Rick Mertens

Head of Contract Management Department Smulders

Antwerp, Flemish Region, Belgium

About

As a contract and commercial project manager, I have multiple years of experience in the construction industry, with a focus on offshore wind foundations and substations. I have developed skills in project management, contract management/negotiation, risk assessment, and stakeholder communication. Known for a discerning approach to information, proactive problem solving and a knack for collaboration, I have successfully delivered multiple large-scale and complex projects from a commercial and contractual perspective for Smulders, a leading European steel construction company. My core competencies include strategic thinking, critically assessing information and innovative problem-solving.

Experience

  • Smulders (6 yrs 11 mos)
    • Head of Contract Management Department
      Apr 2026 - Present · 3 mos

    • Senior Contract Manager
      Jun 2024 - Apr 2026 · 1 yr 11 mos

    • Contract Manager
      Aug 2019 - May 2024 · 4 yrs 10 mos

      In charge of overseeing contract and commercial aspects of projects and responsible for ensuring the successful closure thereof whilst aligning project objectives with overall business goals. Primary focus is managing contractual obligations, negotiating agreements, and optimizing commercial outcomes for the project. Furthermore, substantial part of my role is business development by identifying opportunities and cultivating client relationships.

  • Junior Consultant Global Business Tax at Deloitte Belgium
    Sep 2018 - Aug 2019 · 1 yr

  • Zaterdagpermanentie at DE BOER en PARTNERS IMMOBILIEN GROEP
    2016 - Jul 2018 · 2 yrs 7 mos

  • Barverantwoordelijke at Club Le CirQ
    2012 - Jul 2018 · 6 yrs 7 mos

  • Student at Universiteit Antwerpen
    Sep 2012 - Jun 2018 · 5 yrs 10 mos