Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
LANGUAGES
Timeline
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Mathew van der Merwe

Mathew van der Merwe

Houston,TX

Summary

Dynamic and entrepreneurial professional with a proven record of achievement in competitive markets, consistently driving business growth and enhancing customer experiences. Skilled in delivering exceptional results through innovative strategies that secure customer loyalty and foster strong relationships with external partners and internal teams. Expertise in hands-on projects, ranging from machinery operations to construction tasks such as fencing and home maintenance, showcasing a versatile approach to problem-solving and project execution. Committed to developing new and improved methods that elevate business performance and create lasting impacts.

Professional manager with significant expertise in overseeing complex projects and ensuring timely delivery. Skilled in strategic planning, budget management, and risk assessment. Strong focus on team collaboration, fostering results-driven environment, and adapting to changing needs. Known for reliability, leadership, and effective communication.

Experienced with planning and executing comprehensive project plans. Utilizes strong leadership and organizational skills to guide teams and ensure project milestones are met. Track record of implementing efficient processes and achieving project goals.

Focused Project Manager adept at planning, directing and maintaining continuous operations in various departments. Experienced in directing manufacturing employees and keeping efficient production in accordance with quality standards. Applying creative and analytical approach to operations for continuous process improvement. Skilled at identifying or anticipating problems and providing solutions. Excels through mentoring, training and empowering team to excel in performance.

Professional Project Management Specialist with experience working with teams to accomplish short- and long-term project goals. Managed budgets and monitored project costs.

Knowledgeable site manger with solid foundation in coordinating complex construction projects. Successfully managed multiple projects to completion, ensuring compliance with safety standards and timelines. Demonstrated leadership and problem-solving skills in high-pressure environments.

Hands-on Site Manager with 10 years of construction industry expertise. Proven capability leading teams of up to 30 workers. Mastery in budgeting, quality control, and industry best practices. Honest, hard-working and dedicated to building positive rapport with clients and vendors.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience

Work History

Project Manager

M3 Construction
South Africa
06.2024 - 09.2025
  • Managed daily on-site operations and workforce
  • Oversaw full project lifecycle from planning to completion
  • Managed budgets, cost control, and procurement
  • Scheduled and coordinated multiple trades and contractors
  • Ensured projects were delivered on time and within budget
  • Reported progress to clients and senior management
  • Handled client communication and maintained strong relationships
  • Implemented process improvements to increase efficiency
  • Site Manager 15 Sept 2023- 31 May 2024
  • Managed daily on-site operations and workforce
  • Supervised subcontractors and ensured quality workmanship
  • Coordinated materials, deliveries, and project timelines
  • Enforced health and safety compliance on site
  • Conducted site inspections and resolved operational issues
  • Liaised with clients, suppliers, and contractors

Owner

Emthunzini Wood Works
South Africa
07.2009 - 09.2023
  • Manage staff
  • Ensuring customer satisfaction
  • Assist with all building
  • Specialize in wood works and construction work
  • Social Media upkeep
  • Invoicing and handling of payments
  • During Sept 2018- Dec 2018 was an Temp External rep for Tiles 4 All
  • Designed custom woodwork solutions tailored to client specifications.
  • Managed project timelines and resource allocation for efficiency.
  • Developed and implemented operational strategies to enhance production workflows.
  • Managed day-to-day business operations.
  • Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, financial reporting, and tax preparation.
  • Hired trained, and managed a high-performing team of employees dedicated to achieving company goals.
  • Achieved financial growth with strategic planning, cost control measures, and targeted marketing efforts.
  • Improved team productivity by introducing innovative project management tools and techniques.
  • Updated and resolved incidents and managed accessorial charges objectively while maximizing profit.

Site Manager

M3 Construction
Johannesburg, Za
02.2022 - 01.2023
  • Oversaw daily site operations ensuring project timelines and budgets were met efficiently and reading blue print.
  • Coordinated with subcontractors to streamline workflow and improve communication on-site.
  • Implemented safety protocols resulting in reduced incidents and enhanced compliance standards.
  • Conducted regular inspections to monitor quality control and adherence to project specifications.
  • Reduced safety incidents by conducting regular site inspections and enforcing strict adherence to safety protocols.
  • Developed strong relationships with clients through consistent communication of project updates and prompt resolution of concerns or issues.
  • Maintained records and logs of work performed and materials and equipment used.
  • Managed subcontractors, ensuring quality workmanship and adherence to project timelines and specifications.
  • Oversaw employee attendance record, handled payroll, and ordered new materials for sites.
  • Coordinated training programs for new hires, ensuring all team members were knowledgeable about company policies, safety practices, and job-specific skills.
  • Improved client satisfaction with timely project completion through effective communication and coordination among team members.
  • Created weekly and monthly reports and presentations for management team.
  • Implemented cost-saving measures, identifying areas for improvement in material procurement and labor utilization.
  • Managed change orders effectively, minimizing disruptions to project timelines and ensuring client satisfaction through prompt resolution of issues.
  • Oversaw budget management, consistently delivering projects within allocated financial resources.
  • Monitored, coached, and supervised team of 30 employees in 2023.

Co-owner

Wood Creations
South Africa
01.2006 - 07.2009
  • Designing and building of all wooden jobs
  • Ensuring customer satisfaction
  • Managed inventory levels, overseeing procurement and supply chain logistics.
  • Developed and implemented quality control measures to ensure product excellence.
  • Streamlined workflow processes, resulting in improved turnaround times for customer orders.
  • Established strong vendor relationships to secure high-quality materials at competitive prices.
  • Improved customer satisfaction ratings by consistently delivering high-quality products and services.
  • Ensured accurate record-keeping for financial transactions, maintaining organized documentation for easy reference during audits or other inquiries.
  • Established foundational processes for business operations.
  • Updated and resolved incidents and managed accessorial charges objectively while maximizing profit.
  • Launched staff engagement, gender diversity and cultural programs in addition to robust reporting tool that increased operational quality.
  • Identified and qualified customer needs and negotiated and closed profitable projects with high success rate.
  • Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
  • Managed day-to-day operations efficiently, ensuring smooth workflow and timely completion of tasks.

Education

Grade 10 -

Tugela High Schoolsouth
South Africa
12-1999

Skills

  • Proficient in MS Word
  • Email management
  • Proficient in Adobe Acrobat
  • Effective communication
  • Metabo
  • Ryobi tool proficiency
  • Proficient in DeWalt products
  • Bosch product knowledge
  • Proficient in Matic
  • Experience with Chinese machines
  • Proficient in Elumatic machinery
  • Knowledgeable in troubleshooting reciprocal machinery

LANGUAGES

Home language: English
Other language: Afrikaans
Read and understand

Timeline

Project Manager

M3 Construction
06.2024 - 09.2025

Site Manager

M3 Construction
02.2022 - 01.2023

Owner

Emthunzini Wood Works
07.2009 - 09.2023

Co-owner

Wood Creations
01.2006 - 07.2009

Grade 10 -

Tugela High Schoolsouth