Miguel Lara

Senior construction and civil engineering professional with more than 15 years of leadership experience across infrastructure, buildings, water and wastewater treatment, roads, housing, hotels, public works and multidisciplinary construction projects. Proven ability to manage projects from pre-construction, planning and procurement through execution, quality control, HSE, contractor management, cost control, stakeholder reporting and project close-out. Strong background in project management, site management, construction supervision, contract administration, risk management, programme control, BoQ review, variation orders, valuations and team leadership.

Construction Manager - Setshabelo Trading 647 - South Africa

(2023-07)

Industry: Construction and Development Key Projects: Parys Water Treatment Plant refurbishment and replacement of approximately 35 km of asbestos cement pipeline with HDPE pipeline (completed); Bisasar Landfill Capping Phase 2, Durban, South Africa (completed November 2026)

• Manage construction planning, site execution, scope control, project deliverables and construction programme requirements.
• Supervise works in accordance with drawings, specifications, scope of work and BoQ requirements.
• Identify design issues, variation order requirements and cost implications at an early stage.
• Check materials and work in progress to ensure compliance with quality and specification requirements.
• Implement and enforce HSE procedures to maintain a safe working environment on site.
• Oversee procurement processes, purchase orders, supplier coordination and site delivery timelines.
• Manage subcontractors, suppliers, risk mitigation, monthly valuations, payment claims and stakeholder reporting.
• Communicate with consultants, client representatives, stakeholders, local authorities and project teams.

Resident Engineer - Rubiquant Consultants - Bloemfontein

(2021-06 - 2023-06)

Industry: Consulting Engineers and Project Management Key Project: Branford WWTP refurbishment and sewer network infrastructure works

• Conducted technical and feasibility studies, site investigations and technical reporting for project scope development.
• Prepared planning-phase documentation, including scope, execution approach, risk assessments and project controls.
• Monitored scope, schedule, cost, risk, quality and contractor performance against project requirements.
• Supervised and approved construction procedures, material storage, material usage and quality compliance.
• Managed contractors on site and advised on civil engineering, architectural, method statement and material matters.
• Facilitated toolbox talks, safety updates and site compliance reviews.
• Prepared and reviewed site valuations, payment documentation, technical meetings and inspection registers.

Construction Manager - M and K Integrated Services - Bloemfontein

(2016-01 - 2020-12)

Industry: Construction Key Projects: Memel Primary School (prefabricated system); Thembalihle Primary School; UFS Unit No. 5 student accommodation; UFS QwaQwa lecture hall; Phumelela Local Municipality WWTP refurbishment

• Supervised setting-out works and construction activities in accordance with drawings and specifications.
• Oversaw project planning, programme delivery, cash flow analysis and cost control.
• Checked materials and work in progress for compliance with quality and specification requirements.
• Supported HSE compliance, site safety requirements and subcontractor performance management.
• Supervised, trained and mentored junior staff members.
• Measured works, prepared monthly valuations, submitted claims and coordinated variation orders.
• Coordinated purchasing, site deliveries, subcontractors, client meetings and local authority engagement.

Site Engineer - Mzansi Africa Civil and Project Managers - Eastern Cape

(2015-01 - 2015-12)

Industry: Consulting and Project Management Key Project: PIP for Chris Hani District Municipality covering revenue enhancement strategies, roads, stormwater and electricity master planning

• Monitored and controlled project management processes across municipal infrastructure assignments.
• Reviewed and approved project information prior to submission and client engagement.
• Developed action plans to improve municipal information systems and infrastructure planning.
• Supported feasibility studies, business plans, grant proposals and project life-cycle assessments.
• Assessed engineering networks, water losses, asset management plans and municipal master plans.
• Supervised project teams working on infrastructure and waste management strategies.

Site Foreman - Cape Impact Architecture Company - Cape Town

(2014-03 - 2014-12)

Industry: Construction and Development Key Projects: Luxury building in Sea Point; luxury residential house in Camps Bay

• Coordinated, controlled and monitored subcontractor activities on site.
• Implemented building legislation, site regulations, HSE controls and construction standards.
• Monitored programmes, production plans, staff, materials, equipment and site resources.
• Conducted safety inspections and submitted material request lists and progress reports.

Country Manager - Rigger Construction & Investment - Equatorial Guinea

(2012-01 - 2014-01)

Industry: Investment and Construction (Johannesburg head office) Key Project: Presidential palace and guest house in Mongomo

• Managed all aspects of overseas construction project delivery, from planning through execution.
• Supervised procurement schedules, logistics, purchase orders, payments and contractor performance.
• Implemented communication management plans with stakeholders and client representatives.
• Chaired progress and technical meetings and managed HSEQ and environmental compliance.
• Controlled project constraints, contract administration, changes and stakeholder approvals.

Engineer Advisor - Public Works, Roads and Transport - Western Cape

(2008-10 - 2011-12)

Provided engineering advisory support for Roads and Transport Department projects linked to government infrastructure and the 2010 FIFA World Cup works.

Operations Manager / Director - Services Integrated Engineering (EPCM Company)

(1998 - 2008)

Managed operations and engineering delivery for EPCM construction and infrastructure projects.

Construction Manager - Construction Engineering and Architecture No. 1

(1989 - 1998)

Managed construction works, site teams, quality, programme delivery and civil construction execution.

General Foreman - Construction Engineering and Architecture No. 1

(1987 - 1989)

Supervised construction teams, site activities, resources and quality outputs.

Foreman - Construction Engineering and Architecture No. 1

(1982 - 1987)

Supervised day-to-day site construction activities and workforce coordination.

Bachelor of Science - Civil Engineering - Martha Abreus University of Cuba (1990)

Building Technician - Superior Institute of Construction (1981)

Land Surveyor Technician - Superior Institute of Construction (1979)

Grade 12 / Matric - Construction Polytechnic School