Eric van Niekerk
Cobbitty,NSW
Summary
Project management–qualified fabrication and production leader with 20+ years’ hands-on experience in sheet metal, structural fabrication, welding and maintenance. Skilled in SolidWorks (sheet metal & weldments), M1 ERP, estimating/tender analysis, CNC programming, preventative maintenance and team leadership. Proven track record delivering projects from design and estimating through production and commissioning.
Demonstrates strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills, with proven ability to quickly adapt to new environments. Eager to contribute to team success and further develop professional skills. Brings positive attitude and commitment to continuous learning and growth.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Contractor
EVN Projects
Cobbitty
03.2024 - Current
- Consulting and project support: 3D modelling (Sheetmetal/structural), fabrication or subcontractor coordination, on-site problem solving.
- Managed project timelines and ensured compliance with safety regulations.
- Developed strategic plans to optimize resource allocation across various projects.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining strict adherence to deadlines and budgets.
- Established long-term relationships with clients, resulting in increased repeat business.
- Evaluated customer needs and feedback to drive product and service improvements.
Sheet Metal Manager
JBM Power
Minto
09.2023 - 03.2024
- Managed pre-production, engineering, procurement and job scheduling using M1. Oversaw production teams, ensured adherence to safety and quality requirements, and carried out preventative maintenance tasks.
Stream Lead
All Metal Products
Saint Marys
03.2021 - 08.2022
- Implemented and trained staff on M1 ERP; managed orders from quote to delivery, improved estimating and pre-production workflows, led quality control initiatives.
Fitter (Night Shift)
The Arnott’s Group
Huntingwood
10.2020 - 05.2021
- Preventative maintenance and troubleshooting to reduce downtime.
- Collaborated with production teams to troubleshoot and resolve fitting-related issues promptly.
- Applied strong problem-solving skills to address unexpected challenges that arose during the fitting process.
- Performed detailed inspections of completed assemblies, ensuring adherence to quality standards and client requirements.
- Improved equipment longevity with detailed reports on wear and tear, recommending timely replacements or upgrades.
Steel Fabrication Manager
Abergeldie Structural Fabrications
Regents Park
03.2019 - 05.2020
- Estimated tenders, coordinated fabrication delivery, supported programming and pre-production planning.
- Oversaw fabrication processes to ensure quality and adherence to safety standards.
- Streamlined workflow processes through detailed planning strategies that ensured efficient utilization of available resources while maintaining high-quality output levels.
- Enforced health and safety protocols to promote safe working environment.
- Planned operations to meet established schedules, factoring in order demands and business forecasts.
- Devised and administered cost control initiatives saving $[Amount].
Sheet Metal Manager
C-Mac Industries
Girraween
06.2017 - 02.2019
- Led sheet metal operations, production scheduling and staff performance; responsible for design/programming for production efficiency.
- Directed operational strategy to enhance production efficiency and meet project deadlines.
- Mentored team members, fostering skill development and improving overall performance.
- Implemented process improvements that reduced waste and optimized resource utilization.
- Analyzed operational workflows, identifying bottlenecks and recommending solutions for enhancement.
- Established quality control measures, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
- Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
- Maximized performance by monitoring daily activities and mentoring team members.
- Controlled costs to keep business operating within budget and increase profits.
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.
- Developed a strong company culture focused on employee engagement, collaboration, and continuous learning opportunities.
- Improved safety procedures to create safe working conditions for workers.
- Achieved departmental goals by developing and executing strategic plans and performance metrics.
- Mentored junior team members for career advancement, fostering a pipeline of future leaders within the organization.
- Streamlined workflows by identifying bottlenecks in existing systems and implementing appropriate solutions.
- Improved customer satisfaction scores by overhauling customer service protocols and training staff in customer engagement techniques.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
- Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
- Improved staffing during busy periods by creating employee schedules and monitoring call-outs.
- Trained personnel in equipment maintenance and enforced participation in exercises focused on developing key skills.
Senior Project Manager
Signcraft Pty Ltd
Campbelltown
09.2015 - 04.2016
- Managed projects up to $300K including sales, client liaison and post-delivery follow-up.
Director
Earlier roles: Production Manager / Managing Director / Boilermaker-Welder (Boval, SRS Supersteel, Satake, Enfrex, Petzetakis)
Minto
05.2011 - 04.2013
- Responsibilities included quoting/estimating, production management, fabrication, maintenance, supervision and client liaison across manufacturing and plant environments.
- Streamlined processes through data-driven insights, resulting in improved operational workflows.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
- Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
- Implemented innovative solutions to solve complex problems, resulting in increased productivity and streamlined operations.
- Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
- Used industry expertise, customer service skills and analytical nature to resolve customer concerns and promote loyalty.
- Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones.
- Developed detailed plans based on broad guidance and direction.
- Planned, created, tested and deployed system life cycle methodology to produce high quality systems to meet and exceed customer expectations.
Education
Project Management
TAFE NSW South Western Sydney Institute
Campbelltown, NSWSolidWorks Essentials & Sheet Metal - undefined
Cad Space
01.2014
Diploma of Management (BSB51107) - undefined
Management Consultancy International
01.2012
Boilermaker/Plater & Welder - undefined
Dept. of Labour, South Africa
01.2004
Skills
- SolidWorks & AutoCAD (sheet metal, weldments)
- Pre-production planning, estimating & tender analysis
- ERP (M1): quoting, procurement, scheduling
- CNC programming & maintenance management
- Team leadership, training & subcontractor management
- Process optimisation, quality control & WHS compliance
- Attention to detail
- Customer service
- Time management
- Problem-solving
- Worksite safety
- Project management
- Schedule management
- Scheduling and planning
- Quality control
- Subcontractor relations
- Project Support
- Equipment installation
- Equipment Repair
- Materials procurement
- Site safety management
- Staff management
- Conflict resolution
- Decision-making
- Data analysis
- Production planning
- Verbal and written communication
- Stakeholder engagement
- Client relations
- Safety
- Risk assessment
- Task delegation
- Strategic planning
- Equipment management
- Performance management
- Cost estimation
- Troubleshooting and diagnosis
- Power and hand tool operation
- Task prioritization
- Critical thinking
- Customer support
- Proficient in [software]
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of 40 staff members.
Certification
SolidWorks (sheet metal/weldments), M1 ERP experience, CNC fundamentals, WHS/safety training. Availability: Immediate for contract or permanent roles. References available on request.
Languages
Afrikaans (Native), English (Fluent)
Timeline
Contractor
EVN Projects
03.2024 - Current
Sheet Metal Manager
JBM Power
09.2023 - 03.2024
Stream Lead
All Metal Products
03.2021 - 08.2022
Fitter (Night Shift)
The Arnott’s Group
10.2020 - 05.2021
Steel Fabrication Manager
Abergeldie Structural Fabrications
03.2019 - 05.2020
Sheet Metal Manager
C-Mac Industries
06.2017 - 02.2019
Senior Project Manager
Signcraft Pty Ltd
09.2015 - 04.2016
Director
Earlier roles: Production Manager / Managing Director / Boilermaker-Welder (Boval, SRS Supersteel, Satake, Enfrex, Petzetakis)
05.2011 - 04.2013
SolidWorks Essentials & Sheet Metal - undefined
Cad Space
Diploma of Management (BSB51107) - undefined
Management Consultancy International
Boilermaker/Plater & Welder - undefined
Dept. of Labour, South Africa
Project Management
TAFE NSW South Western Sydney Institute