Andrew J Van Der Merwe
Glasgow
Summary
Team-focused Individual with a robust background in logistics and operations. Proven track record of maintaining high standards while working under tight timescales. Extensive driving experience with vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes. Resourceful and well-organised with strong planning skills, complemented by proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe applications. Committed to meeting challenges head-on and achieving optimal results.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work history
Operations Assistant
MARKS AND SPENCER
2025.11 - 2026.02
- Unloading and departmentalisation of goods.
- Maintenance of Operations area and related machinery.
- Scanning incoming goods and stocktaking.
- Generated reports as required, aiding decision-making process.
- Working with other departments to ensure stock was present and correct.
Sample Handler and Laboratory Assistant Duties
GLASGOW UNIVERSITY, LIGHTHOUSE/GLASGOW DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORY
2021.12 - 2023.03
- Checking and opening public Covid samples within a Biological Safety Cabinet according to Standard Operating Procedures. Transportation of Samples within the Building.
- Part of a 24/7 team processing up to 750,000 samples daily.
- Recording and logging sample data for daily assessments.
- Preparation and handling of various Chemicals for use within the different Laboratories.
- Working with Laboratory Scientists during the testing of Covid samples, assisting workflow and data entry.
Warehouse Operative
STAX TRADE CENTRE (Glasgow)
Glasgow
2015.08 - 2021.10
- Unloaded and Handled goods and products as they came into the warehouse, checking for damage or for any missing items. Organised and updated displays and pricing of goods.
- Trained on check out and cashier duties.
- Picked and packed orders for despatch, ensuring these were correctly labelled ready for the customer and delivery drivers.
- Maintained clear and accurate records of stocks in the warehouse and items which had been despatched, on a daily basis.
- Worked as a Returns Administrator dealing with customers and returned goods for suppliers.
- Demonstrated good computer skills, ability to complete paperwork accurately and work under pressure to meet deadlines for deliveries and orders.
- Maintained working areas in a clean and tidy manner, with an awareness of safe working practices.
- Worked individually using own initiative with minimal supervision as well as part of a team, demonstrating a strong team work ethic, flexibility and motivation.
- Complied with strict Health and Safety, Fire Awareness and Security procedures, policies and standards.
- Delivered stock to homes and business all across Scotland.
Courier
EAGLE COURIERS (SELF EMPLOYED) (Glasgow)
Glasgow
2008.06 - 2014.09
- Responsible for safely delivering parcels to companies and private addresses and collecting packages from business locations for next and same day deliveries.
- Loaded and unloaded the vehicles with the assistance of mechanical aids and hand trucks when required and sorted the items for each route prior to departing from the depot.
- Able to work alone and concentrate for long periods of time, under pressure and to tight schedules, adhering to traffic laws and without compromising safety and security.
- Complied with strict Health and Safety, Fire Awareness, Security and Welfare procedures, policies and standards.
New Media Manager
RAW BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS (Glasgow)
Glasgow
1994.04 - 2008.06
- Production Company organising technical requirements for conferences and live events for corporate clients.
- Part of a small team organising all aspects of 14 Business Award Ceremonies, each year, for 6 years amongst numerous other projects.
- Trained in rigging / operating Data Projectors and screens, Sound Systems and other Audio Visual equipment.
- Training and managing of other employees.
- Trained/Self-taught in Adobe Photoshop/Computer Programming/Video Editing.
- Responsible for IT department and all related administration across three office locations.
Education
1st year of Environmental Engineering degree -
Napier Polytechnic
EdinburghHNC - Multimedia - Programming and Design
Jewel and Esk Valley College
EdinburghDoor Supervisor & CCTV Operator Licences -
Security Industry Authority
Skills
- Loading, unloading and delivery of Audio Visual Equipment and General Goods
- Microsoft Office and Adobe applications
- Stock taking and stock management with an understanding of Supply chains and Inventory Software and Systems
- Worked for Glasgow University in the Lighthouse/Glasgow Diagnostic Laboratory during the Covid-19 Epidemic
- Demonstrates strong team working skills, with the ability to work to tight timescales
- Enjoys meeting challenges and seeing them through, maintaining high standards throughout
- Demonstrates keen attention to detail, and high levels of concentration and focus
- Productive worker with solid work ethic, exerting optimal effort in successfully completing tasks
- Experienced in working a range of shift patterns, demonstrating high levels of flexibility
- Resourceful, practical, well organised with strong planning skills
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / INTERESTS
Keen cyclist, Hillwalker and very amateur musician. So far I have climbed 28 of the Munros. I also enjoy reading, gaming and watching TV quiz shows and films.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Operations Assistant
MARKS AND SPENCER
2025.11 - 2026.02
Sample Handler and Laboratory Assistant Duties
GLASGOW UNIVERSITY, LIGHTHOUSE/GLASGOW DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORY
2021.12 - 2023.03
Warehouse Operative
STAX TRADE CENTRE (Glasgow)
2015.08 - 2021.10
Courier
EAGLE COURIERS (SELF EMPLOYED) (Glasgow)
2008.06 - 2014.09
New Media Manager
RAW BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS (Glasgow)
1994.04 - 2008.06
1st year of Environmental Engineering degree -
Napier Polytechnic
HNC - Multimedia - Programming and Design
Jewel and Esk Valley College
Door Supervisor & CCTV Operator Licences -
Security Industry Authority