Terry Shackleton

With 40 years of experience, Terry Shackleton is a seasoned Project Manager specialising in mechanical and structural applications across construction, mining, materials handling, and plant equipment. His role involves working directly with clients to develop cost-effective solutions, managing contractors, overseeing design and project execution, and ensuring projects are delivered on time and on budget while maintaining customer trust and satisfaction.

Terry’s career has been shaped by mentorship from industry leaders, guiding him through business management, commercial agreements, and hands-on engineering execution. His expertise spans concept design, manufacturing, and installation, giving him a comprehensive understanding of project lifecycles from start to finish.

Career Highlights & Leadership Impact

• Cement Australia – Port Kembla Powder Conveyance Upgrade – Successfully integrated new equipment into an existing plant, overcoming client concerns about feasibility. Delivered the project on time and within budget, proving that innovative engineering can unlock new possibilities.
• Diaphragm Wall Foundation Systems – Brisbane River – Designed slurry filtration systems and a portable batching plant for large-scale water retention projects.
• Autocare – Motor Vehicle Transport Equipment Upgrade – Led the modernisation of transport systems, ensuring compliance with new standards and establishing a framework for ongoing scheduled maintenance across Australia.
• Cement Australia – Emissions Reduction Solutions – Adapted new manufacturing systems to meet evolving environmental compliance protocols.

Terry thrives on tackling difficult projects that demand fast, innovative solutions. His ability to blend technical expertise with real-world practicality ensures that even the most complex challenges are met with effective, executable outcomes.

Approach to Leadership & Problem Solving

For Terry, work ethic is everything. He values sharing knowledge and historical challenges with colleagues to help them approach projects with a problem-solving mindset. His philosophy? “Proving that it can be done—never give up.”

Credentials & Professional Expertise

• Advanced Certificate in Mechanical Engineering
• Background as a Boilermaker, progressing to senior management roles by age 21
• Proficiency in open crane operations, concrete placement, and heavy vehicle logistics, enabling expert guidance on complex lift and shift methods

Beyond Engineering

Terry is a licensed recreational pilot and remote pilot (RPA – RPC). He draws parallels between flying and project management, noting that both require real-time decision-making where every choice impacts those around you.

His guiding principles? On time. On budget. And always with a sense of humour.

Terry supports volunteers who dedicate their time to others and is a strong advocate for animal welfare, particularly through the RSPCA.