Hi, I’m
SIYABULELA KEITH SITSILA
Commercial Manager | Senior Cost Analyst | Cost Estimating Leader
Cape Town,WC
Summary
Accomplished and results-driven Cost Estimating Manager with over 20 years of specialized experience in strategic commercial, cost, and contract advisory services across public-sector infrastructure, private construction portfolios, and complex facilities management environments. Expertise in advanced Excel-driven financial modeling, lifecycle costing, and precise budget forecasting consistently leads to enhanced project efficiency and cost savings. Proven ability to navigate intricate project requirements while delivering accurate estimates aligned with organizational goals. Commitment to excellence in cost management has established a reputation as a trusted advisor in the industry.
Overview
21
years of professional experience
3
Construction Project Manager
11
Facilities Management Commercial Manager
21
Cost Estimator
Work History
AFMS Group
Cost Estimating Manager
11.2014 - Current
Job overview
- Strategic cost control, commercial management, FM lifecycle costing, tender pricing models.
- Developed strong relationships with key suppliers, ensuring competitive pricing and reliable delivery schedules.
- Collaborated with sales teams to identify prospective clients and develop targeted estimates for their needs.
- Mentored junior estimators, providing guidance on industry best practices and company-specific procedures.
- Implemented a centralized database for storing project data, resulting in improved efficiency and reduced duplication of effort.
- Streamlined the bidding process by creating standardized templates for proposals and estimates.
- Participated in post-project evaluations to assess accuracy of initial estimates and identify areas for improvement moving forward.
- Assisted project managers in developing accurate schedules based on sound estimations, contributing to timely project completions.
- Worked closely with finance department to align estimating practices with corporate budgetary goals.
- Optimized resource allocation on projects through diligent tracking of labor hours and material costs.
- Evaluated vendor quotes to ensure optimal pricing and product selection, ultimately lowering project costs.
- Analyzed historical data to identify trends in project costs, informing future budgeting decisions and improving overall financial performance.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement within the estimating team by regularly reviewing processes and implementing changes when necessary.
- Participated in pre-bid meetings and site visits to understand project scope and identify potential issues or challenges.
- Reviewed and approved invoices and change orders to monitor project expenses and reflect any change to scope in project budget.
- Tracked project costs and expenses to monitor progress and identify and mitigate deviations from original estimate.
- Identified areas for cost saving to help increase profitability and lower client costs.
- Gathered data on materials, labor and equipment costs to determine total costs of projects.
- Provided accurate estimates by defining scope, timelines, potential setbacks, and limitations.
- Prepared estimates used by management for purposes such as planning, organizing, and scheduling work.
- Attended project meetings to provide updates and insights on project costs.
- Monitored project progress to identify and address changes in project scope or budget.
- Collaborated with project managers and contractors to obtain necessary information for preparing cost estimates.
- Reviewed and approved invoices and payments, verifying accuracy of expenses.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers and vendors, securing best pricing for materials, labor and equipment.
- Determined budgets for prospective projects to plan for future expenditures and utilize resources wisely.
- Assessed risks and uncertainties to identify potential challenges and prepare contingency plans.
- Delivered consulting services to advise clients on cost-saving strategies and best practices.
- Prepared bids and proposals to submit to clients and secure new business.
- Evaluated subcontractor bids to obtain best value for projects.
- Prepared material orders to complete projects on time and within budget.
- Collaborated with other departments and contractors to access all necessary information and expertise to create comprehensive estimates.
- Presented detailed project estimates to clients, supporting successful contract negotiations and client retention efforts.
- Enhanced collaboration between departments by establishing clear communication channels and regular meetings.
- Continuously updated knowledge of industry trends and innovations related to estimating processes, keeping the company competitive in its service offerings.
- Reduced estimation errors with rigorous quality control measures, leading to increased customer satisfaction.
DCI Holdings
Quantity Surveyor/Project Manager
01.2011 - 10.2014
Job overview
- Cost reporting, contracts, final accounts, progress management.
- Ensured accurate invoicing by reviewing contractor claims for compliance with contract terms and conditions before submission to clients.
- Conducted regular site visits to monitor progress, identify potential issues, and recommend corrective actions as needed.
- Performed measurements for structural and architectural works to prepare cost estimates for projects.
- Estimated and analyzed work performed to request payment from clients.
- Assisted in dispute resolutions between clients and contractors by providing expert advice on contractual obligations and industry best practices.
- Purchased materials and coordinated deliveries to and from construction sites.
- Improved project profitability by effectively estimating costs and negotiating contracts with suppliers.
- Managed and coordinated cost, availability and timely delivery of materials and project schedules for suppliers.
- Ensured compliance with relevant regulatory requirements by staying informed on changes to building codes, environmental regulations, and other pertinent industry standards.
- Contributed to successful procurement strategies that balanced quality considerations with cost-saving opportunities for the organization.
- Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals.
- Readied and presented cost reports to keep stakeholders informed of job progress.
- Stayed current with industry regulations and standards to produce cost estimates in compliance with all relevant laws.
- Completed projects within tight deadlines, coordinating team efforts and prioritizing tasks effectively.
- Improved client relationships, consistently meeting or exceeding project expectations and maintaining open lines of communication.
- Streamlined procurement process for project materials, reducing wait times and avoiding potential delays.
- Reduced project costs, negotiating contracts with suppliers and optimizing resource allocation.
- Tracked project and team member performance closely to quickly intervene in mistakes or delays.
- Reported regularly to managers on project budget, progress, and technical problems.
- Scheduled and facilitated meetings between project stakeholders to discuss deliverables, schedules and conflicts.
- Maintained open communication by presenting regular updates on project status to customers.
- Sourced, vetted and managed vendors needed to accomplish project goals.
- Provided accurate estimates by defining scope, timelines, potential setbacks, and limitations.
- Prepared estimates used by management for purposes such as planning, organizing, and scheduling work.
- Attended project meetings to provide updates and insights on project costs.
- Monitored project progress to identify and address changes in project scope or budget.
- Collaborated with project managers and contractors to obtain necessary information for preparing cost estimates.
- Reviewed and approved invoices and payments, verifying accuracy of expenses.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers and vendors, securing best pricing for materials, labor and equipment.
- Determined budgets for prospective projects to plan for future expenditures and utilize resources wisely.
- Delivered consulting services to advise clients on cost-saving strategies and best practices.
- Prepared bids and proposals to submit to clients and secure new business.
- Evaluated subcontractor bids to obtain best value for projects.
Wynberg Joinery Works
Quantity Surveyor/Project Manager
01.2005 - 01.2011
Job overview
- Estimating, pricing, planning, procurement, client liaison.
- Conducted feasibility studies to estimate materials, time, and labor costs.
- Reduced budget overruns by accurately forecasting project expenses and monitoring progress against budget allocations.
- Reviewed all consultant drawings and made recommendation to adjust site requirements.
- Used Excel to prepare contracts, budgets, bills of quantities and Monthly Payment Certificate documents.
- Facilitated smooth handover processes between stakeholders by preparing detailed final account statements reflecting actual expenditures versus initial estimates.
- Increased client satisfaction through consistent delivery of high-quality work products and timely responses to inquiries or concerns.
- Collaborated with architects and engineers to optimize construction designs, minimizing material waste and reducing overall costs.
- Streamlined tendering processes, resulting in faster turnaround times for clients and increased winning bid rates.
- Developed comprehensive cost plans to guide project execution, ensuring financial efficiency and success.
- Implemented cost control measures throughout projects'' lifecycle, minimizing financial risks associated with scope changes or unforeseen events.
- Managed subcontractor relationships by setting clear expectations, maintaining open communication channels, and addressing concerns promptly.
- Generated cost and value reports to produce accurate information on cash flow.
- Supported senior management in strategic planning efforts, providing valuable insights into trends affecting the company''s competitive position within the market space.
- Performed detailed risk assessments during the pre-construction phase to inform decision-making processes related to project feasibility studies.
- Analyzed plans and specifications to identify scope and cost of projects.
- Conducted site visits to gather information and data on project locations, infrastructures and conditions.
- Developed and maintained database of cost information to use most up-to-date and relevant data in estimates.
- Utilized cost-estimating software to streamline estimating processes and produce accurate and reliable estimates.
- Identified plans and resources required to meet project goals and objectives.
- Monitored project performance to identify areas of improvement and make adjustments.
- Monitored progress against established goals, adjusting schedules and resources as needed to keep projects on track.
- Established effective communication among team members for enhanced collaboration and successful project completion.
- Coordinated with cross-functional teams to resolve project issues and mitigate risks.
- Managed risk assessments and implemented mitigation strategies to minimize potential issues during project execution.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams and resolved conflicts, maintaining a positive work environment throughout the project lifecycle.
- Prepared detailed reports on project status for stakeholders, ensuring transparency and alignment with objectives.
- Developed strong relationships with stakeholders through regular communication updates, fostering trust and confidence in the team''s ability to deliver results.
- Collaborated closely with senior management to align project objectives with strategic company initiatives, ensuring that efforts contributed to overall business growth.
- Negotiated and managed third-party contracts related to project deliverables.
- Fostered a culture of innovation and creativity within the project team, leading to improved problem-solving capabilities and enhanced outcomes.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers, securing quality materials at competitive prices for efficient use of resources.
- Coordinated material procurement and required services for projects within budget requirements.
- Delivered exceptional customer satisfaction by proactively addressing client concerns and meeting or exceeding expectations throughout the engagement process.
- Implemented continuous improvement initiatives to optimize project outcomes while maintaining costeffectiveness.
- Created accurate budgets based on resource requirements, allowing for optimal allocation of funds across all aspects of the projects.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
- Led cross-functional teams to successful project completions, improving team cohesion and productivity with effective leadership strategies.
- Optimized project schedules, identifying critical path tasks and reallocating resources to maintain momentum.
- Fostered culture of continuous improvement, conducting post-project reviews to identify lessons learned and best practices.
- Ensured projects aligned with strategic objectives, working closely with senior management to refine project goals.
- Enhanced project delivery times by streamlining communication channels between development and operations teams.
- Improved stakeholder satisfaction with detailed project updates and proactive issue resolution.
- Maintained compliance with industry standards and regulations, conducting regular audits and updates to project practices.
- Managed projects from procurement to commission.
- Achieved high levels of team engagement and morale by promoting collaborative and inclusive work environment.
- Developed and implemented project plans and budgets to ensure successful execution.
- Ensured accurate invoicing by reviewing contractor claims for compliance with contract terms and conditions before submission to clients.
- Conducted regular site visits to monitor progress, identify potential issues, and recommend corrective actions as needed.
- Performed measurements for structural and architectural works to prepare cost estimates for projects.
- Estimated and analyzed work performed to request payment from clients.
- Assisted in dispute resolutions between clients and contractors by providing expert advice on contractual obligations and industry best practices.
- Purchased materials and coordinated deliveries to and from construction sites.
- Improved project profitability by effectively estimating costs and negotiating contracts with suppliers.
- Managed and coordinated cost, availability and timely delivery of materials and project schedules for suppliers.
- Ensured compliance with relevant regulatory requirements by staying informed on changes to building codes, environmental regulations, and other pertinent industry standards.
- Contributed to successful procurement strategies that balanced quality considerations with cost-saving opportunities for the organization.
- Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals.
- Readied and presented cost reports to keep stakeholders informed of job progress.
- Stayed current with industry regulations and standards to produce cost estimates in compliance with all relevant laws.
- Streamlined procurement process for project materials, reducing wait times and avoiding potential delays.
- Improved client relationships, consistently meeting or exceeding project expectations and maintaining open lines of communication.
- Reduced project costs, negotiating contracts with suppliers and optimizing resource allocation.
- Scheduled and facilitated meetings between project stakeholders to discuss deliverables, schedules and conflicts.
- Maintained open communication by presenting regular updates on project status to customers.
- Sourced, vetted and managed vendors needed to accomplish project goals.
- Provided accurate estimates by defining scope, timelines, potential setbacks, and limitations.
- Prepared estimates used by management for purposes such as planning, organizing, and scheduling work.
- Attended project meetings to provide updates and insights on project costs.
- Monitored project progress to identify and address changes in project scope or budget.
- Collaborated with project managers and contractors to obtain necessary information for preparing cost estimates.
- Reviewed and approved invoices and payments, verifying accuracy of expenses.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers and vendors, securing best pricing for materials, labor and equipment.
- Delivered consulting services to advise clients on cost-saving strategies and best practices.
- Prepared bids and proposals to submit to clients and secure new business.
- Evaluated subcontractor bids to obtain best value for projects.
Education
University of Cape TownCape Town
Bachelor of Science from Construction Management & Economics
04.2001
Skills
Cost control expertise
References
Available on request.
CORE EXPERTISE
- Strategic Cost Management
- Facilities Management (FM)
- Contracts & Procurement
- Data Analysis & Reporting
Availability
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Accomplishments
Priced winning bids for the following contracts:
TENDER NO. 226S/2020/21
Provision Of Facility And Cash Management Services In Respect Of Selected Public Transport Facilities Including MyCiTi And Public Transport Interchanges On Behalf Of The Directorate: Transport City Of Cape Town - for a period of 3 years July 2021 -Jun 2024,
Contract Between City Of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality and AFM Excel Joint Venture (Joint Venture between AFMS Group (Pty) Ltd, Excellerate Services (Pty) Ltd, Metro Cleaning Services CC)
TENDER NUMBER: 385S/2022/23
The Provision And Management Of Various Facility Management Services In Respect Of Selected Transport Facilities On Behalf Of The Directorate Urban Mobility, City Of Cape Town - for a period of 9 years starting January 2026
Contract Between City Of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality and AFMS Group
Commercial Manager for the following contracts:
Prestige Property Portfolio – Cape Town Parliamentary Office Accommodation Cpt Sc 23/13- Provision of performance based Intergraded Facilities Management Service-2014-2020
including extension to 2021
The Provision And Management Of Various Facility Management Services City Of Cape Town and AEM Joint Venture-2015-2021
Provision Of Facility And Cash Management Services In Respect Of Selected Public Transport Facilities Including MyCiTi And Public Transport Interchanges On Behalf Of The Directorate: Transport City Of Cape Town- 2021 -2024
Provision Of Facility And Cash Management Services In Respect Of Selected Public Transport Facilities Including MyCiTi And Public Transport Interchanges On Behalf Of The Directorate: Transport City Of Cape Town- 2024 -2025
Western Cape Government Department of Health– Facilities Management for Lentegeur Psychiatric Hospital and Western Cape Rehabilitation Centre-2022-Current
Capitec Bank – Soft Services Facilities Management for branches and offsite for the following regions; KwaZulu Natal, Western Cape, Eastern Cape- 2023-Current
The Provision And Management Of Various Facility Management Services In Respect Of Selected Transport Facilities On Behalf Of The Directorate Urban Mobility, City Of Cape Town -starting January 2026
Secured the extension to the contract Jul 2024 - Dec 2025
Timeline
Cost Estimating Manager
AFMS Group
11.2014 - Current
Quantity Surveyor/Project Manager
DCI Holdings
01.2011 - 10.2014
Quantity Surveyor/Project Manager
Wynberg Joinery Works
01.2005 - 01.2011
University of Cape Town
Bachelor of Science from Construction Management & Economics
04.2001