Hello!
I’m Matthew MCKEEN
Dynamic General Manager
“I am committed to driving positive change and delivering results”.
General Manager
Operational & Financial Acumen
Business Optimisation & Growth
Maximises Efficiency & Delivers Results
Business Finances
About me
Driving Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement
As a proven General Manager with over 13 years of experience in delivering successful business improvement projects by applying my expertise in business strategy, process improvement, and change management. With strong operational skills and financial acumen, I can connect the dots between financial goals and operational needs to drive positive results.
One of my key achievements was leading a team to implement a data strategy rollout at Tharisa Minerals and facilitating data visualisation through various mediums such as PowerBI, resulting in significant cost savings and process efficiencies. My analytical abilities and expertise in data analytics were crucial in identifying areas for improvement and implementing targeted solutions.
I possess exceptional project management skills. During the 2022 fiscal year, I led a team that achieved unprecedented levels of production by successfully implementing mining restructuring and multiple business improvement projects. My ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage timelines and budgets, and communicate effectively with stakeholders contributed to the successful completion of the project on time and within budget.
My expertise in digital transformation and digitisation has also been critical in driving innovation and efficiency gains in the organisation. In my current role, I led the implementation of a cloud-based collaboration platform, enabling seamless communication and collaboration across teams and improving overall productivity.
MY EXPERTISE INCLUDES
◎ Operations Management
◎ Data Analytics
◎ Change Management
◎ Turnaround Strategies
◎ Finance Management
◎ Visualisation
◎ Stakeholder Engagement
◎ Digital Transformation
◎ Business Process Improvement
◎ Project Management
◎ Departmental Restructuring
◎ Digitisation
Experience
General Manager
Tharisa
2023 – Present
- Oversee mining operations to ensure compliance with safety regulations, environmental standards, and production targets.
- Develop and implement operational plans and budgets to achieve company goals.
- Lead and manage a team of mining professionals, providing guidance and support.
- Build relationships with stakeholders, including government officials, community leaders, and industry partners.
- Identify and implement process improvements to optimise production efficiency and reduce costs.
- Develop and maintain effective risk management strategies to minimise operational risks.
- Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements.
Senior Business Improvement Manager
Tharisa
10/2021 – 2023
- Led various departmental turnaround strategies, including the restructuring of key divisions such as Finance, Mining Operations, Human Resources, and Learning and Development.
- Facilitated data visualisation through various mediums such as powerBI to help drive better decision-making and business performance.
- Successfully digitised Tharisa Minerals Mining division by taking it from excel to 100% digital data generation and presentation.
- Possess strong communication skills that helped me to effectively lead teams and ensure performance after a period of change such as restructuring/intervention.
- Achieved record production in the 2022 financial year in Tharisa Minerals after successfully completing mining restructuring and various BI projects.
- Successfully implemented a data strategy rollout and facilitated data visualisation, resulting in significant cost savings and process efficiencies.
- Achieved unprecedented levels of production by successfully implementing mining restructuring and multiple business improvement projects.
- Led the implementation of a cloud-based collaboration platform, enabling seamless communication and collaboration across teams and improving overall productivity.
Managing Director
Tharisa
2022 – 2023
- Oversaw daily operations and strategic planning of the company, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives.
- Managed budgets and financial performance, consistently delivering profitable results and driving growth.
- Developed and maintained relationships with key stakeholders, including investors, customers, and suppliers, fostering a culture of collaboration and partnership.
- Led and motivated teams to achieve business goals and objectives, providing guidance and support to enable high levels of performance and productivity.
- Ensured compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, mitigating risk and protecting the company’s reputation.
Mining Operations Manager
Tharisa
Dec 2021 – Sep 2021
- Oversaw daily operations of mining sites and ensured compliance with safety regulations and environmental standards.
- Managed budgets and financial performance, achieving profitability and growth targets.
- Developed and maintained relationships with key stakeholders, including government officials, community leaders, and industry partners.
- Led and motivated teams to achieve production targets and operational goals.
- Implemented process improvements to optimise production efficiency and reduce costs.
- Developed and maintained effective risk management strategies to minimise operational risks.
- Ensured compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements.
- Successfully executed a mine expansion project, increasing production capacity by 30%.
- Led the implementation of new mining technologies, resulting in significant improvements in production efficiency and cost savings.
- Developed and implemented a workforce development program, improving employee skills and retention rates.
- Successfully negotiated new contracts with suppliers, resulting in significant cost savings for the company.
other previous roles
Mining Optimisation Manager
Tharisa
May 2019 – Nov 2020
- Led and managed cross-functional teams to optimise mining operations and improve production efficiency.
- Conducted data analysis and developed models to identify process improvement opportunities and increase cost savings.
- Implemented new mining technologies and techniques to enhance safety and operational performance.
- Developed and executed short- and long-term plans to meet production targets and reduce downtime.
- Trained and mentored team members to ensure adherence to safety protocols and best practices.
Finance Manager
Tharisa
May 2019 – Apr 2019
• Developed and managed the company’s financial strategy, including forecasting, budgeting, and financial reporting.
• Provided financial analysis and insights to the executive team to support key business decisions, resulting in improved operational efficiency and increased profitability.
• Managed the accounting team, overseeing the day-to-day operations, and ensuring compliance with accounting standards and regulations.
• Implemented new financial systems and processes to streamline workflows and increase accuracy, resulting in a 20% reduction in manual data entry and improved data integrity.
• Negotiated favourable terms with vendors and suppliers, resulting in a 10% reduction in costs and improved cash flow.
Group Financial and Commercial Officer
MCC Group
Jun 2016 – Apr 2017
• Oversaw financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting aligned with overall business strategy, resulting in optimised financial performance and resource allocation.
• Implemented financial controls, procedures, and reporting to ensure regulatory compliance and risk management, mitigating potential financial risks.
• Streamlined financial and commercial operations through process improvements and automation, resulting in significant cost savings and increased efficiency.
Financial and Commercial Officer
MCC Group
Jan 2015 – May 2016
• Developed and implemented financial and commercial strategies to support business growth and increase profitability.
• Oversaw the negotiation and management of contracts with customers, suppliers, and partners, resulting in cost savings and increased revenue.
• Led the implementation of new financial and commercial systems, resulting in improved efficiency and accuracy of financial reporting and analysis.
Fixed Asset Accountant
Northam
Sep 2014 – Dec 2014
• Managed fixed asset accounting processes, ensuring accuracy and compliance with accounting standards and company policies.
• Developed and maintained fixed asset records and reconciliations, providing timely and reliable information to support financial reporting and analysis.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to optimise fixed asset management, including depreciation schedules, asset disposals, and capital expenditure planning.
I’ve gotten to work with some amazing companies.
QUALIFICATIONS
Skills
Leadership and Management
Strategic Thinking and Planning
Project Management
Financial Analysis
Supply Chain Management
Technical
Risk Management
Regulatory Compliance
Continuous Improvement Mindset
Data Analysis and Interpretation
Change Management
Excellent Communication
Accounting
Programme in Technical & Operational Surface Mining
University of Pretoria
Jan 2021 – Dec 2021
Bachelor of Accounting Honours
University of the Free State
Jan 2008 – Dec 2008
Bachelor of Accounting
University of the Free State
Jan 2005 – Dec 2007
LANGUAGE
Afrikaans
Proficient
English
Proficient
Reach Out to Me
(+27) 78 123 6258