Jermain Lewis
Newark,NJ
Summary
Results-driven Head of Design and Construction with over 20 years of experience in managing large-scale construction projects across diverse sectors. Proven expertise in leading multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality projects on time and within budget. Exceptional skills in strategic planning, risk management, and stakeholder engagement. Committed to fostering a culture of safety, sustainability, and innovation in all construction practices.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Head of Design and Construction
Princeton University Plasma Lab
01.2023 - Current
- Lead an 8-member team responsible for executing infrastructure upgrades, repairs, and construction projects that align with the lab's mission, fostering a collaborative and effective work environment
- Oversee a diverse portfolio of 15 to 25 projects annually, each valued at under $30 million, currently managing an active project portfolio valued at $52 million, ensuring timely and efficient project delivery
- Develop and implement comprehensive training programs aimed at enhancing team effectiveness, project delivery outcomes, and compliance with safety standards
- Foster relationships across departments to garner support for construction and design initiatives, aligning projects with institutional objectives and enhancing stakeholder collaboration
- Manage a proposed construction portfolio of approximately $200 million, ensuring that all projects align strategically with institutional goals and regulatory requirements
- Conduct regular design reviews and lead project teams to ensure timely and accurate delivery of design documentation, thereby enhancing project success rates
- Facilitate bid evaluations and contractor selection processes to ensure quality, cost-effectiveness, and compliance with project specifications
- Promote the development and review of operational procedures to streamline workflows and enhance overall project efficiency
- Assess safety and environmental plans submitted by contractors, ensuring compliance with regulations and effective risk mitigation strategies
- Review all site development plans for ongoing and future projects, ensuring adherence to regulatory and institutional standards
- Influenced strategy and lead team in executing design work with high level of polish and solved range of product challenges.
- Implemented effective time management techniques within the team, reducing project turnaround times significantly without sacrificing quality or creativity.
- Led and performed market research to identify product design opportunities and quantify business case for new projects.
- Built a diverse and talented design team, recruiting top talent from various backgrounds to bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to projects.
- Evaluated performance metrics of design projects post-implementation, identifying areas for improvement in future endeavors based on data-driven insights.
- Spoke to process, design goals and team vision as leader of strategy and vision.
- Improved design team efficiency by implementing agile methodologies and streamlining project management processes.
- Presented creative concepts to clients and implemented continual feedback to achieve client satisfaction.
Senior Civil Engineer Project Manager
Princeton University Plasma Lab
01.2018 - Current
- Developed comprehensive project budgets and schedules for initiatives ranging from $10 million to $20 million, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and strategic objectives
- Led design coordination efforts, ensuring timely and accurate delivery of MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) documentation, which improved project timelines
- Managed bid leveling processes, evaluating contractor proposals for quality, cost-effectiveness, and compliance with project specifications, resulting in successful contractor selection
- Collaborated with the infrastructure management team on diverse projects, delivering monthly cash flow reports to the Director of Global Facilities, enhancing financial oversight and resource management
- Created and implemented facility procedures aimed at improving operations and supporting capital improvement projects, driving efficiency and effectiveness across all initiatives
- Oversaw the permitting process to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and project timelines, resulting in timely project initiation
Senior Construction Project Manager
Holister Construction
01.2018 - 12.2018
- Managed diverse projects within the range of $500k to $5 million, ensuring successful execution and adherence to timelines and budgets
- Oversaw project budgets, including billing, invoicing, and change orders, maintaining financial accuracy and accountability throughout project lifecycles
- Conducted thorough research on local infrastructure related to potential property acquisitions and upgrades for existing commercial tenant buildings
- Developed strong relationships with clients by maintaining open lines of communication and providing regular updates on project status.
- Managed multiple concurrent projects, ensuring smooth coordination of resources and timely execution of tasks.
- Collaborated with architects, engineers, and designers to develop innovative solutions for complex construction challenges.
- Implemented cutting-edge construction technologies to reduce build times while maintaining quality standards.
Project Superintendent & Project Engineer
Turner Construction
01.2003 - 12.2014
- Developed master project budgets and timelines for projects valued between $500K and $150M, ensuring effective resource allocation and project tracking
- Managed construction projects or portions of projects from initial bid award through construction close-out and turnover, maintaining oversight on projects ranging from $500K to $150M
- Acted as the primary representative for clients to local, state, and federal authorities, facilitating the issuance of permits, bonds, and inspections
- Created detailed constructability review reports of design development drawings, providing clients with actionable insights to enhance project feasibility
- Developed comprehensive construction site logistic plans and conducted surveys to optimize site operations and efficiency
- Assisted in contract risk assessments for post-bid awards, ensuring that potential risks were identified and mitigated
- Handled scheduling of subcontractors and staff to complete projects within required timeframes.
- Conducted regular site inspections to assess progress, address issues, and maintain quality control throughout the project lifecycle.
- Worked with inspectors, workers and unions, to conduct weekly status updates.
- Monitored project milestones and adjusted scheduling to meet deadlines.
- Compiled daily field report, detailing all key activities and outlining project progress for stakeholders.
- Developed detailed project scopes, schedules, budgets, and performance metrics to guide successful completion of assigned projects.
- Conducted walk-throughs with clients prior to project close, completing punchlists and answering all questions.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Construction Engineering Technology
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Newark, NJ01.2003
Associate of Science - Civil Engineering Technology
Gloucester Community College
Sewell, NJ01.2000
Skills
- Project Management
- Estimating and Budgeting
- MEP Coordination
- Safety and Compliance
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Microsoft Project
- Primavera P6
- SAP
- Bluebeam
- Procore
- Newforma
- AutoCAD/Revit
- Strategic Thinking
- Team Management
- Interaction design
- Design leadership
- Creative Direction
- Team Collaboration
- Organizational Skills
- Team Leadership
- Decision-Making
- Public relations
Certification
- LEED BD+C (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, Building Design and Construction)
- OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety and Health
- PMP (Project Management Professional)
Timeline
Head of Design and Construction
Princeton University Plasma Lab
01.2023 - Current
Senior Civil Engineer Project Manager
Princeton University Plasma Lab
01.2018 - Current
Senior Construction Project Manager
Holister Construction
01.2018 - 12.2018
Project Superintendent & Project Engineer
Turner Construction
01.2003 - 12.2014
Associate of Science - Civil Engineering Technology
Gloucester Community College
Bachelor of Science - Construction Engineering Technology
New Jersey Institute of Technology
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