Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Training
Languages
References
Timeline
Generic

Gustavo Cifuentes

Overland Park,USA

Summary

Electrical Engineer with Master's Degree in Engineering (Energy Systems) having more than 29 years of experience in the field, working on HV/MV substations (GIS and AIS) EPC Projects, MV/LV Distribution Systems, Renewables and Hydro Power Generation, HV Series Compensation (Static Series Synchronous Compensators SSSC), among others. Licensed as a Professional Engineer with the Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEO) in Canada and with the National Professional Council of Electrical, Mechanical Engineering and Related Professions in Colombia. Strong leadership and project management skills, with a very high understanding of terms/conditions, planning, scheduling, estimating, WBS, executing, controlling/monitoring, contracting, initiating, planning methodologies, negotiating, and closing, among other aspects related to projects and proposals. Experienced in developing EPC solutions for either greenfield or brownfield, for hydro-electrical and solar power plants, HV/MV substations, and SSSC compensation solutions, by analyzing customer specifications, developing conceptual designs and selecting equipment at a preliminary stage to prepare technical and commercial proposals and project execution. Experienced combining and applying engineering and sales/marketing principles. A flexible person with multi-cultural understanding when working in a global environment with high personal integrity and business ethics. Able to communicate opportunities (strategies) effectively to the assigned team and putting it into successful action by effectively managing the team, focusing on the big picture/overall goal, understanding the best way the team's work fits into the productivity, image, and overall success of the project/company. Promoted and managed the Safety and Health performance of project team members and subcontractors. Always have a solid aptitude for creating and maintaining a positive team environment. Excellent interpersonal skills, such as coaching, team building, motivation, communication, influencing others, decision-making, political and cultural awareness, and negotiation, to manage projects and bid opportunities. Bilingual, fluent in English and Spanish (both written and spoken) and possess dual citizenship (Canadian and Colombian).

Overview

30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Project Manager, EPC T&D

Burns and McDonnell
Kansas City, MO
04.2023 - Current
  • Supported engineering, procurement, and construction on proposals, assisted in presentations, and participated in contract negotiations.
  • Provide overall management of EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) projects from concept to completion, including planning, estimating, engineering, project controls, bid phase services, procurement, constructability reviews, material management, construction management, and closeout.
  • Developed and monitored project execution plan, project schedules, managed scope and respective change orders, and controlled project costs.
  • Defined procurement and sourcing plans, and assisted with internal project financials and risk management.
  • Manage the project and clients where the project team, client structure, and/or project location create more significant challenges and various levels of risk, maintaining relationships with existing and prospective clients.
  • Consult and assist clients with concepts and designs.
  • Manage all aspects of project communication. Evaluate, approve, and manage multiple project specifications, drawings releases, and design changes.
  • Develop and implement project policies and procedures, establish project control systems, and implement the project execution plan.
  • Assure compliance with company policies in all project aspects.
  • Developed risk matrix, identifying proper mitigation strategies, and determining cost impact of such risks.
  • Identify project opportunities and establish strategies accordingly.
  • Work closely with the Project team to ensure deliverables and services are provided to the client's satisfaction, and that projects follow internal (Quality Assurance/Quality Check) QA/QC guidelines.
  • Establish project teams, coordinate activities of multiple disciplines, and manage the efficient, cost-effective utilization of staff while adhering to contractual and performance requirements.
  • Provide consistent reporting on progress, cost, and schedule metrics, procurement issues, safety, and environmental concerns, design questions, potential impacts, and any matters requiring office support.
  • Responsible for providing performance feedback to department managers for project team members, as appropriate.
  • Effectively communicate project status, risks, forecasted completion, and costs to all stakeholders.
  • Oversee preparation and approval of monthly internal reports.
  • Present reports and represent the project execution status and financial performance to executive management.

Senior Project Manager

Smart Wires Inc.
Medellin
08.2020 - 03.2023
  • The Senior Project Manager managed and executed SmartValves solutions projects, including the modular, transformerless Static Synchronous Series Compensator (SSSC). The projects featured integrated fast-acting bypass and flexible installation and control. The team successfully delivered the first solution of this technology in the LATAM Region for EPM Envigado (3MVar at 115kV) in Colombia. This success opened the door for the utility to be awarded and execute more projects in the region for other reputable and prominent utility customers, such as GEB Termocañerla (120MVar at 230kV), ISA-Transelca CO-COST (20MVar at 230kV), and ISA-Transelca CO-ATLA (210MVar at 230kV). These projects have contributed to the company's growth in the region.
  • Managed multiple large/complex projects (USD $3M to $25M) simultaneously, developed and maintained good relationships with all stakeholders and project-related items, customers, and managed relationships for proposal development/existing clients.
  • Gained new internal and external project review processes and consulted with top management, legal, financial, manufacturing, and sales teams, as required.
  • Being consulted as an expert in the review, negotiation, approval, and execution of prime contracts, subcontracts, and change orders.
  • Reviewed contract conditions and ensured compliance with all contract terms.
  • Developed risk matrix and risk review process, identifying proper mitigation strategies and determining cost impact of such risks.
  • Identify project opportunities and established strategies to make them achievable
  • Served as the company's internal lead and customers' primary point of contact throughout the project phases.
  • For the assigned projects/opportunities, I managed their initiation, planning, engineering, procurement, factory acceptance testing, shipping, supervision of installation, site testing, commissioning, and closure.
  • Developed and implemented the project execution plan (PEP), including engineering, procurement, supervision of installation and commissioning, the quality assurance plan, safety and health plan (according to customer guidelines and regulations), subcontracting plan, organization chart, and communication plan.
  • This included the training of newfound project team members on the PEP and documenting all significant project events, such as accidents, delays, issues during execution, mitigation strategies, and change orders, among others.

Manager of Bids and Proposals EPC Projects

HMV Engineers Ltd.
Medellin
04.2018 - 04.2020
  • Manager of the Bids and Proposals group of the EPC Projects Business Unit, attending opportunities, especially in those countries where the company has an office/operation (Colombia, USA, Peru, Chile, Bolivia, Trinidad & Tobago, among others in the Americas region).
  • Managed a team of 15+ people by leading and directing the personnel, including individual and team coaching, performance management, and preparing offers for opportunities from USD $500K to USD $25M.
  • Developed, implemented, and established the proposals elaboration process for EPC project opportunities and published it across the whole organization
  • Created the risk management process by developing respective templates for it to identify all risks and opportunities for the project being bid, establishing mandatory meetings for their analysis and discussion among the proposal team, EPC vice-presidency, and CEO. Per the outcome of risk meetings, strategies were defined and implemented for the proposal being prepared.
  • Managed the complete proposal process (RFP/Bid conception, submission, and eventual awarding).
  • Responsible for closing the deal (negotiating), making the sale, and getting the company's business at the best possible price.
  • Responsible for working with cross-teams (commercial development, finance, budget, legal, and operational teams) to ensure productive collaboration, planning, scheduling, and development of proposals.
  • Lead the development and review of proposal strategies and win strategies by having a solid understanding of customer terms and market regulations.
  • Participated as one of the main contributors in articulating the growth plan for the EPC business by delivering and implementing actions and strategies defined in conjunction with the EPC Vice-presidency and CEO office.
  • Managed and provided direction in offers for EPC projects for HV substations (AIS and GIS), Solar Farms, HV Transmission Lines, Small Hydro plants, and Thermal generation plants (Gas, Diesel).
  • Acted as Project Manager for awarded projects, facilitating smooth transition between the proposal and execution teams, and successfully getting a solid initiation of the projects.
  • Made sure that identified opportunities and risks were understood and properly managed by the execution team.
  • Kept close control of project's scope, schedules, and financials.
  • Elaborated project reports for top management and customers.

Director Tendering EPC Solutions, Grid Integration

ABB Inc.
Raleigh, NC
04.2017 - 04.2018
  • Director of Tendering for the EPC Business Unit NAM (US, CA) for projects having a contract value of more than USD $25M. The director met expectations for the EPC NAM Business Substation NAM budget and articulated the growth plan for Power Grids Power Grids EPC, defining and implementing the actions along with it.
  • Developed and implemented sales strategies for crucial opportunities, working defined in the Front End Sales, Business Development, and Marketing teams.
  • Made sure that the proposal team followed the proper proposal processes on all bids.
  • Responsible for closing the deal (negotiating), making the sale, and getting the company's business at the best possible price.
  • Good understanding and responsibility for project cost management, control, and related components of project finances (letters of credit, bonding, security, holdback, liens, etc).
  • Experienced in preparing and leading the multi-million-dollar projects risk evaluation demanded by ABB Global Business Unit before a proposal bid submission, as per ABB standards and policies. Being accountable for coordinating all commercial and technical aspects of the risk review, review of the commercial conditions with the Legal Services and the Risk Management Department, supported by the factories, insurance, and taxes departments, and providing all requested information as needed.
  • Acted as Project Manager for awarded projects, as required, to facilitate smooth project execution within the business unit.
  • Responsible for project execution by identifying opportunities and risks, maintaining close control of project scope, schedule, and finances. Providing progress updates and addressing issues during execution. Keeping unit management informed with project reports as required by the contract. Maintaining close communication with the customer to identify potential problems and opportunities (change orders) in the project.
  • Responsible for selecting appropriate subcontractors and partners for the business opportunity and/or project to effectively bid on and execute a project.
  • Managed, negotiated the terms, and determined the scope of using engineering subcontractors for civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering functions.
  • Responsible for HSE activities, either for the preparation of the bids or for the project's execution, primarily when related to retrofit (brownfield) projects, by considering all aspects related to HSE, such as asbestos abatement and HazMat removal, etc.
  • And including preparation of budget estimations and selection/supervision of properly authorized contractors for such activities.
  • Directly supervised and assigned bids and opportunities to Proposal Managers (proposal elaboration, pricing, clarifications, answers to customers' inquiries, negotiations, contract award, closing of the file, and proposal lessons learned).

Project Development Manager, Power Generation

ABB Inc.
Burlington, ON
01.2012 - 09.2015
  • Business opportunities and customers for Solar PV and Hydropower plant opportunities with Kaplan, Francis, and Pelton Turbines (EPC, BOP, Instrumentation, Control, and Electrical (ICEI)) for projects with budgets ranging from CAD $2.0M to CAD $120M.
  • Responsible for selecting appropriate subcontractors and partners for the business opportunity to effectively bid on and execute a project.
  • Managed, negotiated the terms, and determined the scope of using engineering subcontractors for civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering functions.
  • Responsible for HSE activities, either for the preparation of the bids or for the project's execution, when related to retrofit projects, by considering all aspects related to HSE, such as asbestos abatement, HazMat removal, etc.
  • And including preparation of budget estimations and selection/supervision of properly authorized contractors for such activities
  • Responsible for closing the deal (negotiating), making the sale, and getting the company's business at the best possible price.
  • Good understanding and responsibility for project cost management, control, and related components of project finances (letters of credit, bonding, security, holdback, liens, etc).
  • Responsible for the complete bid and proposal cycle process (inception to completion) by analyzing customers' specifications, developing conceptual designs, and equipment selection in a preliminary stage to prepare the proposals, estimation costs, and BoM. Focused on the electrical Balance of Plant Equipment (eBoP) for hydropower plants with Kaplan, Francis, and Pelton Turbines: HV substations (AIS and GIS), step-up transformers, MV Switchgears, LV switchgears, DC distribution systems, etc. By reviewing suppliers' offers for compliance with specifications, coordinated pricing from consortium members or sub-suppliers, creating proposal documentation as required by specifications.
  • Communicated and coordinated with domestic and international ABB factories, following the applicable allocation rules.
  • Reviewing, understanding, and negotiating mutually agreed contractual requirements of purchase orders.
  • Preliminary negotiations of liabilities and back-to-back terms with the respective ABB and non-ABB factories when preparing the proposals.
  • Able to handle various projects/offers simultaneously and participate at all levels in tender preparation.
  • Coordinated with power system engineering or other departments to prepare comprehensive technical offer systems for power generation plant projects based on the customer's specifications, including the definition of the scope of supply to be presented; coordinated with consortium partners and exchanged information.
  • Dimensioning of equipment and associated systems for power plants and outgoing substations (circuit breakers, disconnect switches, post insulation, AC, and DC distribution systems, etc.).
  • Design of equipment layout, considering space availability and specific project needs.
  • Development of technical documents, drawings, and specifications for such projects.
  • Assigned to ABB Mexico - Power Generation business unit for a period of three months to provide training to the local proposal team on the proposal preparation for power plants focused on the Electrical Balance of Plant and other critical commercial aspects, such as consortium constitution, supply chain for the different equipment, and costing/estimation of the proposal, among others.

Maintenance Supervisor/Technician

Cintas Canada Ltd.
Toronto, ON
11.2002 - 06.2006

Project Engineer/Coordinator

HMV Engineers Ltd.
Medellin
08.1994 - 08.2002

Education

Master's Degree in Engineering - Energy Systems

Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana
Medellin, Colombia
10.2000

Bachelor's Degree - Electrical Engineering

Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana
Medellin, Colombia
02.1995

Skills

  • Conducting risk assessments
  • Report writing
  • Personnel mentoring
  • Reports generation and analysis
  • Time management skills
  • Problem resolution
  • Positive learning process
  • Relationship development
  • Bilingual in English/Spanish
  • Contract Management
  • Strategic Planning
  • Cost Control
  • Workforce training
  • Technical Support
  • Project tracking
  • Risk Management
  • Work flow planning
  • Project development
  • Schedule Management
  • Resource Allocation
  • Project Planning
  • Contract Development
  • Stakeholder Communications
  • Project estimation and bidding
  • Team Bonding
  • Budget Control
  • Budget Preparation
  • Critical design review
  • Site safety coordinator
  • Purchasing and procurement
  • Conflict Management
  • Contract negotiation expertise
  • International business
  • Project Scheduling
  • Processes and procedures
  • Client-focused
  • Project organization
  • Customer Service
  • Team building
  • Results-oriented
  • Quick learner
  • Team management
  • Contract negotiation, review, and drafting
  • Supervision
  • Process improvement
  • Organization
  • Customer Satisfaction
  • Creative Problem Solving
  • Customer Needs Assessment
  • Budgeting
  • Business Development
  • Lead Development
  • Expense Control
  • Sales
  • Domestic and international experience
  • Project Management
  • Proficiency in technical solutions
  • Excellent communication

Certification

Professional Engineers of Ontario/ Toronto, ON, Canada

  • Licensed as a Professional Engineer in Ontario Province, Canada; valid since March 14, 2008

National Professional Council of Electrical, Mechanical, and related Engineering professions of Colombia/ Medellin, Colombia

  • Licensed as a Professional Engineer in Colombia; valid since April 1995.

Training

  • Exam Preparation Course for PMP Certification Can-Consult Services Inc. Mississauga, ON, Canada/ Aug 2013
  • WHMIS Certificate Workplace Training and Services Inc. Toronto, ON, Canada/ Sep 2005
  • Options Program for Engineering Technicians and Technologists TCET and QACETT, Toronto, ON, Canada/ Sep 2005

Languages

English
Native/ Bilingual
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Project Manager, EPC T&D

Burns and McDonnell
04.2023 - Current

Senior Project Manager

Smart Wires Inc.
08.2020 - 03.2023

Manager of Bids and Proposals EPC Projects

HMV Engineers Ltd.
04.2018 - 04.2020

Director Tendering EPC Solutions, Grid Integration

ABB Inc.
04.2017 - 04.2018

Project Development Manager, Power Generation

ABB Inc.
01.2012 - 09.2015

Maintenance Supervisor/Technician

Cintas Canada Ltd.
11.2002 - 06.2006

Project Engineer/Coordinator

HMV Engineers Ltd.
08.1994 - 08.2002

Master's Degree in Engineering - Energy Systems

Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana

Bachelor's Degree - Electrical Engineering

Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana

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Gustavo Cifuentes