Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Accomplishments
Certification
LANGUAGES
Software
Timeline
WEBSITES, PORTFOLIOS AND PROFILES
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CHRISTOF VAN NIEKERK

CHRISTOF VAN NIEKERK

Stellenbosch

Summary

Experienced Quantity Surveyor and Commercial Manager with a strong track record in civil and building construction projects, overseeing projects from inception to completion while ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards. Skilled in project planning, cost estimation, contract administration, and claims management, including variations, extensions of time, and progress payments.

Proven ability to coordinate multidisciplinary teams, foster collaborative, solution-focused environments, and drive projects to successful completion. PMP-certified and currently pursuing an MBA to strengthen strategic leadership and business management skills.

Driven by delivering projects that balance technical excellence, commercial efficiency, and long-term value for clients and communities.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Quantity Surveyor – Contracts & Commercial Manager

Civils 87
08.2024 - Current
  • Lead multidisciplinary teams on civil construction projects, coordinating with engineers, architects, subcontractors, and stakeholders to ensure seamless execution.
  • Develop, maintain, and monitor detailed project schedules, budgets, and resource plans, optimizing commercial and operational outcomes.
  • Oversee on-site operations, ensuring adherence to quality standards, safety protocols, and regulatory compliance (HSE).
  • Conduct regular site inspections, audits, and progress reviews, driving timely issue resolution and risk mitigation.
  • Manage contract administration, including variation orders, claims avoidance, and cost control, in line with FIDIC, NEC3, JBCC and GCC contract principles.
  • Utilize project management and design software to plan, track, and report on project progress.
  • Implement process improvements and proactive risk management strategies, achieving efficiency gains and maintaining project delivery targets.


Key Achievements:

  • Delivered multiple civil projects successfully, maintaining strict adherence to budgets, schedules, and quality standards.
  • Negotiated subcontractor and supplier contracts, achieving 10–35% cost savings while maintaining quality and safety standards.
  • Introduced enhanced cost monitoring and reporting procedures, improving transparency and enabling early detection of financial risks.
  • Effectively managed claims and variations, reducing disputes and protecting the company’s commercial interests.

Project Manager – Quantity Surveying & Commercial

Sable Cape Developments
01.2021 - 07.2024
  • Successfully managed multiple building projects with budgets of up to R300 million, overseeing projects from inception to completion while maintaining strict adherence to schedules, budgets, and quality standards, consistently achieving project objectives.
  • Applied project lifecycle management processes to document, track, and manage project requirements throughout all phases.
  • Prepared detailed cost estimates and budgets for a wide range of construction projects, enabling accurate financial planning and cost control.
  • Managed progress payment claims from banks and clients, ensuring timely cash flow and minimizing financial risk.
  • Prepared and submitted claims for variations, extensions of time, and financial compensation for changes in project scope, resulting in prompt and fair payments to the company.
  • Monitored and reported on project progress, costs, and timelines, providing senior management with actionable insights for informed decision-making.
  • Identified and resolved project issues proactively, mitigating delays, minimizing risks, and maintaining project quality and client satisfaction.
  • Developed and maintained project tracking tools and spreadsheets, enhancing reporting accuracy and transparency for stakeholders.
  • Managed property portfolios, implementing rental management systems, overseeing supplier orders and payments, and performing cash flow planning to optimize financial performance.

Key Achievements:

  • Successfully managed multiple projects concurrently, consistently meeting budget and schedule targets.
  • Streamlined claims and cost reporting processes, reducing delays in payments and improving commercial outcomes.
  • Implemented improved cost-tracking and reporting procedures, enhancing project financial visibility and decision-making.
  • Implemented improved rental and supplier management systems, enhancing operational efficiency and cash flow management.

Quantity Surveyor Intern

De Leeuw Quantity Surveyors
01.2020 - 12.2020
  • Assisted in the preparation of detailed cost estimates, forecasts, and life cycle cost analyses for large-scale construction projects, ensuring accurate budgeting and cost control.
  • Supported contract management processes, including preparation, negotiation, and administration of contracts with contractors, suppliers, and stakeholders, reducing commercial risk.
  • Worked on high-profile projects including Capitec Head Office, Mediclinic, and Distell, contributing to successful project delivery within budget and timeline constraints.
  • Utilized WinQS and DimX software for quantity take-offs, cost reporting, and financial tracking, enhancing accuracy and efficiency.
  • Conducted feasibility studies to assess project viability and ensure value for money for clients.
  • Facilitated regular team meetings and stakeholder updates, promoting open communication, collaborative problem-solving, and alignment with project objectives.

Key Achievements:

  • Contributed to multiple high-value projects with precise cost management and contract oversight, supporting timely and financially sound project delivery.
  • Supported negotiation and administration of contracts, minimizing potential disputes and ensuring commercial compliance.

Education

MBA - Business Administration

Quantic Business School
Washington, D.C., United States
09-2026

Bachelor of Science - Quantity Surveying

University of The Free State
Bloemfontein, South Africa
12.2021

Bachelor of Commerce - Investment Management

University of Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch, South Africa
12.2018

Skills

  • Project Planning & Scheduling
  • Commercial & Contract Management
  • Quantity Surveying & Cost Estimation
  • Construction Project Execution
  • Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) Compliance
  • Stakeholder Management & Leadership
  • Financial & Risk Management
  • Software & Reporting Proficiency

Accomplishments

  • Acted as Project Manager and Quantity Surveyor on a residential development, overseeing 100+ staff as the youngest member of the management team, ensuring seamless project delivery and team coordination.
  • Secured a merger deal to enhance sales, management, and marketing of development units, improving project profitability and market positioning.
  • Successfully managed multiple civil and building projects from inception to completion, maintaining strict adherence to schedules, budgets, and quality standards while achieving project objectives.
  • Streamlined variation orders, extensions of time, and progress payment claims, resulting in faster approvals and improved cash flow, while mitigating financial and contractual risks.
  • Introduced project planning and lifecycle management techniques that improved tracking, reporting, and risk mitigation, resulting in smoother project execution and increased client satisfaction.

Certification

  • Project Management Professional (PMP)®
  • Candidate MRICS – Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors

LANGUAGES

English: C2 Proficient
Afrikaans: C2 Proficient

Software

RIB Candy

WinQS

DimX

MS Office

Microsoft Project

AutoCAD

Timeline

Quantity Surveyor – Contracts & Commercial Manager

Civils 87
08.2024 - Current

Project Manager – Quantity Surveying & Commercial

Sable Cape Developments
01.2021 - 07.2024

Quantity Surveyor Intern

De Leeuw Quantity Surveyors
01.2020 - 12.2020

MBA - Business Administration

Quantic Business School

Bachelor of Science - Quantity Surveying

University of The Free State

Bachelor of Commerce - Investment Management

University of Stellenbosch

WEBSITES, PORTFOLIOS AND PROFILES

https://linkedin.com/in/christof-van-niekerk-7a8b18182
CHRISTOF VAN NIEKERK