Toby Allen

Profile

A practical, reliable, and hands-on individual with strong problem-solving skills and mechanical aptitude. Experienced in working independently in challenging and demanding environments, demonstrated through extensive travel, previous employment, and education. Adaptable and resourceful, with a proven ability to plan, organise, and deliver tasks safely and efficiently, both as part of a team and in leadership roles. Seeking a technical role where practical skills, reliability, and a strong work ethic can contribute to high-quality results, supported by an inquisitive mindset and a strong ability to quickly learn and apply new skills.

Employment History

Sabbatical
Dec 2024 - Feb 2026

During my career break in Australia, I designed and built a fully self-sufficient overland vehicle to support extended remote travel. This included installing a complete 12V electrical system with integrated solar charging, auxiliary lighting, and battery management to ensure reliable off-grid power. I custom designed and CNC-manufactured a pull-out kitchen system, installed a rooftop tent, awning, 50lt freshwater tank and modified the vehicle for durability and functionality in demanding environments.

I was responsible for all mechanical preparation and ongoing maintenance, including significant vehicle modifications and a partial engine rebuild to ensure reliability in remote regions. The vehicle was used extensively completing nearly 16,000km during travel through isolated areas including the Kimberley region, the Barkly Tableland, the Daintree Rainforest, and the Great Dividing Range.

Alongside this, I undertook seasonal farm work on a mango farm, sheep farm, and at a plant wholesaler. My responsibilities included operating machinery such as backhoes, 3.5-tonne excavators, tractors, and chainsaws, as well as handling livestock and working dogs during draughting and fencing activities. These roles further developed my practical skills, safety awareness, physical resilience, and ability to work effectively in demanding team environments.

Blu Builders Pty ltd
Dec 2023 - Dec 2024

Operations Manager & Designer

Led end-to-end design, fabrication, and installation of bespoke commercial and experiential builds for local, national, and international clients. Managed the full project lifecycle from client consultation and concept development through CAD design, CNC production, fabrication oversight, and onsite bump-in/bump-out logistics.

Supervised workshop operations including CNC programming and workflow optimisation, trained and onboarded new team members, coordinated external suppliers and contractors, and implemented process improvements that increased efficiency and project profitability.

Key projects included:

Major event installations for the HSBC Rugby Sevens, Perth. Activations across Perth's CBD and HBF park. Approximate value $500,0000 AUD

A Space Odyssey–inspired bar installation for the Museum of Western Australia Boola Bardip, supporting Luke Jerram’s internationally touring Moon exhibition. $30,000 value

Native Design Ltd
Dec 2021 - Dec 2023

Model Maker & CNC Operator

Collaborating with colleagues to design and create quality prototypes of innovative consumer products,for global clients including HP, Coca-Cola, Bentley and Bowers & Wilkins. I troubleshoot and advise on the best approach to scope solutions that work to project timings, budget and expected aesthetic. I am efficient in high-speed machining operations of aluminium, brass and a number of modelling materials. Drawing on previous experience to hand build models of varying sizes and tolerances using traditional workshop equipment.

In addition, deputising and undertaking the managerial duties of the workshop manager in their absence to maintain consistency, efficiency and workshop safety.

Rule One Productions
July 2021 - Dec 2021

Designer & CNC Operator

Working closely with company directors, I take concepts from ideas all the way through to production ready files. Modelling in fusion 360,creating presentation visuals, CAM files and programming a 3 axis CNC machine.I am also involved with pitching concepts to clients most recently helping to secure an immersive dining experience brief for whisky brand Balvenie aswell as an international window display roll out for Aēsop. I have designed shop windows, sets and products through regular work with luxury brands including Liberties, Dior and Aēsop

Because Creative
Sep 2020 - April 2021

Production Coordinator

A start up company Because Creative required me to develop their manufacturing processes, home-wares and set builds. I also became responsible for purchasing workshop equipments and developing health and safety standards/initiatives.