32 staff and 270 hourly employees. The iron plant manufactures iron castings such as cylinder blocks, crankshafts, disc brake rotors and various other miscellaneous vehicle components and the aluminium castings plant produces sumps, rocker covers, converter housings, cross-members and intake manifolds for use in the I6 engine powering the Falcon and Territory vehicle families-it is fair to say that I have a great deal of responsibility in my job," he said.

"I really enjoy the diverse nature of my work and the challenges it provides. This includes various engineering challenges, continually striving for safety and productivity improvements, exploring ways to improve product quality and processing, industrial relations and dealing with change leadership and implementation."

Despite the pressures that come with the job, Max enjoys working for Ford.

"Being with Ford has allowed me to progress a dynamic career, including undertaking an MBA with Deakin and to travel overseas for 12 months in the USA to work on an international development assignment," he said.

"I love the fast pace of my job. Ford is a proud company that is great to work for and has great products."

Max thoroughly enjoyed his years studying at Deakin's Geelong campus at Waurn Ponds.

"My courses at Deakin provided me with great theoretical frameworks supported by external experience. I undertook my MBA and engineering degrees at Deakin due to the proximity of the University to major manufacturers like Ford, and because of the strong industry partnerships it has with industry in general."

"As a student, I really enjoyed building relationships with the Deakin staff and my classmates from such a diverse range of industries and experiences. I strongly recommend the Deakin course structures, its facilities, academic staff and the accessibility of place," he said.

Max plans to continue building upon his already impressive resumé of career achievements.

"I plan to continue my career progression and increase the breadth of my responsibility and accountability within the manufacturing industry," he said.

Max is currently based at the Ford Motor Company plant in Geelong.

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