LORRETTA MAKUMBE
Bury,Greater Manchester
Summary
Accomplished Quantity Surveyor with extensive knowledge in cost planning, measurement, and bills of quantities (NRM2). Demonstrates proficiency in procurement strategy and contract administration under JCT and NEC frameworks. Skilled in BIM and digital construction tools, with a strong focus on lifecycle costing and value management. Possesses eight years of experience in contract drafting, review, and negotiation across high-value commercial agreements. Adept at risk identification and management, regulatory compliance, and due diligence. Offers advanced financial analysis and reporting capabilities alongside strong written and verbal communication skills. Career goals include advancing research and digital innovation in the built environment, with a focus on digital technologies, lifecycle value, and sustainable construction.
Overview
1
1
Language
1
1
Certification
7
7
years of professional experience
Work history
Managing Partner
Kadzere, Hungwe & Mandevere Legal Practitioners
2023.01 - 2025.08
- Managed contracts, budgets, and financial oversight for a 16-person practice — equivalent in scope to managing costs and commercial risk on a project
- Negotiated and drafted high-value commercial and property contracts, applying the same close reading of terms and risk allocation that underpins construction contract administration
- Conducted financial due diligence on property acquisitions, including reviewing valuations and assessing lifecycle costs
- Resolved disputes efficiently through negotiation and ADR, consistently achieving outcomes without escalating to formal proceedings
Corporate Governance & Secretarial Consultant
Pointhouse
2022.02 - 2025.08
- Advised boards on financial compliance, risk management, and strategic planning — experience that informs understanding of public sector procurement governance and value-for-money requirements
- New Hope Booker | Affluent Consultancy | Charis Chartered Accountants (SA)
Legal Associate
Kadzere, Hungwe & Mandevere Legal Practitioners
2018.09 - 2022.12
- Built a strong foundation in commercial contracts and property law — areas with direct relevance to construction procurement and contractor management
- Developed detailed drafting and analytical skills working across 600+ legal documents under time pressure
Education
MSc - Quantity Surveying
University of Salford
UK 9 2025 - 9 2026
LLM - Commercial Law
University of Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe 8 2022 - 9 2024
Chartered Governance & Professional Accountancy (CGPA) - Governance, Accounting
Chartered Governance and Accountancy Institute in Zimbabwe (CGI)
Zimbabwe 8 2019 - 10 2021
LLB Honours - Law
University of Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe 8 2013 - 6 2017
Skills
- Quantity Surveying & Construction
- Cost planning, measurement, and bills of quantities (NRM2)
- Procurement strategy and contract administration (JCT, NEC)
- BIM and digital construction tools
- Lifecycle costing and value management
- Construction project economics and feasibility
- Commercial & Legal
- Contract drafting, review, and negotiation — 8 years of practice across high-value commercial agreements
- Risk identification and management
- Regulatory compliance and due diligence
- Financial analysis and reporting
- General
- Strong written and verbal communication; experienced in report preparation, legal opinions, and board papers
- Advanced MS Office; exposure to construction industry software through MSc programme
- Comfortable working independently and managing competing deadlines
Personal Information
- Title: Prospective PhD Researcher | Digital Innovation | Lifecycle Value | Sustainable Construction
- Work Permit: Right to Work in the UK
Certification
- RICS Northwest Regional Board Prize for Best Student in MSc Quantity Surveying (2026)
- Law Society of Zimbabwe Book Prize (2017)
- University of Zimbabwe Book Prize (2014)
- Law Society of Zimbabwe – Full Member (2018–present)
- Chartered Governance Institute (CGI), Zimbabwe – Graduate Member (2021–present)
Languages
English
Fluent
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Managing Partner
Kadzere, Hungwe & Mandevere Legal Practitioners
2023.01 - 2025.08
Corporate Governance & Secretarial Consultant
Pointhouse
2022.02 - 2025.08
Legal Associate
Kadzere, Hungwe & Mandevere Legal Practitioners
2018.09 - 2022.12
LLB Honours - Law
University of Zimbabwe
8 2013 - 6 2017
Chartered Governance & Professional Accountancy (CGPA) - Governance, Accounting
Chartered Governance and Accountancy Institute in Zimbabwe (CGI)
8 2019 - 10 2021
LLM - Commercial Law
University of Zimbabwe
8 2022 - 9 2024
MSc - Quantity Surveying
University of Salford
9 2025 - 9 2026