Harold Hughes

North Huntingdon,PA

Summary

A versatile Operations and Safety Leader with a career-long track record of managing high-risk environments and complex industrial projects. By combining a BS in Mechanical Engineering with decades of field experience—from the front lines of emergency services to international procurement and union leadership—I offer a unique perspective on operational continuity, risk mitigation, and workforce management.

Overview

years of professional experience

Certification

Work History

Union Steward / Heavy Equipment Operator & Mechanic

International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE)

Labor Advocacy: Served as the front-line representative for union members, specializing in contract enforcement, grievance handling, and the promotion of safe working conditions on major job sites.
Mechanical Mastery: Performed precision operation and complex mechanical repairs on a wide array of heavy equipment, ensuring maximum uptime and safety for mission-critical infrastructure projects.

Market Leader / Account Manager / Site Supervisor

GardaWorld Security

Pennsylvania

01.2020 - Current

Strategic Market Leadership: Serve as a primary point of contact for high-profile clients, aligning security service delivery with corporate safety goals and operational requirements.
Multi-Sector Site Oversight: Direct comprehensive security operations for diverse environments, including active construction projects, high-volume distribution centers, and corporate office complexes.
Account & Personnel Management: Manage the recruitment, training, and deployment of security personnel, ensuring that all staff meet stringent regulatory standards and client-specific protocols.
Operational Optimization: Conduct thorough vulnerability assessments and implement data-driven security strategies that reduce shrinkage, mitigate site risk, and enhance overall asset protection.

Fire/Safety Director

Shoreham Nuclear Power Station (SNPS)

Long Island, NY

01.1994 - 01.1996

Decommissioning Safety Strategy: Orchestrated the high-stakes fire and life-safety programs during the final decommissioning of a major nuclear facility, maintaining strict compliance with state and federal regulations.
Brigade Leadership: Served as Chief Officer of the SNPS Fire Brigade, commanding emergency response teams and designing complex fire suppression strategies tailored to the unique hazards of a nuclear environment.

Purchasing Agent / Field Operator

Hescorp

Long Island City, NY

01.1983 - 01.1990

Global Infrastructure Procurement: Spearheaded the sourcing, negotiation, and acquisition of heavy machinery and specialized materials for international hydroelectric and water tunnel projects.
International Field Operations: Traveled extensively to project sites worldwide to perform hands-on assessments of equipment needs and project progress, ensuring that logistical pipelines aligned with engineering milestones.
Supply Chain Resilience: Managed complex international logistics, including the transportation of oversized heavy equipment across borders, navigating customs, and coordinating with foreign vendors to prevent project delays.
Technical Specification Alignment: Collaborated with engineering teams to ensure that all procured equipment met rigorous mechanical and structural specifications for large-scale civil engineering works.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering

New York Institute of Technology

Skills

Strategic Safety & Crisis Management: Expertise developed through years as a Firefighter/Paramedic and Fire Safety Director at a nuclear facility This includes designing comprehensive emergency response plans, conducting rigorous safety audits, and ensuring compliance with OSHA and NRC regulations Skilled in leading elite fire brigades and managing life-safety protocols during high-risk decommissioning and construction phases
Global Procurement & Heavy Infrastructure Logistics: Extensive experience in the end-to-end supply chain for massive-scale engineering projects, specifically hydroelectric and water tunnels Proficient in identifying mechanical requirements, sourcing heavy machinery globally, and managing the logistics of moving specialized equipment across international borders to meet tight project deadlines
Physical Security & Asset Protection: Advanced competency in securing high-value assets and large-scale sites, including distribution centers and active construction zones As a Security Supervisor and Account Manager, I specialize in vulnerability assessments, the implementation of surveillance and access control systems, and managing large security teams to prevent loss and ensure site integrity

Labor Relations & Union Advocacy: Significant experience as a Union Steward within the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) I bring a deep understanding of collective bargaining agreements, grievance procedures, and the ability to act as a bridge between executive leadership and union labor to maintain project momentum and workplace harmony
Mechanical Engineering & Technical Troubleshooting: A blend of theoretical knowledge (BSME) and hands-on mastery of heavy equipment mechanics I am uniquely capable of assessing mechanical failure, optimizing machinery performance, and communicating technical specifications to both engineers and field operators
Multi-Platform Technical Literacy: Highly adaptable to diverse technological environments, with a strong command of Windows, UNIX, and Linux systems Capable of leveraging modern data management and security software to streamline reporting and operational tracking