David Sotelo

Responsible for overseeing all cost control activities at the Valero Refinery in Houston, including capital projects and maintenance operations. Develop and maintain comprehensive reports on weekly labor progress and performance, as well as track project costs related to indirect labor, equipment rentals, procured materials, and company-owned assets. Collaborate with the management team to forecast costs, manage change orders, and mitigate unforeseen expenses. Act as a liaison between Valero and Contech billing departments, ensuring accurate cost corrections are implemented as needed.

I led new hire orientations and facilitated Electrical Safe Work Practice onboardings, ensuring that all employees were properly trained from the start. I coordinated and conducted daily safety meetings for over 100 contractors, fostering a culture of safety across the team. Additionally, I supervised the enforcement of company safety policies and procedures, ensuring that all employees remained current on their licensing and training certifications. I also monitored Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) and energized work activities to ensure compliance with safety standards. Regular audits and inspections of facilities and work practices were conducted to proactively identify and address potential hazards. Furthermore, I collaborated closely with the owning department on a weekly basis to ensure alignment on tasks and resolve any safety concerns.

I directed a team consisting of 8 material handlers, 1 buyer, 1 estimator, and managed the E&I Material Yard operations. I led the procurement of $19.5 million in Electrical and Instrumentation (E&I) materials and was responsible for overseeing the Material Take-Offs (MTOs) for Phase 2 and 3 of the project, covering 9 refinery units. I guided a materials team that supplied both bulk and specialty materials daily to 5 contracting companies and over 300 contractors. Additionally, I fostered a successful partnership between Graybar Texas and Marathon Martinez to establish an on-site store, resulting in improved material management and reduced waste. Through strategic relationship-building with national and local vendors, I generated cost savings of $1.75 million. I also collaborated closely with Burns & McDonnell Engineering and Marathon engineers to ensure the correct procurement of both bulk and specialty materials.

I coordinated daily with the Plant Engineer, E&I Lead, and field personnel to ensure project scope and milestones were met. My responsibilities included submitting daily updates on schedules, costs, and manhour reports. I collaborated with specialty vendors during the installation of control panels and performed over 2,500 function tests on DCS, and SIS panels. Additionally, I worked closely with both the team and clients based in Japan to ensure the successful commissioning of vendor panels.

I oversaw purchase personnel and expeditors across multiple projects throughout the U.S., ensuring seamless procurement operations. I lead and coordinate the efforts of personnel involved in buying, selling, and distributing materials, equipment, machinery, and supplies. My role involved identifying and evaluating potential vendors, interviewing them to assess product availability, pricing, and sales terms. I was responsible for preparing and processing requisitions and purchase orders for supplies and equipment, maintaining accurate records of goods ordered and received. Additionally, I handled vendor and contractor grievances and claims, ensuring effective resolution. I also managed and controlled the purchasing department budget, optimizing cost efficiency and resource allocation.

Estimated the quantities and costs of materials, equipment, and labor to assess the feasibility of projects. I presented and explain proposals, reports, and findings to clients, ensuring clear communication and understanding. I develop detailed project schedules, breaking down tasks into logical steps and allocating time to meet deadlines. Additionally, I prepare and submit comprehensive budget estimates, progress reports, and cost tracking updates to keep the client informed. I took proactive action to address any delays, adverse weather conditions, or emergencies that may arise at the construction site. By collaborating closely with supervisory personnel, owners, contractors, and design professionals, I resolve issues related to work procedures, complaints, and construction challenges. I managed manpower allocation effectively while ensuring that the projects remained within budget.

Measure, cut, and bend electrical raceways, pull and terminate wire, using specialized measuring instruments and hand tools. Maintain tools, vehicles, and equipment, ensuring that parts and supplies are organized and readily available. In addition, perform a range of semi-skilled and unskilled labor tasks related to the installation, maintenance, and repair of various electrical systems and equipment.

The role involved performing quality checks on products and parts, reviewing work orders and blueprints to ensure work is completed according to specifications. Additionally, the responsibilities included completing production reports to communicate team production levels to management, aiding in the production of wiring assemblies, and supervising assemblers. The position also involved training employees on job procedures and operating machinery and company equipment.