MACHIEL Wodonga, Victoria, Australia
OBERHOLZER--PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Machiel is a versatile, results-driven professional with comprehensive experience developing exceptional relationships with clients, peers, and senior leadership to provide sustainable business solutions. Superb project leadership abilities and personnel management skills with strong expertise in the IT and ICT sector. Proven problem solving and analytical thinking skills, a fast-learning curve, and ability to adapt to evolving industry trends and technologies. A dedicated professional with the drive and skill set to excel in a fast-paced leadership role enhancing a company’s ability to capture profitable markets.
Adaptable senior project leader bringing strong IT background and proven skills in planning and tracking. Analyses plans to help junior project managers improve strategies, mitigate risks and maintain budgets. Successful at balancing competing priorities and consistently achieving targets.
Results-driven Project Manager bringing talents in leadership and decision-making. Refines and optimizes approaches. Talents include financial and operational management. Diligent Project Management Specialist successfully plans, develops and implements large-sized complex projects. Routinely communicates major milestones, identifies potential project risks and provides continued direction to project team. Robust understanding of resource requirements to achieve plans and formulate budgets.
SKILLS
Project Planning
Requirements Gathering
Client Relationship Management
Agile Methodology
Project Scheduling
Meeting facilitation
Problem Solving
Multi-project management
Quality Assurance
Process Improvement
Cross-functional Coordination
Cross-Functional Communication
Adaptability
Technical Expertise
Scope Management
Decision Making
Budget Management
Financial Administration
Organizational Skills
Team Leadership
Stakeholder Engagement
EXPERIENCE
Senior Project ManagerOctober 2019 – May 2025
BT-SA | Midrand, South Africa
Cooperated with functional teams to develop pipeline of project opportunities.
Developed strong professional relationships to mitigate roadblocks and client service issues.
Directed project resources to accomplish project tasks and maintain control over projects.
Gathered requirements and adjusted plans to manage changes.
Created and maintained project management tools and deliverables using technical and operational resources.
Developed detailed project plans, including timelines, budgets, and resource allocation.
Created workflow diagrams to identify opportunities to streamline processes or improve efficiency.
Monitored ongoing costs against budget projections and made adjustments as needed.
Monitored activities and implemented corrective actions to achieve KPIs.
Project ManagerMarch 2017 - September 2019
Datacentrix | Midrand, South Africa
Coordinated project teams, outsourcing work where required.
Prepared overall project plan and controlled delivery of individual elements.
Interacted with clients throughout projects to present updates, incorporate feedback and redirect concerns.
Led strategic decision-making in situations with limited information and tight time constraints.
Assisted in planning and implementation of projects.
Presented project status updates to customers and collected feedback for review.
Liaised with project stakeholders concerning project details and deliverables.
Managed project documentation and deliverables by version.
Kept team members on track with regular in-person or remote meetings.
Evaluated vendor proposals for outsourced services to optimize cost-efficiency while maintaining quality standards.
Implemented lessons learned from past projects in order to continuously improve overall performance over time.
Project ManagerNovember 2016 - February 2017
Interface Network Technology | Pretoria, South Africa
Led strategic decision-making in situations with limited information and tight time constraints.
Prepared overall project plan and controlled delivery of individual elements.
Coordinated project teams, outsourcing work where required.
Led project planning and development, quality control and final review to control milestones and deliverables.
Interacted with clients throughout projects to present updates, incorporate feedback and redirect concerns.
Liaised with team to define project scope, timelines, resources and requirements.
Conducted status meetings to communicate project updates with stakeholders and team members.
Identified project requirements by collaborating with stakeholders and team members.
Produced and submitted comprehensive project schedules and updates to management.
Business Unit Manager - Managed ServicesMay 2015 July 2016
Reflex Solutions | Johannesburg, South Africa
Collaborated with cross-functional teams to achieve organizational goals.
Conducted regular performance reviews and provided feedback to team members.
Resolved escalated customer issues promptly, maintaining high levels of client satisfaction.
Coordinated training programs to enhance team members' skills and knowledge in their respective areas of expertise.
Managed daily operations of business unit, including staff supervision and resource allocation.
Supported talent acquisition efforts by participating in interviews and selecting qualified candidates for open positions within business unit.
Facilitated communication between different departments within organization for smooth collaboration.
Provided regular updates on business performance metrics to executive management teams.
Created positive work environment that promoted employee engagement and satisfaction.
Ensured compliance with all relevant regulations, policies, and procedures within business unit.
Established strong relationships with key clients and vendors to foster long-term partnerships.
Monitored industry trends and competitor activities to maintain competitive edge in market.
Developed and implemented strategic business plans for unit growth.
IT ManagerMay 2003 April 2015
Westcon - Comstor | Midrand, South Africa
Implemented stringent data security protocols to safeguard assets.
Oversaw technology and application selection, systems development and resource acquisition.
Scheduled and supervised day-to-day troubleshooting, installations and user access issues.
Led, configured and deployed operating systems, network and firewall appliances, security and applications.
Helped define and manage technology infrastructure strategy, architecture and processes.
Developed and implemented IT policies, procedures, and best practices.
Trained employees on technology usage, improving overall productivity.
Managed relationships with third-party providers to optimize cost-effectiveness.
Performed troubleshooting and diagnosis of software, system and network issues and identified resolutions.
Maintained accurate inventory records for all company hardware assets.
Created and maintained IT budgets for optimal resource allocation.
Collaborated with management and staff to provide technical assistance for continuous improvement of IT solutions.
Established disaster recovery plans to minimize potential downtime in case of emergencies.
Managed IT department operations and ensured high-quality service delivery.
Oversaw software and hardware installations, upgrades, and maintenance.
Facilitated communication between IT team members to ensure smooth project execution.
Led selection and integration of new technology solutions into existing infrastructure.
Contributed to improved asset management and information security initiatives.
Hired, trained and developed dynamic and accomplished team of IT professionals.
Monitored network performance and addressed any connectivity issues promptly.
Provided technical support and guidance to team members as needed.
Collaborated with executive leadership to align IT strategies with business goals.
Improved system usability by consulting with end-users to identify deficiencies and missing features.
Technical ManagerApril 1999 - April 2003
SITA | Pretoria, South Africa
Proposed conceptual technical solutions within agile environment and made changes based on client feedback.
Developed cohesive presentations customized for technical and non-technical audiences.
Led discussions with external clients to understand business processes and technical needs.
Took ownership of technical solutions from end to end with associated architecture development and building, testing. documentation and publishing.
Managed multiple projects concurrently, ensuring timely delivery and meeting client expectations.
Led technical workstreams and drove closure of associated decisions and issues.
Served as liaison between clients and developers to facilitate clear communication of project objectives.
Collaborated with project teams to verify solution capacity to deliver positive user experiences.
Developed strong relationships with vendors, negotiating favorable pricing and support agreements. Presented product demonstrations at industry conferences and trade shows to generate leads.
Championed and implemented best practices and delivery standards.
Assisted in design of network infrastructure, including hardware selection and configuration.
Tested new technologies and platforms to assess their feasibility for client implementation.
Lieutenant ColonelDecember 1985 - March 1999
South African Police Services | Cape Town, South Africa
Led cross-functional projects aimed at enhancing operational efficiency or addressing specific challenges.
Conducted regular performance reviews and provided feedback to staff members.
Facilitated necessary training programs for staff members in order to promote professional development and skill enhancement.
Evaluated potential vendors or suppliers based on quality, cost-effectiveness, and reliability criteria.
Monitored key performance indicators KPIs to track progress toward established targets.
Oversaw budget allocation, expense tracking, and financial reporting for department.
Implemented new processes and procedures to improve operational performance.
Developed and maintained relationships with key stakeholders, both internal and external.
Supervised team of personnel responsible for carrying out operational tasks.
Managed daily operations to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.
Helped team members tackle daily workloads with confidence through empowered training and motivational strategies.
Reviewed operations regularly to identify and capitalize on opportunities to eliminate waste.
Established departmental policies and goals in conjunction with board members and organization officials.
Conducted periodic performance reviews to assess employee performance.
EDUCATION
Agile Project Management
APMG International, Johannesburg, South AfricaMay 2018
ITIL Foundation V3
Torque IT, Johannesburg, South AfricaMay 2016
TCP/IP Foundation
NBase-Xyplex. Johannesburg, South Africa2000
Project Management
University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa2000
Full Range Leadership Development Program
Bass, Avolio & Associates, Cape Town, South Africa1999
Whitaker Xyplex Certified Engineer
Whitaker Xyplex, Johannesburg, South Africa1997
5 STAR Capacity Building - Effective Building for
African Consulting Technologies, Cape Town, South Africa1996
NETWARE 4.1 ADMINISTRATION
Radiokom, Johannesburg, South Africa1995
Optic Fibres for Communication and Measurement
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa1992
PC Installation and Support
Radiokom, Johannesburg, South Africa1990
Netware 386 Ovierview / Update Features / System Manager
Radiokom, Johannesburg, South Africa1990
Novell User Basics
Radiokom, Johannesburg, South Africa1990
Modem Principles and Interfacing Techniques
Radiokom, Johannesburg, South Africa1989
Protocols
Radiokom, Johannesburg, South Africa1989
Introduction to PC & DOS / LAN
Radiokom, Johannesburg, South Africa1989
Advanced Datacomms
Radiokom, Johannesburg, South Africa1989
Netlan TCOS
Radiokom, Johannesburg, South Africa1988
Microsystems Support 1 – Barefoot Engineer
Whitehead and Morris1987
