J G (Jakes) KOTZÉ
Wellington,New Zealand / Australia
Summary
HVAC and Mechanical Project Engineer with over 20 years of experience delivering commercial and industrial mechanical services projects across South Africa and New Zealand. Energy‑efficient HVAC design, commissioning, preventative maintenance programmes, and contract management. Proven ability to work collaboratively with clients, consultants, contractors, and facilities teams to deliver compliant, cost-effective, and reliable building services solutions.
Overview
2
2
Certifications
47
47
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner/Worker
Insight Mechanical
Richards bay, Kwa Zulu Natal
02.2009 - 12.2026
- Installed Design-Build HVAC systems
- Produced CAD drawings
- Quality inspections
- Commissioning systems
- Managed daily operations to ensure workflow in a retail and commercial environment.
- Trained and mentored staff to improve work performance.
- Trained and mentored staff from other companies, on request.
- Built relationships with suppliers to ensure favorable terms and pricing.
- As Inspector, I ensured that local and national standards were adhered to.
- Collaborated with other owners on joint ventures and shared resources.
- Monitored progress by establishing plans, budgets and measuring results.
- Mitigated business risks by working closely with staff members and assessing performance.
Project Engineer / Contracts Manager
Envirogroup Ltd
New Zealand, New Zealand
08.2005 - 10.2008
- Assisted with Design and delivered energy‑efficient HVAC systems including 4‑pipe chilled water and heating systems
- Selected and specified mechanical plant including chillers, pumps, valves, and control systems
- Managed coordination between architects, consultants, contractors, and tenants
- Led HVAC design for heritage and retrofit buildings
- Conducted heat load calculations and fresh air compliance designs
- Managed commissioning, quality inspections, and final handover
- Prepared tender and technical documentation, as‑built and construction CAD drawings
- Assisted with cost control, valuations, and contractor performance
Owner / Project Engineer
Advanced Projects
South Africa, South Africa
01.2000 - 06.2005
- Designed, installed, and commissioned commercial HVAC systems
- Developed preventative maintenance schedules and service contracts
- Managed suppliers, procurement, and cost optimization
- Consulted with clients on lifecycle maintenance and system upgrades
- Trained staff on project management tools and best practices for efficiency.
- Implemented quality control measures to enhance project deliverables and satisfaction.
- Conducted regular team meetings to assess progress and address challenges.
- Managed daily operations of business, including hiring and training staff.
- Identified new opportunities for growth, expansion, and diversification.
- Oversaw project execution, phase progress, workmanship, and team performance to drive on-time completion of deliverables.
Technical Buyer
Richards Bay TLC
03.1997 - 01.2000
- Technical procurement of plant, equipment, and services
- Supplier negotiation, cost saving, and asset control
- Evaluated vendor proposals for quality and cost-effectiveness.
- Negotiated contracts to secure favorable terms and pricing.
- Managed inventory levels to prevent shortages and excess stock.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams on project specifications.
- Developed supplier relationships to enhance service delivery.
- Monitored compliance with established policies, procedures, and regulations.
- Collaborated with internal teams to develop specifications for requested items.
- Ensured timely delivery of goods by monitoring shipment progress.
Site Agent – Infrastructure & Rehabilitation
Sasol / Tosas
KEMPTON PARK, KEMPTON PARK
01.1988 - 01.1992
- Managed multi‑team site operations and large‑scale infrastructure works
- Controlled annual budgets of approximately R23 million
- Implemented NOSA safety systems and ISO quality standards
- Oversaw quality control, reporting, and contractor coordination
Hvac Technician
Improve Air
Spartan, KEMPTON PARK
01.1980 - 01.1987
- Installed HVAC systems in residential and commercial properties.
- Performed routine maintenance on heating and cooling systems.
- Resolved customer complaints with effective troubleshooting solutions.
- Maintained accurate records of service calls and repairs performed.
- Performed preventive maintenance on HVAC systems to ensure peak performance and energy efficiency.
- Repaired or replaced defective parts such as compressors, motors, fans and other components in heating and cooling systems.
- Cleaned evaporator coils, condensate drains and blower wheels to maintain optimal efficiency of the unit.
- Troubleshot and diagnosed issues with HVAC equipment, providing recommendations for remediation.
- Documented all repair work performed on HVAC units according to company standards.
- Checked pressure readings on gauges connected to the system in order to diagnose any malfunctions.
- Replaced worn out filters at regular intervals to improve air quality inside the premises.
- Calibrated thermostats, tested capacitors and checked refrigerant levels for proper functioning of the system.
- Recovered refrigerant from old HVAC units prior to disposal according to local environmental regulations.
- Performed routine checks on various components of the system such as contactors, relays and solenoids.
Education
Post Graduate - MEP Revit Design And Draughting
Augmintech
India International04-2026
HVAC&R Technician - Air Conditioning And Refrigeration
QTC Olifantsfontein
Kempton Park08-1984
Advanced Diploma - Strategic Purchasing & Supply Management
Newport University
A+ Certificate - Hardware & Software Support
Network Academy
HVAC&R - Inspector, Designer And Artisan - HVAC
SAQCC
South AfricaRoof Truss Inspector -
Institute for Timber Construction
Skills
- HVAC system design
- Supplier relationship management
- Project management
- Cost control
- Technical procurement
- Team training
- Problem solving
- Workflow management
- Quality inspections
- Commissioning systems
- Preventative & Planned Maintenance
- Facilities & Asset Lifecycle Management
- Quality Assurance & Compliance
- Consultant & Stakeholder Coordination
- AutoCAD & Technical Documentation
- Service quality assurance
- Design coordination
- Labor relations
- Contract management
- Regulatory compliance
- Key partnership cultivation
- Consulting
- Business management
- Small business operations
- Verbal and written communication
- Staff hiring
Affiliations
SAQCC & SARACCA - Air conditioning Design, Inspector and Gas Practitioner
Certification
• Code 10 Driver’s Licence (20T Truck with trailer)
• Commercial Skipper’s Licence (A1)
• Commercial Skipper’s Licence (A1)
Technical Tools
- AutoCAD (HVAC layouts & as‑built drawings)
- Load Estimation & Energy Calculations
- MS Word, Excel, Windows‑based systems
- Thermal Imaging & Fault Diagnostics
- All testing equipment related to HVAC
Cover Letter
I have extensive experience in the HVAC field. My experience is not limited to hands-on experience in fault-finding and repairs of HVAC systems; I am also a registered HVAC Inspector and Designer in South Africa. At Insight Mechanical (my company), we did various design-build projects, as well as contract installations.
I recently completed a MEP Revit designer course with Augmintech. Here, I brushed up on design requirements and broadened my knowledge of International Standards relating to my trade.
I am comfortable with completing an assessment in project pricing, HVAC knowledge, and design experience.
I am available immediately, but I do require a position that allows me to apply for a work permit in New Zealand.
My contact details are as follows:
Mobile: 021 1366 749
Email:jakeskotze365@gmail.com
Timeline
Owner/Worker
Insight Mechanical
02.2009 - 12.2026
Project Engineer / Contracts Manager
Envirogroup Ltd
08.2005 - 10.2008
Owner / Project Engineer
Advanced Projects
01.2000 - 06.2005
Technical Buyer
Richards Bay TLC
03.1997 - 01.2000
Site Agent – Infrastructure & Rehabilitation
Sasol / Tosas
01.1988 - 01.1992
Hvac Technician
Improve Air
01.1980 - 01.1987
Post Graduate - MEP Revit Design And Draughting
Augmintech
HVAC&R Technician - Air Conditioning And Refrigeration
QTC Olifantsfontein
Advanced Diploma - Strategic Purchasing & Supply Management
Newport University
A+ Certificate - Hardware & Software Support
Network Academy
HVAC&R - Inspector, Designer And Artisan - HVAC
SAQCC
Roof Truss Inspector -
Institute for Timber Construction