Heinrich Van Heerden
Benoni
Summary
I love what I do. I was born to work with machinery, engines and equipment. I am a customer-oriented General Manager with 40+ years of experience focused on increasing revenues and expanding margin. Adaptive and deadline-oriented consistently executes and completes multiple projects in high-stress environments. I am a meticulous leader and strategic planner with comprehensive managerial acumen, offering vision and motivational acumen. I am extremely service-focused, dedicated to deliver positive customer experiences to promote loyalty and repeat business. Orchestrates optimal resource utilization to handle expected operational needs. Seasoned Workshop Manager versed in allocating resources, coordinating workload and maintaining schedules. Effective at managing supplies and providing technical expertise to employees. Focused on keeping operations running smoothly and employees on-task to produce high-quality work. Knowledgeable about inventory, project, and team management. Excellent communication and relationship-management skills. Talented team leader highly experienced in workshop environments. Action-oriented and quality-driven with a demonstrated record of improving shop performance and effectively controlling costs. Conscientious professional with extensive experience advocating for social and economic well-being of individuals and families. Skilled at providing guidance, support and assistance. Strong communication and management skills and committed to inspiring community service. Dedicated candidate eager to leverage knowledge in social services and program development. Skilled in running social services initiatives and developing policies and procedures. Collaborative and committed to addressing social issues to improve quality of life in marginalized communities.
Overview
49
49
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
Thunderbrothers Carwash
Johannesburg
Mar - Current
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
- Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth.
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Managed budget implementations, employee evaluations, and contract details.
- Identified inefficiencies in current operations, implementing process improvements that led to significant time savings without sacrificing quality results.
- Maximized resource utilization by analyzing data on customer volume patterns throughout the day, adjusting staffing levels accordingly during peak periods.
- Developed strong relationships with local businesses, leading to mutually beneficial partnerships and increased revenue.
- Provided ongoing guidance to team members on proper techniques for washing various vehicle types, ensuring consistent service quality across all jobs.
- Reduced wait times for customers by streamlining service workflows and improving equipment maintenance schedules.
- Conducted periodic competitive analysis to stay informed of industry trends and best practices, implementing relevant strategies into business operations
Workshop Manager
Heinmar Motor & Truck Repairs
Cape Town
06.2018 - 08.2024
- Managed a workshop for automotive repairs, servicing and repairing all vehicles and trucks, specializing in earthmoving equipment.
- Maintained workshop activities in line with budget requirements.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering quality workmanship and meeting deadlines.
- Purchased and oversaw inventory of supplies, tools and equipment.
- Managed and led a team of technicians for optimal productivity and job satisfaction.
- Implemented quality control measures that resulted in fewer product defects returned from customers.
Owner / Manager
Schweizer Automotive Engineering / Wisdom Opportun
SCHWEIZER RENEKE
01.201 - Jan
- Owned and managed a machine and engineering workshop, specializing in modifications, overhauls, and rebuilds of all types of engines.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring all tasks were completed accurately and efficiently by team members.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers for better pricing and terms, reducing overall costs for the business.
- Trained and motivated employees to perform daily business functions.
- Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
- Provided training for artisans and performed maintenance and engine overhauls for drilling companies.
Africa Transport Technical Manager
Heinmar Engineering Freight and Logistics
12.2008 - 01.2010
- In charge of all vehicles going in and out of African countries, including maintenance, permits, breakdowns, fuel relations, and parts procurement.
- Oversaw a team of 120+ drivers by reviewing performance to promote timely and efficient deliveries and operations.
- Organized records of vehicles, schedules, and completed orders.
- Reduced worker accidents by implementing improved safety standards and monitoring procedures.
- Supervised operations staff and kept employees compliant with company policies and procedures.
- Customer-focused service and support through a countrywide agriculture dealer network, through machines and equipment.
Technician / Foreman / Manager
Cargo Commercial Germiston
07.2005 - 12.2008
- Worked with Freightliners and FUSO vehicles.
- Awarded Dealership of the Year in 2008.
- Contributed to the continuous improvement of internal processes by identifying areas for enhancement in service delivery methods or tools used in daily tasks.
- Enhanced system performance by troubleshooting and resolving complex technical issues.
- Led training sessions for both internal staff members and external clients, promoting a better understanding of product features and troubleshooting procedures.
Assistant Manager and Workshop Manager
Long Beach Engineering
Johannesburg
11.2003 - 07.2005
- Managed maintenance, rebuilding, and dyno testing of all types of engines, specializing in earthmoving equipment.
- Monitored team performance, adhered to service level agreements (SLAs) and provided detailed job training.
- Implemented strategies to increase customer service satisfaction ratings.
- Maintenance on all types of engines, rebuilding and dyno testing, specializing in earthmoving equipment.
- Enhanced employee engagement and skill development through targeted training programs and workshops.
- Established strong relationships with vendors, negotiating favorable terms for materials and services.
General Manager
Northwest Power Plants
02.2002 - 11.2003
- Responsible for sales, targets, and full workshop operations
- Rebuilt and sold earthmoving units for mines, as well as built and sold power plants
- Working on all makes of engines from SCANIA, PERKINS VOLVO, DUETZ, JOHN DEERE, FORD, FIAT, CASE, FUSO, FREIGHTLINER, MAN
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
- Maintained workshop activities in line with budget requirements.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering quality workmanship and meeting deadlines.
- Purchased and oversaw inventory of supplies, tools and equipment.
- Managed and led a team of technicians for optimal productivity and job satisfaction.
Managing Director
Schweizer Engineering
01.1992 - 01.2002
- Specialized in automotive repair and rebuilding, from light passengers to earthmoving units.
- Handled engine rebuilding, machining, and field repair.
- Planned scheduled maintenance outages as part of preventive maintenance program.
- Managed a team of technicians, providing guidance and support for skill development and performance improvement.
- Increased overall equipment efficiency by conducting thorough assessments of machinery conditions and implementing necessary improvements.
- Scheduled regular inspections of equipment and facilities to manage wear and tear.
- Documented inventory of spare parts to enable tracking history and maintain accurate records.
- Collaborated with other department managers to coordinate maintenance activities around production schedules, minimizing operational interruptions.
- Reduced downtime by efficiently overseeing the maintenance team and prioritizing tasks according to urgency.
- Monitored priorities and liaised between maintenance team and management, delegating tasks to complete on time.
- Streamlined work order processes for quicker response times, resulting in increased productivity and reduced costs.
- Mentored new hires in company procedures, safety protocols, and technical skills necessary for their roles as maintenance professionals.
Fleet and Maintenance Manager
International Engineering
01.1982 - 01.1991
- Managed fleet and maintenance for a farming and engineering concern with a fleet of 140 units, including agricultural tractors, trucks, trailers, and earthmoving equipment.
- Managed a team of technicians, providing guidance and support for skill development and performance improvement.
- Increased overall equipment efficiency by conducting thorough assessments of machinery conditions and implementing necessary improvements.
- Scheduled regular inspections of equipment and facilities to manage wear and tear.
Workshop Foreman
Samancor
Hotazel
01.1976 - 01.1981
- Promoted to Workshop Charge Hand in 1979 for 3 months
- Promoted to Workshop Foreman in 1979 until 1981.
Education
No Degree - HEUI TRUCK ENGINE COURSE
BARLOWS WORLD EQUIPMENT
BARLOWS WORLD EQUIPMENT 08.2024 - 08.2024
No Degree - ENGINE MANAGEMENT COURSE
DETROIT DIESEL
DETROIT DIESEL 04.2001 -
No Degree - AUTO SHIFT ELECTRONICS PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE
EATON COLLEGE
EATON COLLEGE 04.2001 -
No Degree - CAT ON HIGHWAY TRUCK ENGINES
BARLOWS WORLD EQUIPMENT
BARLOWS WORLD EQUIPMENT 04.2001 -
No Degree - AUTOMOTIVE FITTER
DEPARTMENT OF LABOUR
DEPARTMENT OF LABOUR 04.2001 -
No Degree - AUTOMOTIVE MACHINIST
Department of Labour South Africa
Department Of Labour 04.2001 -
No Degree - CAT FRON END LOADERS
BARLOWS TRAINING DIVISION
BARLOWS TRAINING DIVISION 04.2001 -
No Degree - Diesel Mechanics Technology
Samancor
Hotazel, South Africa 10.2024 - 10.2024
No Degree - HYDRAULIC MAINTENANCE
GARNETT CROSS FLUID POWER
GARNETT CROSS FLUID POWER TECHNICAL COLLEGE 04.2001 -
High School Diploma -
Hoërskool Schweizer Reneke
Schweizer Reneke 04.2001 -
Skills
Operations Management
Customer Relationship Management
Team Leadership
Project Management
Staff Supervision
Operations Oversight
Leadership and team building
Expense Control
Workshop Organization
Scheduling and Planning
Maintenance Management
Repairs knowledge
Idnumber
571026 5054 089
Born
Postmasburg, South Africa, 10/26/57
Driverslicense
1974, EC, No restrictions or endorsements
Health
Excellent, No chronic conditions and physically fit
Schooling
Senior Certificate (Matric) in 1975 Hoërskool Schweizer – Reneke, Schweizer – Reneke, Northwest
Furthereducationandtraining
1976, Mining Company, Samancor, Hotazel, Diesel Mechanic, 04/18/79, Diesel Mechanic, True, Automotive Machinist, 01/07/92, True, Automotive Fitter, 09/22/92, True, Hydraulic Maintenance, Garnett Cross Fluid Power, 08/79, CAT Front End Loaders, Barlow's Training Division, 07/80, Auto Shift Electronics, Eaton, 07/06, Preventative Maintenance, 07/06, Clutch Introduction – Solo and Easy-Pedal, CAT On Highway Truck Engine, Barlow World Equipment, 07/06, HEUI Truck Engine Course, Barlow World Equipment, 08/06, Detroit Diesel Engine Management Course, 08/06, MS PowerPoint 2000, Damelin Computer School, 10/03, MS Access 2000, Damelin Computer School, 10/03
Employmentprofile
- SAMANCOR – HOTAZEL, 1976, 1981, Workshop Foreman, Manager position available
- INTERNATIONAL ENGINEERING – SCHWEIZER RENEKE, 1982, 1991, Fleet and Maintenance Manager, Company expanded. Name and management changed
- SCHWEIZER ENGINEERING – SCHWEIZER RENEKE, 1992, 01/02, Managing Director, Divorced and moved to Klerksdorp
- NORTHWEST POWER PLANTS – KLERKSDORP, 02/02, 11/03, General Manager, Joint venture with American company
- LONG BEACH ENGINEERING – SPRINGS, 11/03, 07/05, Assistant Manager and Workshop Manager, Senior position offered
- CARGO COMMERCIAL GERMISTON – GERMISTON, 07/05, 06/06, Technician, Better business opportunity
- HEINMAR ENGINEERING FREIGHT AND LOGISTICS – BOKSBURG, 12/08, 2010, Africa Transport Technical Manager, Business closed down
- SCHWEIZER AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING / WISDOM OPPORTUNITIES WORLDWIDE – SCHWEIZER RENEKE / BOTSWANA / BOKSBURG, 2010, 2017, Owner / Manager, Machine and workshop sold to Botswana company
- HEINMAR MOTOR & TRUCK REPAIRS, 06/18, 12/23, Workshop Manager
Personal Information
Passport Number: Nr A10261578
Languages
afrikaans
Advanced (C1)
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Karate and Gym instructor for the Junior SA Karate Team to world Championships in Japan 2000
Karate and Gym instructor and team leader/manager of the Junior RSA Karate Team that went to the World Champoinsips in Japan 2000. Obtained my second DAN black belt in 1998.
Off Road Motorcar Racing Champion in Stella land - 1992
Timeline
No Degree - Diesel Mechanics Technology
Samancor
10.2024 - 10.2024
No Degree - HEUI TRUCK ENGINE COURSE
BARLOWS WORLD EQUIPMENT
08.2024 - 08.2024
Workshop Manager
Heinmar Motor & Truck Repairs
06.2018 - 08.2024
Africa Transport Technical Manager
Heinmar Engineering Freight and Logistics
12.2008 - 01.2010
Technician / Foreman / Manager
Cargo Commercial Germiston
07.2005 - 12.2008
Assistant Manager and Workshop Manager
Long Beach Engineering
11.2003 - 07.2005
General Manager
Northwest Power Plants
02.2002 - 11.2003
No Degree - ENGINE MANAGEMENT COURSE
DETROIT DIESEL
04.2001 -
No Degree - AUTO SHIFT ELECTRONICS PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE
EATON COLLEGE
04.2001 -
No Degree - CAT ON HIGHWAY TRUCK ENGINES
BARLOWS WORLD EQUIPMENT
04.2001 -
No Degree - AUTOMOTIVE FITTER
DEPARTMENT OF LABOUR
04.2001 -
No Degree - AUTOMOTIVE MACHINIST
Department of Labour South Africa
04.2001 -
No Degree - CAT FRON END LOADERS
BARLOWS TRAINING DIVISION
04.2001 -
No Degree - HYDRAULIC MAINTENANCE
GARNETT CROSS FLUID POWER
04.2001 -
High School Diploma -
Hoërskool Schweizer Reneke
04.2001 -
Managing Director
Schweizer Engineering
01.1992 - 01.2002
Fleet and Maintenance Manager
International Engineering
01.1982 - 01.1991
Workshop Foreman
Samancor
01.1976 - 01.1981
General Manager
Thunderbrothers Carwash
Mar - Current
Owner / Manager
Schweizer Automotive Engineering / Wisdom Opportun
01.201 - Jan
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