Alistair Howson is a mechanical engineer with over 11 years of experience in construction project management seeking a new opportunity. He has extensive experience managing all phases of multidisciplinary construction projects, from planning and budgeting to commissioning. Howson has a track record of completing projects on schedule and within budget while maintaining safety and quality standards. His most recent role was as Project Manager and Fabrication Facility Manager for Dutco McConnell Dowell in Dubai, where he successfully led several pipeline, plant upgrade, and fabrication projects.

1. Alistair Howson
Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE
Mobile: +971 (0)56 101 4851
Email: AlistairHowson1@gmail.com
Versatile professional Mechanical Engineer with over 11 years’ experience in the technical and commercial aspects of
construction Project Management, seeking a challenging opportunity with growth potential in the structural /
mechanical / piping (SMP) or multidisciplinary construction industry.
Project Management Profile – Multidisciplinary Professional
Extensive experience in all stages of construction projects from WBS and programme development, budgeting, resource
planning, mobilisation, subcontracting, quality control and HSE management through to commissioning and final completion.
Thorough understanding of the contractual and commercial aspects of construction projects from bid preparation, contract
negotiation, contract management, claims and subcontractor management. Technically astute, methodical and detail oriented
individual with exceptional verbal and written communication skills. Possessing an inherent ability to rapidly hone in on critical
issues and resolve them to ensure the project remains on track. Solid experience in risk based project management with a keen
eye for risk identification and implementation of mitigation strategies.
Core Competencies
 Problem solver
 Innovative systems thinker
 Perform well under pressure
 Self-motivated
 Construction execution
 Budget tracking & control
 Contract management
 Claims management
 Technically competent
 Stakeholder coordination
 Strong leader
 Personnel development
KEY FUNCTIONAL SKILLS
• Responsible for the overall management, planning, cost control, coordination and performance of projects including client
relationship management, vendor management and project quality assurance.
• Track record of completing projects consistently and reliably to the required safety, quality and construction standards
whilst remaining within budget and on schedule.
• Prepare/review bids both technically and commercially and report recommendations.
• Prepare/review quantity take offs, construction programs, resource plans, specifications, method statements, lift plans, risk
assessments and all technical submittals required for construction.
• Update, review and report on project costs focusing on forecast cost versus uncommitted budget.
• Disciplined approach to cost control via tracking expenditure against budget, controlling construction cost through a VE
approach implementing productivity optimisation solutions.
• Ability to manage project relationships, interfaces and dependencies to streamline construction operations.
• Efficiently liaise and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, management and the project team.
• Natural ability to work well with people at all levels.
• Solid understanding of the relevant construction codes and standards.
• Experience in planning and managing the development of project specific welding and coating procedures.
EXPERIENCE SUMMARY
Project Manager | Dutco McConnell Dowell (ME) – Dubai, UAE June 2013 to October 2015
I joined Dutco McConnell Dowell (ME) in Dubai as the Project Manager for a planned Antimony processing facility in Sohar,
Oman, the project being in its FEED stage. During this time, I also worked in the estimating department, successfully leading and
winning a number of bids. I developed a more effective piping pricing model as well as drove down our estimating cost base on
structural, mechanical, piping, civil and E&I bids.
During the first half of 2014 I managed a valve upgrade project on an existing gas processing facility in Dubai (DUGAS). The
project involved piping modifications and the replacement of multiple valves between 12” and 20” in diameter. A control panel,
RTU and flow computer was installed as well as the instrument cabling and pneumatics to the ESD valves. The project was
completed without LTI or notable quality incident, within programme and well under budget.
I was promoted to the Fabrication Facility Manager within my first year at Dutco McConnell Dowell (ME); the position was also
extended to include responsibility for projects within the UAE. We have successfully completed a number of projects and are
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2. currently working on three main projects; namely a 16” pipeline repair job for DUSUP, a pipeline construction project in Sharjah
for Dana Gas and a gas plant upgrade for DUSUP at Margham. On the fabrication side we are in the final stages of completing
pipe spooling works for Weatherford worth USD 5 million. We were awarded a significant contract from DUBAL for the
fabrication of aluminium cathode rings for some 241 cells; the fabrication is progressing well and should be completed in the
second half of 2016.
Project Manager | SA Five Engineering (Pty) Ltd – Cape Town, South Africa July 2006 to May 2013
Having managed more than 20 construction projects in the 7 years spent at SA Five I have gained a vast amount of experience in
piping, structural and mechanical construction projects in the oil and gas, minerals processing, power generation, ship repair and
industrial sectors in South Africa. The following is a summary of the key projects managed.
Voith Hydro – Ingula Pumped Storage Scheme – Ladysmith – 2012/13
SA Five were awarded the contract for the underground assembly, installation and commissioning of four 342 MW pump-turbine
units; this included the assembly and installation of the rotor, stator and numerous other electrical components. As the Project
Manager of this USD 16 million project my main responsibilities included the planning and management of all installation tasks
as well as overall site management. On my departure, the project was progressing well with the bulk of the large rigging, fitting
and welding tasks having been completed. Major works included the assembly, welding (up to 200 mm thickness), PWHT and
rigging in of three of the four 86 ton spiral casings; this project is currently ongoing.
ArcelorMittal – Corex Shutdown – Saldanha – 2011
SA Five was contracted to project manage the Corex Tap Hole Repair Shutdown Project, for which I was the Project Manager.
With the fundamental approach being risk based management, we customised our system to suit the shutdown. Our initial focus
included the management of all pre-shut activities, via a WBS based programme. This guaranteed all required contracting,
engineering, procurement and fabrication deliverables were executed on time. With this achieved, our primary focus shifted to
the planning and management of the shutdown.
My responsibilities included the review and finalisation of all method statements, task planning, progress tracking, subcontractor
management, problem solving, programme management, chairing of daily progress meetings and generation of all project
progress reporting documentation. Even with scope growth of approximately 50% on the critical path, this shutdown was the
second shortest of any Corex plant throughout the world; a major achievement for our client, our company and myself.
Exxaro – Fumex Plant – Saldanha – 2009/10
The scope was to supply, install and commission a complete fume extraction plant. I was appointed the Senior Project Manager
from the start of this USD 5 million contract and managed the entire project from planning, sub-contract adjudication and award
(civils, electrical, instrumentation, painting, scaffolding, cranage, sheeting), procurement, fabrication, erection and
commissioning. SA Five fabricated all of the 420 metric tonnes of steel consisting of various hoods and ducting, structural steel,
hoppers, plenums, stack and piping. The logistics of fabricating, transporting, pre-assembling and erecting these large, bulky
steel structures was a major challenge. I was directly in charge of the preparation and approval of all rigging studies for the
numerous major lifts.
We procured and installed the mechanical equipment consisting mainly of two VSD driven 630kW fans, numerous other smaller
fans, dampers, bellows, chain conveyors, rotary valves, compressors, dryers, reverse pulse systems, pneumatic cylinders and
various other mechanical equipment. The E&I scope, which was sub-contracted, consisted of, inter alia, transformers, MCC
panels, VSD’s, a PLC, a UPS, distribution boards, control panels, pressure, temperature, vibration and speed sensors and
transmitters, positioners, cabling, lighting and instrument air. This was SA Five’s largest and most valuable project during my
tenure and remains a major career milestone personally.
Sandvik – Stacker Reclaimer #4 – Saldanha Port – 2008
SA Five were tasked with the erection of the 4th
stacker reclaimer for Transnet (through Sandvik). I was the Construction
Superintendent and my responsibilities included work force management focusing on ensuring acceptable levels of safety,
quality and productivity were maintained. Further, I oversaw the planning (rigging studies, method statements and risk
assessments) and execution of various major rigging tasks. The majority of the work scope included rigging, structural work and
mechanical fitting.
PetroSA – Orca FPSO – A’ Berth, Cape Town – 2007
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3. This project entailed the removal and replacement of 150 metric tonnes of structural steel as well as piping systems to the value
of USD 3 million. I managed the contract from scope clarification, through pricing, contract variations, claims, invoicing, site
management, safety, quality control, procurement, fabrication, sub-contractor and workforce management. This was a highly
successful project and a major milestone at this early stage of my career.
Candidate Engineer | Union Structural Engineering – Cape Town, South Africa July 2004 to June 2006
During my two year tenure at Union Structural Engineering, I gained a solid base in the bidding, design, detailing, procurement,
fabrication, surface treatment, transportation and erection phases of numerous structural steel construction projects. Being
directly involved in all operational processes I gained valuable experience in submitting competitive bids, managing an efficient
drawing office, works management, equipment maintenance, procurement, logistics, erection, site management, change
management and contract administration.
EDUCATION
B.Sc. (Mechanical Engineering), University of Cape Town, South Africa, 2003
Dean’s Merit List, 2002
GCSE A’ Level Certificate, St. John’s College, Harare, Zimbabwe, 1998
Maths (A), Chemistry (A), Physics (B), Physical Science (B), General Paper (2)
GCSE O’ Level Certificate, St. John’s College, Harare, Zimbabwe, 1996
Maths (A), Chemistry (A), Geography (A), Biology (A), General Science (A), English Literature (A), Accounts (A), Ad-maths (B),
Physics (B), English Language (B), Computer Studies (C)
Achievements: Academic half colours, Member of Toastmasters Society, Vice Chairman of the Rotary Interact Club, First Team
Volleyball. I played most sports proficiently and was often captain of the B or 2nd
team.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS & COURSES
• Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA)
• South African Institute of Mechanical Engineers (SAIMechE)
• Golden Key International Honour Society
• Getting Everything Done – Time Management
• Construction Regulations & Legal Accountability
• SAISC: Safety Course
AWS D1.1
SANS 10162-1: 2005 courses
Design of Connections for Structural Steelwork
• SASSDA: Basic Stainless Steel Course
• Project Management Training Workshop
• NEC3 Course
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Nationality: South African
Date of Birth: 28 November 1979
Marital Status: Single, no dependants
Drivers Licence: UAE & RSA
Computer Proficiency: Expert in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point, Project & AutoCAD; Prima Vera (basic)
Home Language: English
References will be furnished on request.
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