Kara Jean-Baptiste
Project & Production Manager
Surprise,AZ
Summary
Dynamic, results-driven professional who excels at orchestrating complexities—whether managing intricate projects, refining processes, or leading teams with unwavering focus. Relentlessly detail-oriented, purposeful in every move, and unshakably calm under pressure, consistently steps up, owns the challenge, and delivers excellence without compromise. Difficult takes a day; impossible takes a week.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Project Delivery Manager, VDC / BIM Operations
CRAYDL
Scottsdale, Arizona
2025.10 - 2026.05
- Directly managed up to 30 simultaneous projects while overseeing production and delivery of building information models (BIM) and related construction documentation.
- Oversaw and optimized project workflows alongside BIM and VDC leadership, guaranteeing accuracy, timeliness, and consistency between design intent, constructability, and client expectations.
- Spearhead client communication through direct coordination with architects, engineers, interior designers, and consultants to oversee model inputs, address technical conflicts, and enhance delivery clarity.
- Utilized tools such as Autodesk Docs, Autodesk Construction Cloud, JobTread, and Google Docs to coordinate, assess, and execute deliverables proficiently.
- Established, managed, and improved detail libraries and project templates supporting efficient operations.
- Managed Lidar scans and as-built documentation activities to ensure precision of existing-condition models.
- Leveraged strong project management techniques—budgeting, scheduling, risk oversight, and stakeholder collaboration—to improve efficiency and transparency in each project.
Production Manager
Character Companies, Inc.
Alexandria, Virginia
2024.05 - 2025.06
- Spearheaded 10–15 full-cycle residential remodeling projects across Northern Virginia, guiding stakeholders from vision to execution, and turning client concepts into profitable developments.
- Managed and scaled high-end renovation projects exceeding $1M, resulting in repeat investors and several ground-up spec builds in prime neighborhoods.
- Acted as a strategic advisor to a first-time spec builder, leading the transition from remodeling to development by navigating zoning, permitting, and market-ready design.
- Built key relationships with architects, engineers, and permitting offices, ensuring smooth approvals and timely delivery of spec homes that exceeded ROI targets.
- Helped stakeholders identify high-potential lots, assess feasibility, and develop budgets and timelines that supported long-term success in competitive markets, like Arlington and Alexandria.
Senior Project Manager
Pierre Jean-Baptiste Interiors, Inc.
McLean, Virginia
2016.02 - 2024.05
- Managed 250+ ultra-custom residential and commercial projects for high-profile, high-net-worth clients, delivering confidential, high-touch design services.
- Executed bespoke design plans featuring custom millwork, furnishings, and artisan finishes.
- Sourced elite vendors and global artisans, overseeing logistics, receiving, and white-glove turnkey delivery, with minimal disruption to private environments.
- Coordinated sensitive project timelines across estates and regions, managing schedules, access, and service standards.
- Maintained trusted client relationships through discreet, proactive communication, driving repeat business, referrals, and multi-property engagements.
Billing & Collections Specialist
Carr Maloney P.C.
District Of Columbia, Washington DC
2012.10 - 2016.02
- Prepared, revised, and processed pre-bills and invoices for legal services at a large multi-state law firm supporting approximately 5 equity partners, 15 partners, 50 associates, and 20 support staff, each managing 350+ clients with unique, specialized billing practices.
- Identified $5M in client write-offs due to outdated billing practices; implemented a modern appeals process, recovering nearly $3M, leading to the largest year-end dividend payout in firm history and recognition from equity partners.
- Spearheaded the implementation of an e-billing hub software to streamline and unify diverse proprietary client billing systems, enhancing efficiency across multiple practice areas and teams.
- Verified billing discrepancies and resolved complex appeals, collaborating closely with partners and associates to ensure accuracy and compliance with varied client billing requirements.
- Facilitated timely payments by managing bill reminders and conducting collection calls, supporting cash flow for a multi-jurisdictional law firm.
Education
Project Management Professional (PMP) - The Standard For Project Management
Project Management Institute
Online 2001.05 -
Associate of Applied Science - Pharmaceutical Medicine
Heritage Institute
Manassas, Virginia 2001.05 -
Skills
- Project Management
- Production & Operations Planning
- Vendor & Subcontractor Coordination
- Budgeting & Cost Control
- Logistics & Procurement
- Quality Assurance & Site Safety
- Client Relations & Account Management
- Billing, Invoicing & Financial Reporting
Technical Proficiencies
- macOS Applications: Pages, Numbers, Keynote, Preview, Safari, Mail, Notes, and native system utilities.
- Windows Environment: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Outlook, and built-in Windows tools.
- Google Workspace: Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drive, Gmail, Calendar, and Forms; proficient in cloud-based collaboration, file sharing, and real-time document management.
- Accounting Software: QuickBooks, Quicken, and CMS (Client Management System).
- Project Management & Estimating: JobTread (Design/Build), Birdseye View, and CompanyCam.
- Scanning & Measurement Tools: Canvas and other 3D scanning apps for spatial planning and site assessments.
Timeline
Project Delivery Manager, VDC / BIM Operations
CRAYDL
2025.10 - 2026.05
Production Manager
Character Companies, Inc.
2024.05 - 2025.06
Senior Project Manager
Pierre Jean-Baptiste Interiors, Inc.
2016.02 - 2024.05
Billing & Collections Specialist
Carr Maloney P.C.
2012.10 - 2016.02
Project Management Professional (PMP) - The Standard For Project Management
Project Management Institute
2001.05 -
Associate of Applied Science - Pharmaceutical Medicine
Heritage Institute
2001.05 -