Nico Cochrane

Experienced Sales, Project  & Operations Manager with over 25 years’ expertise in kitchen, vanity, bar Designs, Installations and factory operations. Proven ability to deliver large-scale projects on time and within budget, while driving efficiency in production and installation environments. Recognised for leadership, problem-solving, and hands-on technical expertise across sales, designs, logistics, manufacturing, and client service.

Nico Cochrane | Johannesburg |

 Professional Summary Experienced:

Project Manager & Operations Manager with over 25 years’ expertise in kitchen, vanity, bar installations, factory operations, and subcontract management. Proven ability to deliver large-scale projects on time and within budget, while driving efficiency in production and installation environments. Recognised for leadership, problem-solving, and hands-on technical expertise across design, logistics, manufacturing, and client service. Key Skills • Project Management & Site Coordination • Kitchen, Vanity & Bar Installations • Factory & Workshop Operations • 3D Design (Articad, Winner, Optima) • Production Planning & Cut Lists • Client & Supplier Management • Health & Safety Compliance • Budgeting & Cost Control • Microsoft Office | Teams | QuickBooks | MaxCut | CutList Plus

Simply Devine Carpentry | Project Manager (Contract) May 2025 – Present 

Managed kitchen, vanity, and bar installation projects (residential & commercial). • Coordinated subcontractors, schedules, and site progress to ensure on-time delivery. • Acted as main liaison between clients, suppliers, and installation teams. • Ensured strict compliance with safety, quality, and client specifications. Extreme-Fit Development, Nelspruit | Operations Manager Nov 2016 – Feb 2025 • Directed end-to-end factory operations, including production planning, procurement, logistics, and installations. • Designed and sold kitchens (key accounts), conducted 3D designs, and finalised client design approvals. • Increased efficiency and reduced waste by optimising workflows and enforcing SOPs. • Managed production staff, supervisors, and floor teams to achieve consistent output. • Oversaw inventory levels, supplier relationships, and equipment maintenance. • Conducted health & safety training and maintained compliance with regulations. • Supervised site measurements, inspections, and installation quality checks. Reason for leaving: Company closed due to economic challenges.

 Elegance & Style Kitchen (CHC) | Project Manager Oct 2012 – Sep 2016 • Planned and scheduled kitchen manufacturing and installations. • Coordinated cross-departmental activities: design, procurement, logistics, and production. • Maintained client communication, managing expectations and scope changes. • Controlled budgets, cost tracking, and profitability of projects. • Implemented risk management and quality assurance processes. Reason for leaving: Retrenched – company relocated to Mozambique. 

Timber City, Nelspruit | Workshop Manager Nov 2011 – Sep 2012 • Managed day-to-day workshop operations, production flow, and customer liaison. • Conducted stock control, machine maintenance, and staff training (beam saw, panel saw, edging). • Oversaw fleet management, deliveries, and urgent orders. Reason for Leaving: Better opportunity 

Kitchen Unique, Honeydew | Factory Manager / Installer 2006 – 2010 • Promoted from Installer to Factory Manager. • Produced cutting lists, supervised manufacturing and spray-painting operations. • Managed procurement, deliveries, installations, and client liaison. • Conducted site inspections, problem-solving, and quality assurance. Reason for Leaving: Got married and relocate to Nelspruit

 4D Designs | Kitchen Installer 2001 – 2005 • Oversaw installations from factory to client handover. • Conducted site checks, cut lists, tool maintenance, and training of fitters. • Managed deliveries, fleet logistics, and customer liaison. Reason for leaving: New opportunity

Office Connection, Northriding | Operations Manager 1997 – 2001 • Managed logistics, installations, stock control, and fleet. • Oversaw staff scheduling, wages, and operational systems. • Led Discovery Health relocation project (12,000 workstations: planning, transport, and reassembly). Reason for leaving: Company closed (owner deceased).

Monument Toyota | Recon & Stock Controller / Sales 1992 – 1996 Reason for leaving: Retrenched – company closed. Education & Certifications • Grade 10 – Hoërskool Jan de Klerk, Krugersdorp (1990) • South African Army (1991) • Qualified KSA Installer (2006) – Reg. No: A0112/KSA/2006 • Computer Literacy – MS Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook, Articad, Winner, QuickBooks, MaxCut, CutList Plus Personal Details • Nationality: South African | Languages: Afrikaans & English • Driver’s License: Code EC (14), Code A • Marital Status: Married • Criminal Record: None (subject to verification) • ITC Record: None (subject to verification) • 

Grade 10 – Hoërskool Jan de Klerk, Krugersdorp (1990) • South African Army (1991) • Qualified KSA Installer (2006) – Reg. No: A0112/KSA/2006 • Computer Literacy – MS Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook, Articad, Winner, QuickBooks, MaxCut, CutList Plus