Gideon van der Merwe

Project Manager, Production & Process Improvement

United States

About

Project/Production Manager with 20 years of operational and technical services experience in the coal mining industry. I have developed a strong ability to evaluate processes and identify areas of improvement to optimise production and profits. I have the proven ability to motivate teams and build strong relationships with key stakeholders. Having worked in a fast-paced production environment for most of my career I have a thorough understanding of operational efficiency and quality control without compromising on safety.

Experience

  • Project Manager at Moorvale Earthmoving
    Mar 2023 - Present · 3 yrs 4 mos

    • Manage a portfolio of mine site projects • Monitor and manage production performance with a strong focus on safety and compliance • Resource planning and allocation • Evaluating processes and workflow to maximise productivity and profit margins • Stakeholder engagement

  • Continuous Improvement Project Manager at Hastings Deering
    Sep 2021 - Feb 2023 · 1 yr 6 mos

    • Manage an allocated pipeline of projects for continuous improvement in functional and operational areas • Apply Lean Six Sigma methodology and other frameworks to deliver improvements

  • Project Manager at Moorvale Earthmoving
    Feb 2018 - Sep 2021 · 3 yrs 8 mos

    • Manage a portfolio of mine site projects • Monitor and manage production performance with a strong focus on safety and compliance • Resource planning and allocation • Evaluating processes and workflow to maximise productivity and profit margins • Stakeholder engagement

  • Anglo American (12 yrs 2 mos)
    • Technical Services Manager
      May 2015 - Dec 2016 · 1 yr 8 mos

      • Managed mine planning, geology and survey operations • Implemented ongoing process improvement to maximise productivity and optimise resources • Developed innovative solutions to meet and exceed adapting customer demands

    • Mining Manager
      Jun 2009 - Apr 2015 · 5 yrs 11 mos

      • Responsible for the operational management of mining activities • Ongoing improvement to optimise resources • Contract and contractor management • Training and development of high performance teams

    • Mining Manager - Asset Optimisation
      Jul 2008 - May 2009 · 11 mos

      • Identified opportunities for production optimisation • Incorporated LEAN continuous improvement methodology • Implemented optimisation strategies