Nikunj Patel
Portfolio & Commercial Operations Manager | Project Controls & Project Finance
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About
Commercially minded engineer and PMP-track project professional with 7+ years supporting capital works and energy infrastructure portfolios across project controls, project finance, and commercial governance. Skilled at partnering with Project Managers, finance teams, and operational leaders to track cost, forecast performance, manage billing and progress claims, and keep multi-project portfolios on scope, budget, and programme. Strong record working across regulated, deadline-driven, multi-stakeholder environments, with hands-on procurement, contract administration, risk, and compliance experience gained in engineering consulting and capital infrastructure delivery.
Experience
Capital Works and Utilities Infrastructure Project Manager - Manukau Institute of Technology and Unitec - Auckland, NZ
(2024-11)
- Manage commercial and project controls activities across a portfolio of capital works projects, partnering with multidisciplinary teams in a complex, highly regulated environment.
- Contribute to 5-year capital planning and asset management strategy, prioritising resilience, lifecycle optimisation, and sustainability outcomes.
- Deliver projects to defined scope, budget, and agreed timeframes through proactive cost tracking, forecasting, and risk monitoring.
- Lead cost control, financial forecasting, progress claims, and invoicing across multiple concurrent projects.
- Develop business cases, define project scope, prepare detailed cost forecasts, and manage procurement processes in line with institutional governance requirements.
- Coordinate internal teams, contractors, and external consultants, ensuring documentation, compliance, and governance standards are maintained throughout the project lifecycle.
- Ensure full compliance with NZ Building Code, BWOF obligations, Health & Safety legislation, and council regulatory frameworks.
Project Manager – HVAC & Energy Infrastructure - IFIX4U Ltd - Auckland, NZ
(2020-07 - 2024-11)
- Provided commercial and project controls oversight for a portfolio of capital projects valued NZD $1M–$10M across public-sector, healthcare, hospitality, and commercial clients.
- Managed full project lifecycle delivery including feasibility input, procurement strategy, contractor selection support, cost control, forecasting, and programme risk management.
- Directed project coordinators, engineers, subcontractors, and site teams, ensuring compliance with NZ Health & Safety regulations and quality standards.
- Delivered structured commercial reporting to clients and senior stakeholders, including financial forecasting, billing oversight, and risk mitigation strategies.
- Applied practical knowledge of engineering design principles, construction methodologies, and relevant industry standards across mechanical and electrical infrastructure projects.
Project Coordinator – PMO, HVAC & Energy Infrastructure - IFIX4U Ltd - Auckland, NZ
(2018-07 - 2020-07)
- Supported project controls and commercial administration for multi-site HVAC and electrical upgrade projects.
- Assisted with procurement, cost tracking, scheduling, and documentation control across the portfolio.
- Contributed to operational planning and reporting for senior management.
Technical Sales – Energy Efficient HVAC Solutions - HVAC Hero (HRV – Vector Group) - Auckland, NZ
(2018-02 - 2018-07)
- Prepared technical designs and commercial quotations for energy-efficient HVAC systems.
- Supported sustainable indoor air quality and energy performance initiatives.
Education
Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management - Project Management - Manukau Institute of Technology (2015 - 2017)
Bachelor of Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Gujarat Technological University (2010 - 2014)

