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Work Background
BRICS Business CouncilBRICS Business Council Manufacturing Working Group Member
Apr. 2023GlobalAdvancement of the manufacturing sector within the mandate of enhancing trade and investment amongst BRICS countries.
AIDC Eastern CapeExecutive Manager: Project Management Unit
Jun. 2021Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South AfricaExperienced Executive with an extensive background of 15+ years in leading high-performance organisational delivery at state-owned entities. Highly skilled in developing and implementing strategic and operational direction of entities to optimise impact value. Seeking to leverage on MBA, PRINCE2 Programme Management (projects valued at +R100m) implementation experience, and recently completed MIT Smart City programme. Rowan is currently leading strategic projects that include:
- Future of Manufacturing Smart Academy
- Electric Vehicle Eco-system Incubator
- Facilitation of Investment in the Automotive Value Chain
- Implementation of Supplier Competitiveness Initiatives
- Automotive OEM Incubators
- EV Charging Infrastructure - EV Strategy Development
- IoT on the Production Floor
The role includes deal-making and facilitation of private and public sector investment into the region. Key responsibilities include deal-packaging, deal negotiations, stakeholder lobbying and engagement, business plan development, governance, finance mobilisation and deal execution.
Key responsibilities include engaging with the entire industry value chain, and multiple domestic and international clients to facilitate investment into the province and country. Management and execution at strategic, project, programme, financial and organisational level has been critical to this position. Maintaining the preparation of budgets and overall oversight and responsibility for financial management of core business unit. Mobilisation and fundraising have been key activities. Risk mitigation at an organisational level and unit level has been core to this position in light of the national and international industry context. Management, mentorship and developmental growth of managers and multi-skilled team members within a high performing environment. Performance management and alignment of senior management to organisational objectives are key to functioning in this role.
Eastern Cape Development CorporationActing Executive: Trade, Investment and Innovation
Jan. 2021 - Jun. 2021East London, South Africa Metropolitan AreaExecutive responsible for the facilitation of trade, investment promotion and innovation (TII) in the Eastern Cape. Responsible to promote the Province as a destination for TII and tourism, across automotive, manufacturing, agro-processing, oceans economy, renewable energy, film and BPO sectors.
Rowan led a specialized unit in facilitating strategic execution of TII investment opportunity identification, negotiation, deal packaging, financial management and oversight accountability, fund resourcing/mobilisation, implementation, and after-care. Rowan's responsibilities included the development and management of Unit business plans, strategy, roadmap implementation plans, budgets, and operational plans. Rowan's key projects included:
- 2Africa Undersea Cable
- Various Film and Television Projects with International and Domestic Awards (Knuckle City, Survivor, etc).
- Innovation Project Prototype Development
- Hyperscale Data Centres
- International Trade Deals
Responsibilities include ensuring sound governance, alignment to public sector regulatory prescripts and guidelines, financial and non-financial performance management, monitoring and reporting of budgets and plans with accountability to CEO, Board and Shareholder. Maintenance of optimal risk management in response to the global and domestic trends. Effected and conducted research and analysis in industry sectors to advise and direct alignment between government priorities and private sector strategies. Rowan has represented the ECDC ata Shareholder Representative level to various entities to ensure sound governance, best practice and alignment to shareholder interests.
Managed key local and international strategic stakeholder (C-Level, Board-Level, International Relations, industry sectors) relations to secure mutually beneficial objectives to facilitate trade and investment into the Province. The establishment of strategic partnerships and networks inclusive of local, provincial and national government.
Eastern Cape Development CorporationSenior Manager: Innovation and Fund Management
Oct. 2017 - Jan. 2021East LondonEngage investors globally to facilitate TII into the Province. Packaging of innovative trade and investment deals to include private and public investment instruments across various industrial sectors and levels of government.
Key project successes include:
•Establishment and implementation of the province’s first Commercial Film Investment Fund with an economic impact of R737 million, 6523 jobs created, and 460 SMME’s supported.
•Implementation of one of the Provinces most extensive waste-to-energy sustainability projects to the value of R30million and impacting 30 schools within the Eastern Cape.
•Facilitation of Provincial participation in 2 submarine internet cables currently underway to improve accessibility, reduce costs of connectivity, spearhead transition into the fourth industrial revolution for all industry sectors. The project investment value is $1, 5 billion.
•Establishment of ICT & Film Hub in the Province to support the development & growth of SMME’s and industry value chains.
Development and implementation of sound Programme & Project Management, Fund Management best practice, and good governance in the implementation of projects and funds. Ensured alignment to public sector regulatory prescripts and guidelines (PFMA and Treasury). Preparation, execution and management of business plans, strategies, financial plans, roadmap operational plans, contracts, financial and non-financial performance management, monitoring and reporting.
Establishment of strategic partnerships inclusive of all levels of government. Implementation and assurance of entity regulations including PFMA and MFMA. Key management of risk at various levels of the organisation and at project and programme level. Support and promotion of SMME's towards meeting expectations for export, international partnerships and collaborations.
Managed staff towards the implementation of Unit and organizational strategic objectives including mentorship, development and succession planning.
Eastern Cape Provincial GovernmentGeneral Manager: Portfolio Management Office
May. 2013 - Sep. 2017Bisho Area, South Africa Led the establishment of a Portfolio Management Office (PMO) to deliver socio-economic
programmes across the Department, and its related entities. A major focus of programmes included the implementation of infrastructure projects. Provided Executive Strategic oversight and financial and non-financial performance management of economic programmes/projects implemented within the Department as well as its public entities. Developed and executed strategic plans, business plans, operational plans, financial/budget plans, performance monitoring reporting at an organizational level, and to various provincial government governance structures (Clusters, Cabinet Committees and Provincial EXCO, etc.).
Design and Development of Portfolio, Programme and Project Management methodology for the Department, and its public entities to meet international best practice methodologies. Developed and implemented organization-wide Project Management Maturity Assessment.
Planning, maintenance, performance monitoring, evaluation and reporting of strategic general and infrastructure programmes. Key delivery included the exercising of project management methodology within the delivery and implementation of social infrastructure. Provided executive oversight and performance management of PMO Unit.
Ensured alignment of Departmental project/programme delivery to Provincial and National priorities.
Initiated the development of a Business Continuity Management and Disaster Recovery Management strategy and plan for the Department.
Served as Chairperson of ICT Governance Committee, Member of Procurement Committees, Member of Executive Management Portfolio, Member of Risk Management Committee. Also served as Acting HOD at various times. Effectively managed strategic partnerships, relationships and stakeholders at various government levels.
DatacentrixConsultant
Jan. 2013 - Apr. 2013East London, South Africa• ICT Consulting
o Governance
o IT Master Systems Planning
• Project, Programme and Portfolio Management
• Business Development
• Operations Management • Investment and Resource Mobilisation
EOHSenior Consultant
May. 2011 - Dec. 2012East London, South Africa• Portfolio Manager for the Establishment and Implementation of a Consolidated Infrastructure Project Management Unit to Facilitate Technical/Administrative Support and Infrastructure Expenditure for all Provincial Infrastructure Departments.
• Development and implementation of Provincial strategy as mandated by the Premier of the Eastern Cape to account for the integrated (technical and financial) social infrastructure programme to the value of R7Billion.
• Design, development and implementation of robust monitoring, evaluation and reporting mechanisms.
• Design, Construct and Implementation of the Social Infrastructure Nerve Centre for the Eastern Cape – Methodology, Systems, Policy, Governance Structure Development.
• Project/Programme and Portfolio Management – Development of Operational Work Plans, Monitoring and Reporting Mechanisms, Risk Management, Cash Flow Forecasting, Budgeting, Expenditure Management, Project Prioritisation and Scope Management.
• Improvement of integrated infrastructure value chain processes and systems.
• Development and implementation of methodologies, policy improvements, governance standards and SOP’s in the Province.
• Implementation of an integrated approach amongst provincial departments, provincial Treasury and Office of the Premier to plan, implement and monitor the successful delivery of infrastructure
• Ensured the effective, efficient and economical implementation of regulatory prescripts in alignment to national and provincial strategic mandates
• Provided expert advice and support to local, provincial and national public entities.
• Implementation of the HR Value Chain for expert services.
• Financial management of R10M+ budget allocation to the Unit.
• Eastern Cape Department Roads and Public Works
o Project Management
o Development of a Commitments Register within the Department
o Development of Auditor General aligned Performance Information solutions
o Business Development
o Client Engagement and Needs Assessments
PricewaterhouseCoopersManager
Aug. 2010 - May. 2011East London, South AfricaApril – May 2011 - Office of the Premier Eastern Cape
• Project Manager addressing the State of Monitoring and Evaluation at Provincial Government and Development of a Provincial Corporate Performance Indicators Report. January – May 2011 - Bigen Africa
• Project Manager addressing specified revenue management shortcomings with regard to water, sanitation and electricity services at the Sol Plaatjie Municipality October – December 2010 - Buffalo City Municipality
• Facilitated the defining of Supply Chain Management business processes for the municipality with the intention to identify improvements and improve process efficiencies
• Improvement of Operations Management at Provincial and Municipal structures;
• Mobilisation of organisation-wide investment and resource opportunities;
• Operations and Project Management of national and regional teams.
• Provided expert advice and support to local, provincial and national public entities.
BroadReach HealthcareTeam Lead - Gauteng
Apr. 2009 - Aug. 2010Cape Town, South Africa• Serving as senior regional team lead consultant and project/programme manager working individually and part of a team to provide advice, technical input and client support as required to the Gauteng Department of Health in the management of Health in dealing with HIV/AIDS.
• Provided expert advice and support to provincial and national public entities.
• Assist clients in developing and executing strategies.
• Development and implementation of improved efficiency processes within hospitals and clinics.
• Development of performance assessment and monitoring and evaluation tools.
• Development and implementation of sound performance impact monitoring and evaluation systems, processes and workflows.
• Development and application of technical or sectoral knowledge to the provision of inputs into the identification, design, implementation, evaluation and review of programs, policies, strategies, including the conduct of research and analysis and leading or participating in task based teams as required, Manage the activity preparation phase including project design Monitor and evaluate a portfolio of activities or initiatives for quality and aid effectiveness outcomes including preparing quality reporting system assessments.
• Preparation of technical infrastructure briefings, submissions and other reporting against a portfolio of activities or initiatives.
• Development and implementation of project management methodology and tools to facilitate best practice delivery.
• Establishment of relevant networks and build mutually beneficial relationships with partner government, key stakeholders, development partners and whole of government partners.
• Management of the procurement process and implementation of contracts for a portfolio of activities or in initiatives including contract variations, dispute resolution and contractor performance assessment.
EOHConsultant
Nov. 2008 - Apr. 2009East London, South Africa• Operations, Project and Programme managed, and led national, cross-functional teams(s) and subject matter experts in the development, planning, and implementation of multiple projects and/or programs in the field of Electricity Distribution in South Africa.
• Provided expert advice and support to local, provincial and national public entities.
• Facilitated financial ring-fencing and merger of Department of Roads and Public Works.
• Planning and implemented project/program schedules and monitors project/program from inception through delivery.
• Created and delivered presentations, communications and communicated to cross-functional audiences both internally and externally.
• Communicated project/program status, issues, results and impacts to local and senior management.
• Engaged and managed the work of partner contractors and external vendors.
• Maintained awareness of trends, business conditions and internal processes and practices impacting project/program deliverables.
• Mobilisation of resources and investment opportunities.
Land O'Lakes, Inc.Management Support Specialist
Jan. 2007 - Dec. 2008East London, South Africa• Responsible for programme and project management and facilitating USAID-funded agricultural development projects that provide technical and business development support services to project clients to address needs and challenges, and to facilitate sustainable growth, job creation and poverty alleviation. Work with host clients on identifying needs for assistance, developing scopes of work, and planning the volunteer intervention. Facilitate the implementation of consultant and volunteer assignments.
• Facilitated access of technical and business support services to emerging SMME's and agribusinesses and the agriculture value chain in South Africa. The key objective was to stimulate the sustainability of emerging agribusinesses along the agricultural value chain.
• Facilitated relationship-building with strategic partners (Public and Private Sector) and emerging agribusinesses to identify needs and challenges of both, and to identify synergies between both entities. Responsible for identifying clients and SMME's to receive assistance from volunteers, assisting the clients with developing scopes of work, and implementing the assignments.
• Implemented performance impact monitoring, evaluation and reporting on projects.
HalcyonProject Manager
Jan. 2007 - Dec. 2007East London, South Africa• Conducted a research project to ascertain the level of customer satisfaction in primary health care facilities in the Eastern Cape. Analyzed the data from the survey and reported results to the Eastern Cape Department of Health.
ECITI - Eastern Cape Information Technology InitiativeProject Manager
Jan. 2006 - Jan. 2007East London, South Africa• Executive responsibility for establishment and managing the development of a technology innovation hub in the Eastern Cape.
• Expert advisory and coaching support to innovative SMME's towards international partnerships and opportunities.
• Facilitated the development and implementation of mentorship and coaching programs with the aim of developing emerging businesses towards performance improvement and sustainable growth.
Fairchild-McMorran Consulting (Pty) Ltd.Project Manager
Jan. 2006 - Dec. 2006East London, South Africa• Developed, implemented and managed the development of information management systems and a virtual call centre.
• Developed learning materials for the manufacturing, engineering and related services. Learning materials were developed for distribution by the public sector to enhance skills development in South Africa.
Eastern Cape Development CorporationBusiness Development Consultant
Jan. 2005 - Dec. 2005East London, South Africa• Facilitated and managed Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Mergers (BBBEE) and acquisitions. Facilitated the restructuring of businesses to align with national BBBEE policies. Provided business management services to emerging businesses. Evaluated business plans, conducted feasibility studies, and valuations to access funding. Key deliverables included: Management of services providers developing feasibility studies, business valuations and business plans.
• Provision of business support skills to emerging business owners.
• Facilitated access to public sector development finance for mergers, acquisitions and new ventures.
Project Administration ServicesProject and Operations Manager
Jun. 2004 - Jun. 2005East London, South Africa• Employed as Project and Operations Manager in the electrical contracting field managing electrical distribution networks. Developed project management planning schedules to facilitate effective maintenance, repairs and installation of electrical networks.
• Executive appointment as a Strategic Manager to address diversification strategy of company and business development.
• Development and implementation of Performance Management Systems for the company.
• Development and implementation of information management systems to integrate the management of various departments of the company.
Rhodes UniversityIT Consultant
Jun. 2003 - Jun. 2004Grahamstown, South Africa• Installation, maintenance and repairs of campus-wide computer network. • Provided desktop and networking services to relevant stakeholders of the university. • Developed and conducted training of various computer software packages to employees and students of the university.
Daimler AGDesktop Publisher
Jan. 2002 - Dec. 2002East London, South Africa• Developed training material for the implementation of ISO Quality Standards for the South African East London production plant.
• Participated in the refinement of training methodologies implemented in workshops of all production divisions.
DamelinIT Lecturer and Consultant
Jan. 2002 - Dec. 2002East London, South Africa• Lectured in the field of Information Technology and Information Systems of undergraduate learners pursuing Bachelor of Commerce Degrees.
• Installed and maintained campus-wide computer network.
Management Sciences for HealthInformation Systems Support Specialist
Jan. 2001 - Dec. 2001Bhisho, East London• Developed and conducted training of various computer software packages to Department of Health functionaries.
• Installed, maintained and repaired Local Area Networks of the organization.
MSC Private CollegeIT Lecturer
Jan. 2000 - Dec. 2000East London, South Africa• Information Technology Lecturer of learners acquiring diplomas and certificates in Information Technology.
• Development and implementation of training material.
• Installation, maintenance and repairs of campus-wide computer networks.
Masstores - Game and DionStock Controller
Jan. 1999 - Dec. 1999East London, South Africa• Employed as a Stock Controller for the Technology Sales Department. Managed stock levels, stock ordering, customer services and sales in department.
Nahoon Methodist ChurchYouth Worker
Jan. 1997 - Dec. 1998
Scripture UnionVolunteer - Trendsetter
Jan. 1996 - Dec. 1996
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