Robert Austin
Piedmont,OK
Summary
Executive leader with a proven track record in construction operations and management of multi-million-dollar projects. Exhibits remarkable financial insight, and a highly engaged leadership style, promoting teamwork and solid client connections. Committed to operational excellence through strategic planning, effective problem-solving, and strong collaboration. Demonstrates core values of Service, Passion, and Humility in all endeavors.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President
Dewberry Design-Builders Inc.
Fairfax, VA
03.2014 - Current
- Launched a general contracting and design-build business within an established professional services organization.
- Championed the development and led the execution of an extensive strategic plan to harmonize growth, hiring and retention, and operational priorities with broad enterprise strategies.
- Hands-on in the creation of business processes, back-of-house infrastructure, project management tools and best practices, organizational structure and teams, business development, client management approaches, and overall strategies to drive operational excellence for the construction business.
- Guided initiatives to improve quality, risk management frameworks, estimating, procurement, subcontractor sourcing, and best practices.
- Direct $50M P&L accountability, including budgeting, forecasting, cost management, and data-driven financial analysis.
- Managed day-to-day operations in the execution of design-build and construction programs up to $18M across national and international projects, and was deeply immersed in project, client, and operational details through a "lead from the front" approach.
- Discovered and directly spearheaded initiatives for new business opportunities across diverse market segments and clients to enhance market presence and revenue streams within a seller-doer framework.
- Cultivated a collaborative One Dewberry culture between team members and enterprise stakeholders to facilitate cross-selling and cross-functional design-build project execution.
- Recruited, nurtured, guided, and supported department leaders, client managers, project managers, construction managers, and field supervisors to foster operational excellence while exemplifying Dewberry at Work values through hands-on team interactions.
- Led 50+ people positioned coast to coast, with deep experience executing renovation projects in Energy, EV, Office, Justice, Corrections, and Community Facilities for municipal, federal, and commercial markets.
- Directed field operations, subcontractor oversight, and trade collaboration, promoting an outstanding, industry-leading safety culture.
- Analyzed and finalized terms for prime agreements, subcontracts, and vendor agreements while addressing intricate claims, collections, and performance challenges.
West Zone Operations Manager
Eaton Energy Solutions - EMC Engineers Inc
Denver, Colorado
01.2005 - 03.2014
- Advanced from entry-level engineer to senior executive leader, overseeing $20M+ P&L and 60+ reports in Colorado and California.
- Directed all facets of operation, encompassing business development, project execution, and administrative support functions.
- Specialized in complex and technical commercial, municipal, and federal programs designed to minimize energy consumption, including engineering assessments, construction, commissioning, design-build delivery, and Energy Saving Performance Contracting.
- Responsible for monthly balanced scorecard metrics, including sales, revenue, profit, OPEX, employee satisfaction, and customer satisfaction.
- Orchestrated seamless transition of business, clients, projects, and staff from Eaton to Dewberry, fostering collaboration between both entities to launch Dewberry Design-Builders.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Aerospace Engineering
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK12-2004
Skills
- Team leadership and rapport
- Trust building
- Coaching and mentoring
- Relationship building
- Client relationship management
- Proposals and presentations
- Effective communication
- Operations management
- Strong financial acumen
- Strategic planning
- Construction project management
- Complex problem solving
- Critical systematic thinking
Timeline
Vice President
Dewberry Design-Builders Inc.
03.2014 - Current
West Zone Operations Manager
Eaton Energy Solutions - EMC Engineers Inc
01.2005 - 03.2014
Bachelor of Science - Aerospace Engineering
Oklahoma State University