William Merritt
Panama City,FL
Summary
Senior Quality Manager with extensive experience leading quality programs across mission-critical data centers, utility-scale solar, and heavy industrial construction projects. Proven leader with a strong background in Quality Management Systems (QMS), inspections, audits, NCR/CAPA management, and client-facing quality leadership. Brings a rare combination of hands-on electrical trade experience and senior-level quality management, enabling effective communication between field execution, engineering, and executive stakeholders.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Quality Manager
Gray Construction
Reno, NV
10.2025 - Current
- Oversaw and guided all quality management activities to ensure compliance and excellence in data center construction.
- Oversaw implementation and maintenance of project quality management system (QMS) to facilitate continuous improvement and quality assurance.
- Managed comprehensive inspection testing audits to ensure compliance with quality standards.
- Oversaw coordination of quality requirements across engineering, construction, and commissioning teams to streamline project turnover.
- Collaborated with client representatives, engineers, and executive leadership to ensure quality standards were met and maintained.
- Managed training and evaluation of QA/QC inspectors and quality personnel to maintain high-quality assurance practices.
- Monitored quality metrics and identified risks to ensure compliance and prevent rework.
- Implemented quality assurance measures to maintain compliance throughout project lifecycle, ensuring standards met from construction to closeout.
- Promoted quality accountability and continuous improvement initiatives at all organizational levels to enhance operational effectiveness.
- Manage Quality Site Managers
Senior Quality Manager
Black & Veatch
Tampa, FL
07.2024 - 09.2025
- Directed site quality management initiatives for mission-critical data center construction projects.
- Established and sustained project quality management system (QMS) to ensure compliance and enhance project outcomes.
- Directed oversight of inspection testing audits and NCR procedures to maintain operational integrity and regulatory adherence.
- Collaborated with engineering and construction teams to ensure adherence to quality standards during commissioning and turnover phases.
- Coordinated quality assurance efforts, serving as the main point of contact for client representatives, engineers, and executive leadership.
- Oversaw and developed QA/QC inspectors and quality personnel to ensure adherence to quality standards.
- Evaluated quality trends and addressed non-conformances to enhance operational efficiency and reduce rework.
- Monitored and enforced quality compliance during all project stages, facilitating adherence from initial construction through final closeout.
- Managed Site Quality Mangers
Senior Quality Manager
Black & Veatch
Panama City, FL
03.2023 - 06.2024
- Provided overall leadership and direction for all site quality management activities on mission-critical data center construction projects
- Implemented, and maintained the project Quality Management System (QMS)
- Oversaw inspection, testing, audit, and NCR procedures
- Coordinated quality requirements with engineering, construction, commissioning, and turnover teams
- Served as the primary quality liaison with client representatives, engineers, and executive leadership
- Led, mentored, and managed QA/QC inspectors and quality personnel
- Monitored quality trends, risks, and non-conformances to proactively prevent rework
- Ensured quality compliance throughout all project phases from construction through closeout
- Report quality performance, audit outcomes, and risk exposure to senior leadership and regulatory bodies as required
Quality Assurance Manager
OCI Construction
Panama City, FL
02.2022 - 03.2023
- Provided site-wide QA/QC oversight across multiple large-scale solar power projects
- Reviewed inspection reports for accuracy, completeness, and compliance
- Tracked NCRs, deficiencies, and corrective actions to closure
- Maintained quality documentation, logs, and turnover records
- Supported owner audits, inspections, and quality reviews
- Assisted with implementation and enforcement of the project QMS
- Developed inspection checklists and quality standard work documents
- Collaborated with field leadership to reduce rework and improve quality performance
Lead Quality Control Inspector
OCI Construction
Panama City, FL
11.2020 - 02.2022
- Led electrical, mechanical, and civil quality inspection activities across the site
- Verified installations against approved drawings, specifications, and applicable codes supervision
- Documented non-conformances and coordinated corrective actions with field supervision
- Maintained detailed inspection logs and quality documentation
- Supported client inspections and punch-list resolution activities
- Verified corrective actions were completed and effective
- Communicated quality issues and trends to QA management
- Assisted with readiness and turnover inspection preparation
Lead Journeyman Electrician
OCI Industrial Construction
Pensacola, FL
09.2019 - 11.2020
- Provided technical leadership for industrial electrical installation activities
- Installed conduit, cable tray, power, control, and grounding systems
- Read and interpreted electrical drawings, schematics, and specifications
- Directed day-to-day work execution and task sequencing in the field
- Performed electrical testing, troubleshooting, and verification
- Ensured installations met quality and code requirements
- Coordinated with supervision and other trades to support schedules
- Maintained strict adherence to industrial safety programs and procedures
Electrical Foreman
Wood Construction
Chesapeake, VA
09.2018 - 08.2019
- Supervised electrical crews on large-scale utility-scale solar construction projects
- Planned manpower levels, daily work activities, and task sequencing
- Coordinated materials, equipment, and subcontractor activities
- Ensured compliance with NEC, project drawings, and specifications
- Enforced jobsite safety rules and company safety policies
- Performed field inspections and quality checks on completed work
- Coordinated with project management and general contractors
- Trained and mentored electricians and apprentices
Journeyman Electrician
Wanzek Construction
Central Florida
05.2017 - 08.2018
- Executed electrical installations for industrial and power generation facilities.
- Facilitated installation of electrical systems, ensuring compliance with safety standards and operational efficiency.
- Examined electrical drawings and specifications to provide clear guidance for installation and troubleshooting processes.
- Facilitated layout installation planning and execution alongside foremen, ensuring alignment with project specifications.
- Conducted thorough testing and verification processes to ensure system functionality and reliability.
- Assessed installation processes and implemented corrective measures to eliminate deficiencies.
- Managed interactions with diverse trades and site personnel to streamline workflow and project execution.
- Monitored and enforced safety protocols to promote a secure work environment.
Journeyman Electrician
MMR Constructors
KY
05.2016 - 03.2017
- Performed electrical installation on industrial and power generation facilities
- Installed conduit, wiring, panels, grounding systems, and electrical equipment
- Read and interpreted electrical drawings, schematics, and specifications
- Assisted foremen with layout, installation planning, and execution
- Performed testing and verification of installed systems
- Identified and corrected installation deficiencies
- Coordinated work with other trades and site personnel
- Maintained strong adherence to safety rules and procedures
Education
Construction Project Manager - Construction Management
Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, FL12-2007
Skills
- Quality assurance techniques
- Corrective and preventive actions
- CAPA investigations
- Documentation control
Accomplishments
- Led development and execution of site Quality Management Systems (QMS) across multiple utility-scale solar and mission-critical data center projects, supporting successful inspections, audits, and project closeout.
- Served as primary quality representative for owners, EPCs, and client leadership, supporting audit readiness, issue resolution, and quality acceptance.
- Implemented consistent inspection, NCR, and corrective action processes that reduced repeat deficiencies and rework risk across active construction scopes.
- Managed and mentored multidisciplinary QA/QC teams across electrical, civil, and mechanical disciplines, ensuring consistent quality standards.
- Oversaw quality activities from early construction through turnover, commissioning, and final acceptance on large-scale energy and industrial projects.
- Bridged communication between field execution, engineering, and leadership by leveraging hands-on electrical trade experience combined with senior quality management expertise.
Timeline
Senior Quality Manager
Gray Construction
10.2025 - Current
Senior Quality Manager
Black & Veatch
07.2024 - 09.2025
Senior Quality Manager
Black & Veatch
03.2023 - 06.2024
Quality Assurance Manager
OCI Construction
02.2022 - 03.2023
Lead Quality Control Inspector
OCI Construction
11.2020 - 02.2022
Lead Journeyman Electrician
OCI Industrial Construction
09.2019 - 11.2020
Electrical Foreman
Wood Construction
09.2018 - 08.2019
Journeyman Electrician
Wanzek Construction
05.2017 - 08.2018
Journeyman Electrician
MMR Constructors
05.2016 - 03.2017
Construction Project Manager - Construction Management
Florida Atlantic University