Leon Wilson
Mobile,AL
Summary
PMI-Certified Project Manager with over 16 years of leadership experience in shipbuilding, construction, and government contracting, specializing in the delivery of multi-million-dollar Department of Defense and commercial programs. Expertise in applying PMBOK-based methodologies and Agile frameworks to ensure project completion within scope, schedule, and budget. Proficient in risk management, cost control, and stakeholder engagement for U.S. Navy and prime contractor initiatives, with a strong track record in implementing Earned Value Management (EVM), Integrated Master Scheduling (IMS), and continuous improvement practices to enhance operational efficiency. Recognized for effectively managing complex projects across diverse industries while leading cross-functional teams to achieve timely and successful project outcomes.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Project Manager
Austal USA
01.2023 - Current
- Directed execution of IDIQ contracts encompassing CM, EM, and repair projects valued from 95% schedule adherence and CPI/SPI within target thresholds.
- Managed execution of all assigned continuous and emergent availability work packages under IDIQ contract vehicles, achieving 100% completion performance and delivering over $27M in cash flow through effective integration of scope, schedule, and cost management.
- Controlled a 37% increase in growth work scope while ensuring continuous operations and a 0% safety recordable rate, aligning execution to meet scope, resource, and quality management principles.
- Led cross-functional Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) of subcontractors, engineers, and Navy personnel to deliver contract milestones in alignment with the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS).
- Conducted risk and issue management identifying, analyzing, and mitigating schedule and cost risks through iterative reviews and contingency planning.
- Delivered weekly executive and U.S. Navy briefings featuring data-driven performance dashboards, risk matrices, and variance analysis supporting decision-making.
Project Lead / Project Manager
Austal USA
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Managed the planning and execution of over 45 PMAV and CMAV availabilities across CONUS and OCONUS sites, ensuring on-time completion and zero safety incidents.
- Applied Earned Value Management (EVM) and Agile monitoring techniques to track cost/schedule performance and drive variance resolution.
- Supported proposal and bid development, including scope definition, cost estimation, and risk quantification—contributing to contract growth and future program awards.
- Facilitated retrospectives and lessons-learned reviews, enhancing process standardization and cross-project knowledge transfer.
- Mentored emerging project leads and technicians in PMI-based project execution and quality control practices.
Project Coordinator III
Austal USA
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Coordinated multiple concurrent PMAV/CMAV availabilities with 100% compliance to contract requirements and >95% task completion rate.
- Led OCONUS PMAVs as acting PM, managing QA, safety, and subcontractor teams to ensure milestone integrity and schedule performance.
- Developed and maintained risk registers, CDRL deliverables, and logistics trackers to ensure visibility and readiness across project stakeholders.
- Supported Agile-inspired incremental delivery practices for continuous progress reporting and stakeholder feedback loops.
- Coordinated project schedules and resources to ensure timely delivery of objectives.
- Managed communication between stakeholders to facilitate smooth project execution.
- Developed and maintained project documentation and reports for tracking progress.
- Assisted in budgeting processes by analyzing project costs and resource allocations.
- Implemented process improvements to enhance efficiency in project workflows.
- Led cross-functional teams to achieve project milestones and resolve issues collaboratively.
- Mentored junior team members on best practices in project coordination and management tools.
- Evaluated risks and developed mitigation strategies to safeguard project outcomes.
- Recruited and oversaw personnel to achieve performance and quality targets.
- Sourced, vetted and managed vendors needed to accomplish project goals.
- Developed and implemented project plans and budgets to ensure successful execution.
- Cultivated strong relationships with key project stakeholders through regular, transparent communication, securing their ongoing support and trust.
- Coordinated cross-departmental meetings to streamline project communication, enhancing team collaboration and efficiency.
ILS Senior Project Analyst
Eastern Shipbuilding Group
01.2021 - 01.2021
- Supported Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) for the U.S. Coast Guard’s Offshore Patrol Cutter program in alignment with GEIA-STD-0007 and DMP Level 2 standards.
- Managed configuration baselines, provisioning documentation, and technical data packages for lifecycle sustainment planning.
- Delivered risk and performance briefings to DHS and USCG leadership, enabling proactive issue resolution and stakeholder alignment.
- Analyzed complex data sets to drive strategic decision-making processes.
- Mentored junior analysts, enhancing team productivity and skill development.
- Balanced competing priorities with ease, adeptly managing multiple projects concurrently while maintaining focus on critical tasks.
- Established clear lines of communication between team members, fostering an environment conducive to open dialogue and constructive feedback.
- Reduced project completion time for key initiatives by optimizing resource allocation and workflow management.
- Facilitated stakeholder meetings to gather requirements and address project concerns.
- Championed best practices in project governance, ensuring compliance with internal policies and external regulations.
- Drove continuous improvement efforts by analyzing past performance data and identifying areas for enhanced efficiency or effectiveness.
- Monitored ongoing projects for adherence to prescribed timelines, suggesting operational changes where needed.
- Identified process improvement opportunities, resulting in increased efficiency across projects.
- Spearheaded quality assurance efforts, thoroughly reviewing deliverables before submission to clients or stakeholders.
- Earned a reputation for consistently meeting deadlines under pressure through strong time management skills and effective delegation techniques.
- Developed and implemented project plans, ensuring alignment with operational goals.
- Tracked ongoing project advancement towards predefined milestones, reducing instances of missed deadlines by 20%.
Program Coordinator II
Austal USA
01.2015 - 01.2021
- Oversaw procurement, logistics, and material readiness for multiple ship maintenance availabilities (PSA, PMAV, CMAV, FSST).
- Managed DFARS-compliant procurement and vendor relations, supporting cost and quality targets through disciplined sourcing practices.
- Supported program leads in Navy briefings, contract compliance audits, and EVM data validation.
- Utilized enterprise systems (IFS, Fed Mall, Maximo, CribMaster) to maintain material traceability and cost reporting accuracy.
- Collaborated with Navy Program Offices (PMS 501, PMS 505) on weekly status and variance reports, ensuring transparent communication and performance accountability.
- Coordinated project timelines and deliverables to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
- Developed and maintained comprehensive program documentation for stakeholder reference.
- Led initiatives aimed at enhancing customer satisfaction through targeted program adjustments.
- Maintained detailed records of program activities and participant data, ensuring compliance with internal policies and external regulations.
- Enhanced program efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing innovative solutions.
- Managed budgets and resources for successful execution of multiple programs simultaneously.
- Created comprehensive reports on program progress, presenting findings to stakeholders and adjusting strategies as needed.
- Cultivated positive relationships with vendors to deliver timely and cost-effective supply of services and materials.
- Helped meet changing demands by recommending improvements to business systems or procedures.
- Streamlined processes to improve operational efficiency across multiple projects.
- Trained new staff on program policies, procedures, and best practices for consistency.
- Facilitated regular meetings with team members to discuss progress updates, address challenges, and brainstorm solutions for ongoing success.
- Facilitated cross-functional team meetings to enhance communication and collaboration.
- Established strategic partnerships with external organizations, expanding program reach and impact.
- Provided exceptional customer service to program participants through prompt response times and attentive assistance with inquiries or concerns.
- Championed program improvement initiatives based on stakeholder feedback, demonstrating adaptability and a commitment to excellence.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to ensure timely completion of program deliverables, maintaining project schedules and meeting objectives.
- Provided exceptional customer service, addressing inquiries and resolving issues promptly.
- Coordinated with multiple departments to ensure seamless execution of events, leading to enhanced operational efficiency.
- Monitored and evaluated program outcomes, applying findings to refine and improve future initiatives.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Mechanical Engineering
Alabama Agricultural & Mechanical University
Huntsville, ALHigh School Diploma -
John L. LeFlore High School
Mobile, AL05.2000
Skills
- Project management
- Earned value analysis
- Risk assessment and management
- Master scheduling integration
- Contract management
- Procurement management
- Collaborative leadership
- Stakeholder collaboration
Affiliations
Project Management Institute (PMI) – Active Member
Certification
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Microsoft Project
- OSHA 30
- Excel
- PowerPoint
- AutoCAD
- IFS
- Fed Mall
- Maximo
- CribMaster
- NAVSEA
- JFMM
- CDRL
- OQE
- TIPs
- IMS
- PMBOK
- Agile
- Risk Management Framework (RMF)
- Earned Value Management (EVM)
Timeline
Project Manager
Austal USA
01.2023 - Current
Project Lead / Project Manager
Austal USA
01.2021 - 01.2023
Project Coordinator III
Austal USA
01.2021 - 01.2023
ILS Senior Project Analyst
Eastern Shipbuilding Group
01.2021 - 01.2021
Program Coordinator II
Austal USA
01.2015 - 01.2021
Some College (No Degree) - Mechanical Engineering
Alabama Agricultural & Mechanical University
High School Diploma -
John L. LeFlore High School