AK SAWAS

Areas of Expertise

Career Experience

Sierra Aluminum, Fontana                                                              2021 – Present

Senior Project Manager

Steer communication flow between departments and manage deadlines. Conduct deep-dive assessments to analyze and fulfil project requirements. Coach and upskill employees to leverage projects efficiently while adhering to company guidelines. Plan and execute projects in accordance with company’s set budget.

Key Achievements:

• Managed end-to-end execution of turkey project, overseeing entire business case, from building and equipment engineering, procurement, installation, commissioning, to hiring and training operational teams. 
• Ensured compliance with regulatory and statutory requirements, while aligning with P&L guidelines and achieving set productivity goals. 
• Successfully delivered most automated Aluminum extrusion and finishing plant with optimal productivity, without compromising on Sierra's renowned quality standards.

Columbia Steel, Inc., Rialto                                                             2020 – 2021

Senior Project Manager

Envisioned and launched projects from conception to delivery. Managed deadlines by complying with set time. Liaised with other team members and managers and set important contingency plans. Strategically developed projects to acquire business deals. Facilitated and leveraged new projects while working in-conjunction with external and internal members. Utilizing Tekla EPM to the maximum potential and making the best use of the BIM (Building Information Modeling) coordination which helped keeping the project in line with the client requirements coordination wise and visualize and control the schedule to the best of the project sequencing.

Key Achievements:

• Los Alamitos high school – DSA project. 
• CSULB – DSA project. 

Veolia Water Technologies, Los Angeles                                               2014 – 2020

Project Manager / Support Services Manager (Quality and Field Services)

Ensured timely execution of projects. Secured business deals and led projects on behalf of client organizations. Forecasted risks involved in project development and devised solutions to overcome potential threats. Optimized and worked within set budget while simultaneously communicating the project status to clients.

Key Projects:

• Eco Petrol - Columbia, Shell - Canada, Bechtel - Australia, Saudi Aramco - Saudi

Key Achievements:

• Lithium Extraction Project for Orocobre 

Al Reyami Steel Construction (Sold to Epic Piping International), UAE               2012– 2014

Project / Operations Manager

Performed wide array of company operations, including engineering, purchasing, planning, and project management. Devised and implemented project plans. Procured essential resources and materials in alignment with organizational standards. Determined budgeting and planning while corresponding with other team members and senior members of organization. Acquired deals and liaised with stakeholders to increase organizational success. 

Key Achievements:

• Haramain High Speed Rail – Jeddah Station
• Abu Dhabi Airport
• Adnoc, KNPC, KOC, Qatar Petroleum, Qatar Foundation. 

Unger Steel Middle East, UAE                                                         2008– 2012

Project / Operations Manager

Demonstrated excellence in assessing organizational duties, including scheduling, planning, and budgeting. Managed cost control and partnered with subcontractors. 

Key Projects / Achievements:

• HFZA Contract
• Knauf Gypsum Board Factory
• Danieli, Saudi Melt Shop for Hadeed Company

Education

Bachelor in science in Mechanical Engineering | University of Aleppo, Aleppo, SY 

Certifications

1. Professional Engineer – Mechanical State of California
2. Certified Construction Manager (CCM)
3. Project Management Professional (PMP)
4. Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)

MIT - Industry 4.0 Ongoing

Aleppo University - Mechanical Engineering 1999