Nicolas Clerbois

Project Manager

Switzerland

About

Construction engineer with international experience delivering infrastructure projects across the energy, mining, maritime, and high-rise building sectors. I bring a pragmatic, multidisciplinary approach to project execution, from design and procurement to construction and commissioning, shaped by hands-on work in demanding environments. Having led diverse technical teams across Europe, Asia and Africa, I combine a deep understanding of field operations with strong stakeholder coordination and contract management skills. Empathetic and solution-driven, I strive to align client expectations with practical, high-quality results through collaboration, precision, and sound judgment.

Experience

  • Freelance Construction & Equipment Engineer at SOCLE
    Mar 2024 - Present · 2 yrs 5 mos

    Independent consultant in construction project management, supporting major international contractors in technical coordination, equipment strategy, and productivity optimization. Key responsibilities and achievements: - Site and project management - Coordination of technical studies and operational preparations - Optimization of efficiency and productivity for project teams and equipment - Identification, procurement, and management of construction equipment - Site installation, mobilization, and demobilization of equipment - Technical support and preventive maintenance

  • Plant & Equipment Engineer at BESIX
    Oct 2020 - Feb 2024 · 3 yrs 5 mos

    Managed procurement, logistics, and operational oversight of heavy construction equipment for large-scale civil and marine projects abroad. Supported site teams by ensuring availability, reliability, and strategic deployment of critical machinery across diverse environments. Key responsibilities and achievements: - Managed procurement, contract negotiation, and mobilisation of construction equipment: lifting systems (tower/mobile cranes, elevators), concrete plants, piling rigs, welding tools, and heavy machinery. - Directed logistics and on-site setup, including loading, shipping, and commissioning of equipment across international project sites. - Designed and implemented lifting and phasing plans, including complex demolition and quay deconstruction methods. - Oversaw concrete production and distribution on site (up to 45,000 m³), and coordinated pouring operations in tight collaboration with operators, subcontractors, and project leadership. - Supervised multi-skilled assembly teams and provided hands-on training to operators, ensuring safety, reliability, and efficiency. - Introduced preventive maintenance systems and spare parts inventory control to ensure equipment uptime on high-pressure sites.

  • Engineering Consultant at agap2 Belgium
    Nov 2019 - Sep 2020 · 11 mos

    Contributed to the expansion of AB-InBev’s production site by coordinating technical operations and managing subcontracting processes on-site. Key responsibilities and achievements: - Coordinated with engineering firms, suppliers, and subcontractors to validate execution plans and maintain project alignment. - Planned and oversaw demolition, deep foundation works, and general site operations. - Managed tender processes: prepared documentation, selected suppliers, and negotiated subcontractor contracts. - Ensured regulatory compliance and site safety through strict monitoring and enforcement of health and safety standards.

  • Project Manager at Sarens
    Oct 2012 - Nov 2019 · 7 yrs 2 mos

    Led the delivery of complex heavy lifting and exceptional transport projects across global markets, with full contractual and operational responsibility from order to closeout. Key responsibilities and achievements: - Managed project contracts end-to-end, ensuring timely delivery, budget control, and technical compliance. - Coordinated engineering studies and site preparations in collaboration with design offices, consultants, subcontractors, and suppliers. - Defined resource needs, supervised multidisciplinary teams, and optimized on-site execution. - Oversaw project finances: issued and tracked invoices, prepared progress reports, and led subcontractor procurement and negotiations. - Ensured contractual oversight by managing modifications, addressing claims and penalties, and resolving technical non-conformities. - Provided technical input and strategic advice for tender preparation, aligning documentation with client expectations. Major projects undertaken: - Kumshing E&M Limited, Hong Kong (2018): Led the delivery and installation of critical components for a gas power plant, utilizing heavy lifting and logistics strategies with a 900t floating crane and high-capacity crawler cranes. - Civmec Construction & Engineering, Australia (2017-2018): Managed maritime logistics and land transport for the extension of Rio Tinto's Bauxite mine, executing the installation of modules weighing up to 1,300 tonnes each. - Air Products, Saudi Arabia (2016-2017): Oversaw the installation of air separation units, coordinating multiple cranes and hauling equipment to ensure efficient project execution.