Age 32
Where are you based at the moment (who do you work for)?
I am based in Cape Town. I currently work as a Project Manager (Developments) for Nedbank.
In what year did you complete your honours degree?
2013
What path did you follow before ending up with your current company?
I first worked as a Junior Construction Manager for Integrated Solutions where we specialised in hotel refurbishments and retail fitouts. I was also fortunate enough to work cross boarder in Central West Africa as well as through this company. I was based here between 2014- 2016
In 2017 I then joined a Cape Town based property developed company called Rabie Property Group (Pty) Ltd where I worked as a Project Manager for high-end residential, mixed-use, and commercial developments. In 2018 I joined Mace as a Project Manager on the Ridge development at the V&A Waterfront. I then joined Abland Property Developers as a Project / Development Manager specialising in industrial developments. In March 2023, I joined Nedbank as a Project Manager (Developments) and I am currently based in their Cape Town office.
What is your current position and what does the role entail?
To ensure that contract documentation and building projects are completed in accordance with Nedbank policy and procedures, and building draws are made in accordance with loan agreements, thereby protecting the interests of the bank and its clients.
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Project monitoring: Ensure that pro-active contact is maintained with developers, joint venture partners, and contractors to keep abreast of the overall project status. Facilitating the development loan process and ensuring that projects are completed in line with approval and specifications provided to Nedbank;
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Progress payments: Manage building loan progress payments and compliance with any authorities’ zoning and subdivision conditions. Ensure that projects are completed in line with budgets and programmes provided to the Bank.
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Viability and cost assessment: Assess and verify the building and civils cost estimate contained in the viability presented by the developer;
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Keep up to date with changes in building / development costs, viability, financing, structuring of development loans, and management of property developments;
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Assess and monitor the risk / reward profile of the development. Taking a proactive approach on projects and highlighting risks and potential mitigants to all key stakeholders during the development process;
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Pre-condition scrutiny: Ensure all conditions are met prior to payment, including municipal approvals, town planning approvals, and contractual information on the project;
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Client service: Build and maintain relationships with clients and all stakeholders, and
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Understanding, advising, and reporting on Green and sustainable elements in the building during construction.
What advice would you give a current construction management student?
The course can be challenging but also very rewarding. Maintain good relationships with your peers and your lecturers as you may need them for networking and business opportunities in the future. You can have the best CV and pass all your modules with distinction, but ultimately in the real world what matters the most is who you know.
If a respected individual in the industry can vouch for you – their opinion will matter a lot more to potential employers / clients than ‘fancy’ words written on a piece of paper.
What was your favourite module?
KBS – Structures. It was very challenging, and I enjoyed the maths / physics behind it.
Who was your favourite lecturer?
Both John Smallwood and Chris Allen
What are your plans for the next 5 to 10 years?
In the next 5 years, I would like to further my career in the property development sector of construction. There is a lot of opportunity out there despite the economic challenges.
Within the next 10 years I would like to be ‘my own boss’ and have my own property development company.