Professional Summary
Professional Overview
Rick Calabrese is an experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO) with a diverse background spanning construction, engineering, project management, and the retail fuels industry. He currently holds COO positions at three leading organizations - Nathan Burkett Landscape Architecture, Fields, and Botanic Horticulture - where he is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations, driving strategic initiatives, and ensuring operational excellence.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As COO, Rick is instrumental in optimizing organizational processes, improving operational efficiency, and implementing best practices to support long-term growth and profitability. He leverages his extensive experience in project management, construction, and infrastructure development to guide his teams and deliver high-quality products and services to clients.
Career Progression
Rick's career journey has spanned a variety of leadership roles, including General Manager, Commercial Manager, and Head of Construction, Planning, and Design. He has honed his skills in project management, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement through his work with organizations such as Interface Constructions, United Petroleum, and the Department of Justice in New South Wales.
Throughout his career, Rick has demonstrated a strong ability to drive operational improvements, manage complex projects, and navigate challenging industry landscapes. His consulting experience, coupled with his academic background, has equipped him with a well-rounded skillset that enables him to excel in his current COO roles.
Academic Background
Rick holds a Bachelor's degree in Engineering from The University of Melbourne, where he also serves as a Part-Time Lecturer, sharing his industry expertise with the next generation of professionals.
Areas of Expertise
- Operational management and optimization
- Strategic planning and execution
- Project management and delivery
- Construction and infrastructure development
- Retail and commercial operations
- Stakeholder engagement and collaboration
Professional Impact
Rick's leadership and expertise have had a significant impact on the organizations he has worked with. Notable achievements include:
- Spearheading the successful implementation of the "Store of the Future" program at BP, driving operational efficiency and enhancing the customer experience.
- Serving as the Larg North Infrastructure Project Director at BP, leading the delivery of a complex, large-scale infrastructure project on time and within budget.
- Driving continuous improvement initiatives as the PMO/Program Office Manager at BP, resulting in enhanced project performance and increased organizational agility.
Conclusion
With his extensive experience, strong technical expertise, and proven track record of operational excellence, Rick Calabrese is a seasoned COO who is well-equipped to lead organizations in the construction, landscaping, and horticulture industries to new levels of success. His collaborative approach, strategic mindset, and commitment to driving positive change make him a valuable asset to any organization.
