Derrick VonGunster , Head of Constructions, Chartered Bldg.Engineer

Derrick VonGunster

Head of Constructions, Chartered Bldg.Engineer

Vontech Engineering & Trading Pvt Ltd

Location
Sri Lanka
Education
Bachelor's degree, Civil Engineering
Experience
26 years, 8 Months

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Work Experience

Total years of experience :26 years, 8 Months

Head of Constructions, Chartered Bldg.Engineer at Vontech Engineering & Trading Pvt Ltd
  • Sri Lanka - Kandana
  • My current job since March 2021

I am currently employed as the Head of the Projects & Waterproofing Department, where I manage multiple projects from pre-tender to completion. In addition to liaising with consultants, contractors, and vendors to meet client or organizational requirements, I also hold responsibility for the division's profit and loss (P&L) management. By closely monitoring project progress, addressing potential issues, and emphasizing quality assurance, I ensure successful project delivery within agreed timelines and budgets. My role encompasses strong project management, stakeholder coordination, and a focus on meeting client expectations while managing the financial performance of the division.

Assistant General Manager at Suhail Bahwan Group(Holdings) L.L.C
  • Oman
  • July 2010 to November 2020

Suhail Bahwan is a diversified conglomerate involved in various sectors, including automobiles, travel and tourism, pharma, hospitality, construction, IT, and telecom. I successfully managed four construction projects valued at over US$2 billion. With a team of engineers, quantity surveyors, and draughtsman, I ensured timely and cost-effective project completion. I reduced construction costs by 7-8% through negotiations and operational improvements. Additionally, I oversaw maintenance for 50 buildings, reducing annual costs by 15-20%. Notable projects included a US$1.3 billion mixed-development, two refurbishments, a steel yard, a farm, a luxury villa, and a hospital MRI room.

In addition to project management and maintenance oversight, I actively participated in budget preparation and the raising of capital expenditures (CAPEX) for various initiatives. This involved conducting thorough financial analysis, assessing project requirements, and presenting comprehensive budget proposals to senior management.

My extensive experience within Suhail Bahwan demonstrates a strong track record in managing large-scale projects, reducing costs, overseeing maintenance operations, and actively contributing to budgeting and capital expenditure decisions.

Manager at Al Hashar Group of Companies
  • Oman
  • January 2008 to June 2010

In my role as the Head of the Projects & Maintenance Department, I have successfully led and managed various projects while ensuring the fulfillment of client and organizational requirements. I have consistently prioritized completing projects and maintenance works within designated timelines and budgets.

Responsible for overseeing all aspects of projects from inception to completion, I have effectively managed a team of Project Engineers, Site Engineers, Quantity Surveyors, Supplies Officers, and Maintenance staff, including an Assistant Manager for Facility Management (FM).

Some notable projects I have completed include the refurbishment of a 5-star hotel, the construction of heavy vehicle body fabrication shops, the construction of staff accommodation buildings, and the establishment of modern showrooms for group companies in new locations.

In addition to project management, I have been responsible for organizing and managing the preventive maintenance of approximately 110 properties. This includes implementing proactive measures to ensure the upkeep and functionality of the properties under my supervision.

Throughout my role, I have consistently demonstrated strong leadership, effective team management, and a commitment to meeting client expectations. By overseeing projects and maintenance works while adhering to budgets and timelines, I have delivered successful outcomes within the Projects & Maintenance Department.

Project Manager at Dwellco (Pvt) Ltd
  • Sri Lanka
  • March 1999 to January 2008

Headed the Project division and managing of multiple projects organize, plan
& direct the project execution team to achieve the company goals & targets
entrusted to the division
Projects Completed
Commercial & Residential buildings
Warehouses
Prefab factory buildings
Luxury villas

Engineer at Lanka Kect (Pvt) Ltd
  • Sri Lanka
  • September 1998 to February 1999
Civil Engineer at Informex Constructions
  • Sri Lanka
  • June 1997 to September 1998

Education

Bachelor's degree, Civil Engineering
  • at Dr.BR Ambedkar University
  • February 2022

in

High school or equivalent, Civil Engineering
  • February 2022

in

Bachelor's degree, Civil Engineering
  • February 2022

Project Management - National Training Institute

Specialties & Skills

MS Office Automation
MS Project
AutoCAD
MANAGEMENT
BUDGETING
CUSTOMER RELATIONS
MICROSOFT WORKS
PRICING
CONTRACT MANAGEMENT

Languages

English
Expert
Hindi
Intermediate