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.
Cincinnati, OH
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.
Cincinnati, OH
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
Wilder, KY
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
Lebanon, OH
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
Florence, KY
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
Kansas City, MO
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
Covington, KY
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