Dewald van der Merwe

As a Fibre Planner, I design and plan fibre-optic networks to ensure efficient, high-speed connectivity. My role involves assessing routes, conducting feasibility studies, and ensuring compliance with local regulations. I work closely with engineers and field teams to optimize network deployment while considering technical and logistical challenges.

In addition to planning, I am also involved in quality assurance, ensuring that fibre installations meet industry standards and project specifications. I manage capacity planning, documentation, and permitting processes to support the seamless rollout of fibre infrastructure.

Work Experience

Company: Fibre Network Design Ltd

Location: London, United Kingdom

Positions Held

• Network Planner (October 2021 – May 2022)
• Lead Network Planner (May 2022 – May 2023)
• Senior Network Planner & Design Specialist (May 2023 – November 2024)

Summary of Responsibilities

• Led design teams across major projects for clients, including Swish, Freedom Fibre, and Wildanet, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to quality standards.
• Managed and mentored a team of planners (onshore and offshore), fostering skill development and maintaining high performance.
• Conducted project planning, resource allocation, and workflow optimization to enhance project efficiency.
• Oversaw the quality assurance process, ensuring all designs met client specifications
• Delivered client onboarding and training sessions to ensure smooth project handovers and team alignment.
• Spearheaded the design onboarding for new Electric Vehicle Charging Bay clients, overseeing trial and start-up projects for Connected Kerb.

Company: Flomatik Network Services

Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom

Positions Held

• Network Planner (December 2020 – July 2021)
• Backhaul Network Planner (August 2021 – October 2021)

Summary of Responsibilities

• Developed comprehensive FTTx design deliverable packs, optimizing the use of existing PIA networks.
• Delivered design solutions for high-profile clients, including CityFibre, Kcom, and Airband.
• Facilitated the onboarding of Kcom and Airband, collaborating with stakeholders to define design requirements and project expectations.
• Briefly managed the Kcom project, serving as the primary point of contact for all client-facing communications.
• Led the Airband project, driving process improvements and enhancing overall design efficiency.
• Backhaul network planning, including the design and distribution of feeder cables to FTTx areas.

Company: NOKIA

Location: Cape Town, South Africa

Positions Held

• Support Design Engineer (February 2017 – September 2018)
• Lead Fibre Planner (October 2018 – November 2020)

Summary of Responsibilities

• Led a team of contractors and design partners, ensuring consistent quality and on-time delivery of projects.
• Managed all training and onboarding for new planners, both in-house and offshore.
• Conducted site surveys and planned MDU and B2B projects, coordinating with build teams for seamless execution.
• Oversaw the creation and quality control of design deliverable packs, including release sheets, bill of materials, and wayleave management.
• Maintained direct communication with clients, providing regular updates and addressing project challenge.

Institution: Bergvliet High School (2009–2013)

• National Senior Certificate Achieved

Institution: Prestige Academy (2014–2016)

• Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management Achieved