Desmond Paul Laurence
Project Manager
Johannesburg,GP
Summary
Results-driven professional with a unique blend of engineering, event management, and film industry experience. Proven track record of successfully managing projects, resources, and staff to deliver efficient and cost-effective solutions. Skilled in: - Mechanical and Construction Engineering - Event Management (Festivals, Concerts) - Film Industry (Location and Country Fixer) - Project Management - Staff Management - Process Improvement - Budgeting and Cost Control A self-driven leader with excellent interpersonal skills, collaborative approach, and ability to motivate others through change.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
1985
1985
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Language
Work History
Location Manager / Country Fixer
Victoria Falls Productions
01.2016 - Current
- Company Overview: Outbound Films Namibia
- Ensure all Accreditation and necessary filming permits are done
- Drone Filming Applications –Liase with relevant departments to ensure overhead filming can be done
- Responsible for Directing and coordinating the activities of security personnel
- Coordinating with Government and law enforcement agencies
- Liaise with all relevant Government and Municipality departments to ensure all safety and emergency legislation is adhered to
- Liaise with Customs and Immigration to ensure groups may obtain the necessary visa and permits
- Arrange Clearing Of Equipment ATIP
- Source the location where the production will be shot, ensure the necessary legalities are in place to use the venue
- Budget management
- Transport Coordination
- Outbound Films Namibia
Contract Project manager
Kuma Consulting
01.2013 - Current
- Worked on various projects Planning, Budgeting, Scheduling, Assign tasks to various team members, tracking, Work with various vendors, Keep clients informed, Supervise Hire manpower, Material sourcing
- Direct and oversee all aspects of Event Operations for the Harare International Festival of the Arts
- Security Strategy and Implementation Responsible for directing and coordinating the activities of security personnel, coordinating with government and law enforcement agencies, and organising patrolling of the property to deliver a safe Guest and Member experience
- Full budget management Collaboration with the Zimbabwe Republic Police and relevant government departments to ensure all aspects of safety and emergency regulations are adhered to
- Ensure all relevant permits and licenses are obtained and valid
- Direct and manage a team of over 300 employees that includes Security Managers, VIP security managers, Section Managers, Bouncers, and general security personal
- Day-day operational management, continuous report back and liaison with the festival directors
- Prepare a final security report post Festival and concerts to be presented to the Executive
- Boosted client satisfaction with consistent high-quality deliverables, resulting from rigorous quality assurance processes and frequent feedback loops.
- Developed detailed project plans outlining objectives, timelines, budgets, risks, stakeholders'' involvement using robust PM software platforms like MS Project or Smartsheet.
- Spearheaded change management efforts by effectively communicating the rationale behind proposed changes, addressing concerns, and driving team members toward a shared vision of success.
Operations manager
Multinet Project
01.2013 - Current
- Company Overview: Self-started and self-owned Projects firm
- Specializing in Home Improvement, Maintenance Complex Maintenance
- Self-started and self-owned Projects firm
- Specializing in Home Improvement, Maintenance Complex Maintenance
Workshop & Maintenance Manager
ATA Engineering
01.2012 - 01.2015
- Company Overview: Crop processing and mining machinery manufacturer and installer
- Set up Technical workshop to enable manufacturing repairs and services of products
- Introduced a Projects division to assist clients in need of setting up mining plants, milling plants, Food processing plants
- Managed, organised and controlled an efficient mechanical engineering workshop including the management of Technicians and Graded Workers
- Managed, planned, controlled and organized the planned preventative and corrective mechanical maintenance
- Managed / provided mechanical installation, fabrication and maintenance facility for other sections
- Responsible for major installation projects, leading the team of Technicians assigned to the task
- Provided a mechanical engineering advisory service to customers
- Budget management (P&L management)
- Managed unplanned work resulting from breakdown and emergencies
- Created & maintained a register of all workshop equipment to manage the timely calibration and maintenance of this equipment
- Managed the administration of the mechanical workshop
- Developed an environmental strategy for the workshop, to include waste management
- Worked within the Workshop on a regular basis, to retain/update mechanical skills & knowledge
- Crop processing and mining machinery manufacturer and installer
Operations Manager
Dematech
01.2006 - 01.2012
- Company Overview: Manufacturer, Repairs and Maintenance
- Conveyor Manufacturing, Fabricators and General Engineers
- Increased productivity
- Streamlined staff to improve performance
- Introduced preventative maintenance plan Reduced machine downtime
- Prepared annual expense budget/forecast for the factory
- Ensured profitability of company as well as Business Development
- Oversaw Finance Department Ensure all finance Targets are met
- Oversaw and supervise Admin department
- Ensure Staff welfare taken care of
- Oversaw Sales and Marketing Team review sales and Targets daily
- Oversaw Workshop Team
- Ensured Productivity and Manufacturing standards are adhered to
- Made Policy recommendations and carry out owner’s policies
- Manufacturer, Repairs and Maintenance
- Conveyor Manufacturing, Fabricators and General Engineers
Maintenance Engineer
Forticrete Roofing
01.2003 - 01.2006
- Company Overview: Roof tile manufacturers and brick makers
- Preventative maintenance, Supervise team and Budgets for maintenance
- Ensured proper maintenance of plant and equipment
- Roof tile manufacturers and brick makers
Sales & Technical Representative
Rockhill Engineering
01.2002 - 01.2003
Operations Manager
Design man Construction
01.2000 - 01.2002
Work Shop & Production Manager
Precision Grinders & Engineers
01.1996 - 01.2000
Workshop Manager /Technical Advisor
Metalock Engineering
01.1995 - 01.1996
Artisan/Workshop Foreman
Zimoco Mercedes
01.1992 - 01.1995
Apprenticeship (Fitter and Turner Incl Machining)
Lonrho
01.1988 - 01.1992
Education
O level - Cambridge
Morgan High School
Fitter and Turner Incl Machining - undefined
Automotive Precision Machinist / Engine Fitting - undefined
Skills
Mechanical and Construction Engineering
Qualifications
Morgan High School (Zimbabwe), O level (Cambridge), 1985, Apprenticeship, Fitter and Turner Incl Machining, 4 years, Apprenticeship, Automotive Precision Machinist / Engine Fitting, 4 years, Fully Computer Literate: Microsoft Word, Excel, Projects, PowerPoint, Office Publisher, Various in house management courses
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 01/08/69
- Gender: Male
- Nationality: Zimbabwean
- Driving License: Code 8 (Full International)
Timeline
Location Manager / Country Fixer
Victoria Falls Productions
01.2016 - Current
Contract Project manager
Kuma Consulting
01.2013 - Current
Operations manager
Multinet Project
01.2013 - Current
Workshop & Maintenance Manager
ATA Engineering
01.2012 - 01.2015
Operations Manager
Dematech
01.2006 - 01.2012
Maintenance Engineer
Forticrete Roofing
01.2003 - 01.2006
Sales & Technical Representative
Rockhill Engineering
01.2002 - 01.2003
Operations Manager
Design man Construction
01.2000 - 01.2002
Work Shop & Production Manager
Precision Grinders & Engineers
01.1996 - 01.2000
Workshop Manager /Technical Advisor
Metalock Engineering
01.1995 - 01.1996
Artisan/Workshop Foreman
Zimoco Mercedes
01.1992 - 01.1995
Apprenticeship (Fitter and Turner Incl Machining)
Lonrho
01.1988 - 01.1992
Fitter and Turner Incl Machining - undefined
Automotive Precision Machinist / Engine Fitting - undefined
O level - Cambridge
Morgan High School
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