Damien Cavanagh GAICD, MAIQS, CQS

Experience

• 

  ARRP-CQ Alliance

  Jan 2005 - Jan 2007

  Commercial Manager

  Successfully designed and implemented cost reporting functions, administration, quality, safety & environmental management plans that incorporated four different companies under the one banner; Balanced a $65.0 million budget, resulting in an impressive 15% under-run on initial Target Outturn Cost (TOC); managed a medium sized project office whilst managing administration for the entire project; fully accountable for all areas of project reporting.

• 

  Ostwald Bros

  Jan 2007 - Nov 2016

  During this timeframe, I administered project delivery to address inconsistent and varied practices, ensuring streamlined operations and enhanced efficiency. I led tendering processes by actively engaging clients, developing comprehensive scopes, and negotiating contracts to meet project objectives and client expectations. Additionally, I meticulously managed cost forecasting, reporting, and cash flow to ensure financial stability and project viability throughout the execution phase. Collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams, I facilitated effective design management and implementation, fostering synergy and cohesion across all project stages. Moreover, I oversaw building and development approvals, ensuring strict compliance with regulatory standards and requirements. Supervising subcontractor engagement and procurement processes, I ensured seamless coordination to meet project needs and deadlines. Conducting thorough estimating and budgeting activities, I maintained financial viability and alignment with project goals. Finally, I established consistent construction management practices and frameworks, promoting efficiency and excellence in project delivery.Following are my most significant accomplishments: • Initiated successful niche business within Oswald Group by leveraging strong engagement and negotiation skills. • Reflected innovative approach to managing client service demands by demonstrating high-level service delivery. • Enforced site safety, quality, and environmental standards through effective management plans. • Earned high regard within the organisation for commitment to governance and risk management. • Exceeded expectations by completing over $120M worth of work across four major projects. Show less

  • Snr Project Manager

    Nov 2015 - Nov 2016

  • General Manager

    Jan 2012 - Nov 2015

  • Manager – Executive Projects

    Jan 2009 - Jan 2012

  • Civil Admin Manager

    Jan 2007 - Jan 2009
• 

  Canstruct Group

  Jan 2017 - Oct 2024

  As CEO, I am leading the transition to a corporatised business model, leveraging my prior role as Chief Operating Officer to drive successful organizational change. Demonstrating values-driven leadership and a focus on results, I guide the company through this transformation with tact and precision. Leveraging extensive experience, I steer the organization on a strategic growth path while overseeing the smooth execution of the Corporatisation Project. Through a comprehensive communications strategy, I maintain stakeholder engagement and support, ensuring transparency and trust throughout the transition. Additionally, I provide oversight of business operations aligned with the company's diversity strategy across diverse geographic regions, promoting inclusivity and equality at every level.Check my notable accomplishments below: • Steered development/implementation of strategic business plans by including initiatives for horizontal/vertical expansion. • Instituted policies aimed at reinforcing the company's culture and vision to promote cohesive organisational identity. • Developed and executed business plans, budgets, and strategies aligned with the company's overarching goals. • Implemented effective governance and risk management strategies to safeguard the organisation's interests. • Achieved key milestones within an 18-month timeframe by executing a growth and diversification strategy. • Established rigorous reporting mechanisms to inform the board about the organisation's performance. Show less Whilst serving in this position, I led comprehensive oversight of all operational aspects within the company, including managing infrastructure and service delivery teams. Providing strategic direction and supervision for business operations spanning a diverse portfolio of infrastructure projects across a wide geographic area, I formulated and executed operational business plans to optimize efficiency and effectiveness across all operational domains. Additionally, I delivered detailed and insightful reports to the Board of Directors, ensuring transparency and informed decision-making.Some of my key achievements are: • Drove strategic business planning initiatives to facilitate horizontal and vertical diversification of business operations. • Directed execution of preventative & reactive maintenance activities for ~AU$ 750M worth of Commonwealth Assets. • Secured concurrent contract extensions to underscore the Group's responsiveness and alignment with client needs. • Implemented policies to foster a supportive company culture and advance organisational vision and objectives. Show less Throughout this tenure, I was responsible for executing all support service functions, overseeing company operations, and leading delivery teams, including logistics and facilities management. Spearheading business operations across diverse project and service delivery portfolios in broad geographical areas, I devised and integrated operational business unit and delivery plans to ensure desired outcomes. Additionally, I created a communications plan to strengthen and promote the company's culture and vision, fostering alignment and engagement across the organization.Here are my noteworthy contributions at this position: • Established strong commonwealth and international liaisons by utilising engagement strategies, skilled negotiations, and financial acumen to secure contract extensions. • Achieved horizontal and vertical business diversification by exhibiting exceptional leadership abilities. • Prepared annual budgets totaling AU$350M by demonstrating successful financial management. • Promoted to 2IC in project mobilisation by leading subsequent project delivery efforts. Show less

  • Chief Executive Officer

    Jan 2022 - Oct 2024

  • Chief Operating Officer

    Jan 2019 - Jan 2022

  • General Manager

    Jan 2017 - Jan 2019
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  Anaman

  Oct 2024 - now

  Operations Manager