Howard Watkins
Petersburg,KY
Summary
Results-driven Project Manager with experience leading a large-scale commercial construction projects exceeding $100M. Proven expertise in managing project budgets, updating Work-in-Progress (WIP) reports, maintaining critical path schedules, and executing full project buyouts. Skilled in facilitating Owner-Architect-Contractor (OAC) meetings, coordinating cross-functional teams, and ensuring seamless communication between stakeholders. Adept at balancing field operations with executive-level reporting to deliver projects on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Project Manager
Cleveland Construction Inc.
08.2023 - Current
- Oversaw all phases of a $100M+ construction project, ensuring alignment with budget, schedule, and quality standards.
- Managed and updated the monthly project budget and Work-in-Progress (WIP) reports , providing accurate financial forecasting and variance analysis to senior leadership.
- Led the project buyout process , negotiating contracts and securing materials and subcontractors to optimize cost and schedule performance.
- Maintained and updated the master project schedule , coordinating with field teams, subcontractors, and consultants to ensure critical path milestones were met.
- Facilitated weekly Owner-Architect-Contractor (OAC) meetings , preparing agendas, leading discussions, and tracking action items to maintain transparency and accountability.
- Collaborated with field operations to resolve design conflicts, implement value engineering solutions, and maintain construction momentum.
- Acted as the primary point of contact for the owner, design team, and key stakeholders, fostering strong relationships and clear communication.
Superintendent
Cleveland Construction Inc.
10.2022 - 08.2023
- Reviewed plans and inspected ongoing construction to keep work in line with project goals.
- Communicated effectively with clients throughout each stage of the project for transparency regarding progress updates as well as addressing any concerns raised promptly.
- Collaborated with architects, engineers, and contractors to achieve seamless project execution.
Assistant Superintendent
Building Crafts, Inc
03.2021 - 10.2022
- Support to Superintendent: Assist with daily Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), daily reports, tracking production units, and managing crew timesheets to ensure accurate documentation and compliance.
- Surveying Expertise: Proficient in the use of surveying equipment with the ability to independently establish and verify all necessary control points for project execution.
- Field Leadership: Highly hands-on, working closely alongside foremen and laborers to support field operations, resolve issues in real time, and maintain workflow efficiency.
Project Manager
PE Services
11.2018 - 07.2020
- I worked closely with Architects & Owners in order to deliver a code compliment and owner approved set of drawings.
- Once our design is approved I would continue to work closely with the Owners/Architects/General Contractors throughout the construction administrative process.
Construction Manager
Celanese
10.2017 - 11.2018
- Was the project lead for Celanese's Florence Kentucky facility.
- Robust Understanding of Bid Package Drawings and Specifications
- Manage projects from Bid Selection through Completion
- Daily coordination meeting with contractors and engineers
- Generate change orders and work with engineers to solve Constructability issues
- Oversee county permitting process for new construction on site
- Ensure Contractors follow proper safety procedures
- Scheduling work to ensure material production isn't affected
Project Engineer and Field Engineer
Whiting-Turner Contracting Company
03.2016 - 10.2017
- Collaborated closely with subcontractors and foremen to coordinate daily field activities and ensure alignment with project milestones and the baseline schedule.
- Conducted daily coordination meetings to proactively identify and resolve field conflicts, implementing corrective action plans as needed.
- Led monthly site walks with the owner to review construction progress, address punch-list items, and maintain transparency on project status.
- Estimated and submitted change orders, ensuring timely and accurate cost tracking for scope modifications.
- Created and managed Requests for Information (RFIs), facilitating clear communication between field teams, design consultants, and ownership.
- Oversaw subcontractor and owner pay applications, verifying quantities and progress to ensure accurate billing and timely payments.
- Developed and distributed weekly Owner/Architect/Contractor (OAC) meeting agendas, leading discussions on RFIs, submittals, change orders, site logistics, and look-ahead schedules.
Iron Worker
EGC Construction
03.2012 - 11.2015
- I had many Job Titles at EGC while also being a full time student attending night classes. The job titles I held were: Ironworker, Laborer (Civil), Assistant Project Engineer, Estimator
- Quality Control for Process Piping and Equipment
- Preparing subgrade for Flatwork
- Erection of steel columns and beams
- Installation of metal decking
- Utilized Auto cad to create shop drawings for small steel structures as needed
- Managed labor and material costs for projects
Education
B.S. - Construction Management
NKU
Highland Heights, KY05.2017
Skills
- Project management
- Project planning
- P6 Project scheduling
- BIM Coordination
- Estimating (OST)
- AutoCAD
- Excel
- Procore & Autodesk
Timeline
Project Manager
Cleveland Construction Inc.
08.2023 - Current
Superintendent
Cleveland Construction Inc.
10.2022 - 08.2023
Assistant Superintendent
Building Crafts, Inc
03.2021 - 10.2022
Project Manager
PE Services
11.2018 - 07.2020
Construction Manager
Celanese
10.2017 - 11.2018
Project Engineer and Field Engineer
Whiting-Turner Contracting Company
03.2016 - 10.2017
Iron Worker
EGC Construction
03.2012 - 11.2015
B.S. - Construction Management
NKU
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