Heinrich Van der Merwe - Professional Portfolio

Work Experience

Founder & Director

Van der Merwe H Group | vandermerwe-h.co.za

Leads the company's strategic vision, driving sustainable growth and operational excellence in the competitive web hosting market.
Architects the end-to-end client journey, establishing scalable processes for client acquisition, onboarding, and long-term relationship management.
Governs the core IT infrastructure and service delivery framework, ensuring the highest standards of reliability, security, and performance.
Directs business development initiatives and defines the company's value proposition to expand market presence and build a loyal client base.

Tier 1 Professional Services

domains.co.za | Aug 2024 to Present

Manages the end-to-end migration process for high-value clients, ensuring seamless transitions with minimal downtime.
Conducts pre-migration analysis and develops strategic plans for complex data transfers from external hosting providers.
Executes the technical migration of full cPanel & DirectAdmin accounts, including websites, databases, and email services.
Performs post-migration validation and troubleshooting to guarantee data integrity and full functionality of client services.
Serves as the primary technical point of contact for clients during migrations, providing clear communication and expert guidance.

Support Tier One

domains.co.za | Sep 2021 to Aug 2024

Promoted to handle advanced technical escalations, diagnosing and resolving complex issues beyond the scope of Tier 1 Helpdesk.
Provided expert-level support for cPanel, DirectAdmin, and Plesk, including advanced DNS, security, and performance tuning.
Troubleshot and resolved intricate WordPress issues, including plugin/theme conflicts, malware removal, and performance optimization.
Assisted clients with email deliverability challenges, implementing and debugging SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records.

Tier 1 Helpdesk

domains.co.za | Mar 2021 to Sep 2021

Served as the first point of contact for client technical support, successfully resolving a high volume of email and website-related issues.
Guided customers through the setup and configuration of email clients, FTP, and basic CMS installations.
Identified and escalated complex server-side issues to senior tiers with precise and detailed documentation, leading to rapid promotions.

Product Development and Design / Senior Facilitator

Tuff Things CC (Blue Naartjie Concepts & U-Rocket Teambuilding) | Dec 2020 to Mar 2021

Developed new virtual concepts daily and optimized existing products and services.
Constructed props and performed equipment maintenance and stock control.
Created all company marketing materials.

Junior Sales Executive / Senior Facilitator

Tuff Things CC (Blue Naartjie Concepts & U-Rocket Teambuilding) | Jul 2019 to Nov 2020

Grew business by identifying and selling to new clients while maintaining existing relationships.
Drove innovation through the creation of new products in collaboration with management.
Hosted and facilitated events, ensuring 100% client interaction and motivation.

Intern Sales Associate

Remax Finest Vanderbijlpark | Oct 2018 to May 2019

Handled and expanded client base into new areas.
FCC Registered for 2019/2020.

Front of House Manager

Mugg & Bean / Turn & Tender Vaal Mall | Feb 2017 to Apr 2018

Managed the trading floor, customer relations, and complaint resolution.
Handled staff management, including salaries, rosters, and hygiene control.
Oversaw stock control, daily finances, and business opening/closing procedures.

Assistant Teacher

Kollegepark Primary, Vanderbijlpark | Feb 2015 to Dec 2015

Classes Taught:

Natural Sciences and Technology (Grade 5-7), Computer Sciences (Grade 5-7), Life Sciences (Grade 6-7 & practicals for Grade 7), English & Maths (Grade 6), Art & Culture (Grade 4).

Key Responsibilities:

Assumed responsibility for personnel in their absence, marked tests, checked books, and implemented disciplinary measures.
Pioneered the school's tablet classroom, including setup, teacher training, and test preparation.
Managed school maintenance, supply purchasing, vehicle logistics, and updated computer lab software.

Extra-Curricular Involvement:

Coached U8 Rugby (Boksmart & C-Referee credited) and served as a credited Cricket Umpire (GPSCA).
Managed athletics events (sound, marshalling, timekeeping) and represented the school at arts festivals.

Youth Camp Leader

Kidsgames Holiday Program, Alberton | June 2013 & July 2013

Assistant with Athletics and Marshal

Driehoek High, Vanderbijlpark | Apr 2013 to Jul 2013

Waiter

Stonehaven On Vaal, Vanderbijlpark | Aug 2012 to Apr 2013

Volunteer

Child Welfare Vanderbijlpark | July 2012

Youth Counsellor – School holiday programme

Camp River Lake | Dec 2010 to Dec 2011

Education & Certifications

cPanel University

Certifications Completed: March 2021

cPanel & WHM Sales Professional (CPSP): A certification focused on the features and benefits of the cPanel & WHM platform, enabling effective communication of its value to clients.
cPanel Fundamentals: Comprehensive training on the core functionalities of the cPanel interface, covering file management, email configuration, and domain administration.
Shared Hosting Guided Explanation: Foundational knowledge of shared hosting architecture, security, and best practices.

International TEFL Organization

Certificate: TEFL Teacher Training Course (June 2018)

An intensive 120-hour training course covering methodologies, lesson planning, and classroom management for teaching English to non-native speakers abroad.

North West University Vaal Campus

Bachelor’s Degree: Education – Senior FET phase (Biology and Computer Sciences) (May 2018)

A comprehensive four-year professional degree focused on preparing educators for Grades 7-12. The curriculum integrated core pedagogical studies with in-depth specialization in two major subjects.

Key Academic Components:

Core Education Studies: Covered educational psychology, sociology of education, curriculum design, classroom management, and assessment strategies.
Biology (Life Sciences) Major: Included modules on genetics, ecology, botany, zoology, biochemistry, and human anatomy & physiology.
Computer Sciences Major: Focused on foundational programming concepts, database design, information systems, networking basics, and digital literacy.
Teaching Methodology: Subject-specific pedagogy courses on how to effectively teach Life Sciences and Computer Sciences to the FET age group.
Teaching Practice (Work-Integrated Learning): Completed over 20 weeks of supervised practical teaching experience in various high school settings.

Driehoek Highschool

Matric Certificate (2011)

Key Subjects: Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences (Biology), Engineering Graphics and Design, Afrikaans, English.