Our Team
At SMS Group Services, our success is built on the expertise, dedication, and innovation of our people. From skilled tradespeople and engineers to in-house designers and project managers, our team brings together a wealth of knowledge and experience to deliver safe, efficient, and sustainable solutions across scaffolding, access, industrial services, blasting, and painting.
We foster a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and leadership, ensuring that every team member is equipped with the tools and training needed to excel. With a strong focus on safety, innovation, and sustainability, our people are not just delivering projects; they’re shaping the future of the industry.
Our Leadership Team
Mark Welsh
Managing Director
Mark Welsh is the Managing Director and founder of SMS Group Services, bringing over two decades of experience in the scaffolding and access industry. After serving five years in the Royal Navy, where he gained a solid foundation in leadership and operational discipline, Mark migrated to New Zealand and later to Australia, where he began his career in scaffolding.
Starting on the tools, Mark worked his way through the ranks across various roles in the mining, oil and gas, and construction sectors. His hands-on experience gave him a detailed understanding of site operations, but also a growing frustration with outdated management approaches common in the industry at the time.
In 2001, he founded SMS Group Services with a clear vision: to build a company that prioritises safety, efficiency, and a strong, team-based culture. Under his leadership, SMS has grown into one of Western Australia’s leading access and industrial services providers, known for its reliable service delivery and commitment to continuous improvement.
Mark remains actively involved in daily operations and continues to drive innovation and strategic growth across the business.
Luke Ward
General Manager
With over 20 years of experience in operational oversight, quality assurance, and senior management, Luke leads SMS’s General Team with a focus on stability, efficiency, and safety. Since joining SMS in 2016, he has taken charge of the company’s key business functions, including HSEQ, accounts and administration, finance, and payroll.
Luke has been instrumental in streamlining internal systems and improving service delivery across the board. His pragmatic leadership and commitment to continuous improvement have not only boosted productivity but also strengthened SMS’s compliance and governance. Most recently, Luke successfully led the business through qualification for ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 – a major milestone in SMS’s commitment to safety and environmental responsibility.
Richard Barrett
Operations Manager
A valued member of the SMS team for over a decade, Richard brings more than 20 years of scaffolding and access management experience across major and mega projects in the UK, Dubai, and Australia.
As Operations Manager, Richard oversees the full scope of operations, including site teams, asset and logistics management, recruitment, and yard personnel. He is responsible for one of SMS’s largest and most complex programs of work and has transformed the way services are delivered by implementing a structured reporting framework. This system gives clients full visibility of project progress and a clear demonstration of value received for their investment.
Richard’s strategic oversight and commitment to continuous improvement have been instrumental in driving operational efficiency and client satisfaction across SMS projects
Gary Varian
HSEQ Manager
As HSEQ Manager, Gary plays a critical role in upholding SMS’s strong safety culture and ensuring our industry-leading safety record is maintained across all worksites. With over 20 years of experience in safety and training, Gary has been instrumental in developing and embedding a robust safety management system throughout the business.
His hands-on approach, depth of knowledge, and commitment to continuous improvement have helped drive compliance, reduce risk, and promote a proactive safety mindset across every level of SMS operations.
Daniela Lima
Human Resources Manager
With extensive experience across mining, renewable energy, manufacturing, and public services, Daniela brings a wealth of knowledge in people and culture business partnering, talent acquisition, change management, and leadership development.
Throughout her career, Daniela has led global mobility projects, developed impactful mentoring and career development programs, and implemented initiatives that improve organisational capability and employee engagement. Notably, she played a pivotal role in bringing over 200 international workers into Australia during border closures, saving over $400K annually through in-house visa processing. Daniela is passionate about supporting teams, fostering a positive workplace culture, and driving strategic outcomes.
Lee (Jimmy) Plunkett
Senior Designer
With over 18 years of experience in the scaffolding industry, Lee brings a strong mix of site-based knowledge and technical design capability to his role at SMS Group Services. Having worked his way up from scaffolder to leading hand, supervisor, and now senior designer, he understands what works on-site and translates that into practical, compliant scaffold designs.
Lee is highly proficient in AutoCAD, Fusion360, and Navisworks, producing detailed 2D and 3D models that crews can easily interpret and execute. His hands-on experience means he designs with buildability and safety at the forefront of his mind, and he plays a key role in coordinating between site, engineering, and design teams. Known for his reliability, attention to detail, and ability to mentor others, Lee is a respected and trusted member of the SMS team.