Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Praveena Ranathilaka

Rolleston

Summary

An ambitious professional motivated to excel, with skills to oversee intricate projects (Road Maintenance & Facilities Management) of any size. Proficient in project and asset management, scheduling, resource management, budget control, and team coordination. I tackle challenges with a positive outlook, handling multiple projects without difficulty. Preparedness, continuous growth, and resilience define my approach. I constantly seek to enhance processes and have a proven track record of delivering high-quality outcomes under pressure.

Overview

7
7
years of professional experience

Work History

Contract Engineer/ Variations Manager

Downer EDI
03.2021 - Current
  • Contributed to business growth by identifying opportunities for new contracts and expanding existing agreements.
  • Improved project efficiency by streamlining contract processes and implementing standardized templates.
  • Assisted in the development of standard operating procedures to ensure consistency in contract administration across the organization.
  • Facilitated smooth transitions between project phases through careful planning, clear communication, and proactive problem solving.
  • Promoted a culture of continuous improvement within the engineering team by encouraging feedback on current practices and recommending process enhancements.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to define project scope, objectives, and deliverables for successful contract execution.
  • Delivered around $1Mn, road & structures maintenance projects three months ahead of Annual Project Delivery deadline, resulting in a 20% cost savings.
  • Led a cross-functional team to complete a complex safety upgrade project, reducing system downtime by 30%.
  • Mitigated risks by conducting thorough contract reviews and ensuring compliance with applicable regulations.
  • Managed a team of project workers and subcontractors to complete commercial structures and other maintenance projects, ensuring adherence to safety regulations and quality standards.
  • Implemented a lean construction approach to optimize project workflows, resulting in a 10% reduction in project duration.
  • Reduced project costs by negotiating favourable contracts with suppliers/subcontractors and implementing value strategies, resulting in a 15% project cost savings.
  • Implemented Agile methodologies, reducing project delivery times by 25% that increased team productivity by 40%.
  • Strengthened relationships with suppliers by maintaining open lines of communication and resolving disputes in a timely manner.
  • Streamlined project management processes, decreasing project completion times by 20% and saving more financial benefits annually.
  • Managed a new road safety development project, overseeing site preparation, foundation work, and structural construction.
  • Resolved scheduling conflicts of a safety development project by reallocating resources and adjusting construction sequences, ensuring timely completion of critical project milestones
  • Served as a trusted advisor to clients by offering expert insights on industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in the engineering field.
  • Conducted regular quality audits, ensuring compliance with industry standards.
  • Enhanced team productivity through effective communication and coordination of contractual requirements.
  • Optimized resource allocation by closely tracking project budgets and expenses against contractual milestones.
  • Ensured timely completion of projects by consistently monitoring progress and adjusting schedules as needed.
  • Negotiated and managed stakeholder expectations for a project where many councils were involved, achieving a 98% stakeholder satisfaction rate (Waimakariri River Bridge Maintenance/ Repairs Project).
  • Supported cost savings initiatives through diligent negotiation of favorable contract terms and conditions.
  • Expedited contract approvals by maintaining organized documentation systems and efficient workflows for all parties involved.
  • Finalized project plans and obtained approval from clients.
  • Supported project planning and execution efforts relating to technical documentation and process development.
  • Provided regular status updates to management regarding ongoing contracts, highlighting any potential issues or delays that may impact project timelines or budgets.
  • Developed comprehensive risk management strategies for high-value contracts, minimizing potential liabilities for the company.
  • Facilitated regular stakeholder meetings, leading to a 20% increase in project approval rates.
  • Recruited and onboarded a high-performing contractor team, reducing project ramp-up time by 30%.
  • Adapted construction plans to accommodate unexpected site conditions, such as soil instability and adverse weather, ensuring rehabilitation project continuity
  • Reduced contract negotiation time by proactively addressing potential roadblocks and collaborating with stakeholders.
  • Developed and implemented a comprehensive risk management plan, reducing project risks by 25%.
  • Secured additional funding of $120K for structures maintenance project in North Canterbury by presenting a compelling business case
  • Negotiated contracts with key vendors, securing a 20% discount and saving $50K in project costs
  • Developed a quality assurance framework, reducing project defects by 70% and increasing deliverable quality
  • Conducted thorough post-project evaluations to assess performance against established goals, identify areas for improvement, and inform future contract strategies.
  • Demonstrated adaptability by effectively managing multiple concurrent contracts within tight deadlines while maintaining attention to detail.
  • Increased overall customer satisfaction by promptly addressing concerns and providing expert guidance on contractual matters.

Project Specialist - Subcontractor Management

Downer EDI
03.2019 - 03.2021
  • Managed multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion and high-quality output.
  • Established clear lines of communication between all parties involved in projects, preventing misunderstandings or miscommunications from jeopardizing outcomes.
  • Improved project efficiency by streamlining communication and collaboration among team members.
  • Maintained detailed documentation of project progress, facilitating smooth handovers and seamless transitions between phases.
  • Evaluated project performance post-completion to identify lessons learned and areas for improvement in future endeavors.
  • Presented regular status updates to stakeholders, keeping them informed of progress toward established milestones.
  • Coordinated cross-functional teams to achieve project objectives and meet deadlines.
  • Optimized resource allocation by closely monitoring project progress and adjusting as needed to maintain efficiency.
  • Leveraged data-driven insights to make informed decisions about resource allocation and prioritization of tasks.
  • Monitored project progress, identified risks and took corrective action as needed.
  • Analyzed project performance data to identify areas of improvement.
  • Reported regularly to managers on project budget, progress, and technical problems.
  • Facilitated workshops to collect project requirements and user feedback.
  • Scheduled and facilitated meetings between project stakeholders to discuss deliverables, schedules and conflicts.
  • Assisted National Procurement Manager in the subcontractor management system development project from initiation to completion, ensuring adherence to project timelines and budgets
  • Collaborated with key stakeholders, including business users and IT teams, to gather requirements and define project objectives
  • Assisted the Team Leader to facilitate stakeholder meetings and workshops to elicit feedback and ensure alignment throughout the system development lifecycle
  • Implemented change control processes to effectively manage requirements changes and mitigate scope creep ensuring they were documented, prioritized, and traceable throughout the project
  • Identified and assessed project risks related to system development, developing mitigation strategies to minimize their impact hence proactively monitored all the project risks and issues, implementing timely interventions to prevent any delays while keeping the team management notified
  • Conducted regular reviews and testing throughout the system development lifecycle to validate system functionality and performance
  • Assisted team leadership to lead a cross-functional team of developers, testers, and analysts, providing direction and support to achieve project objectives

Project Delivery Manager

National Group Ltd
12.2017 - 02.2019
  • Led a team of 15 team leaders in Facilities Maintenance and Painting Projects
  • Implemented continuous improvement initiatives to identify areas of inefficiency in the project delivery process and develop solutions for optimization.
  • Established clear communication channels for stakeholders, ensuring timely updates on project progress and issues resolution.
  • Actively participated in post-project evaluations to identify opportunities for improvement in future deliveries.
  • Fostered a culture of continuous learning by regularly sharing lessons learned, best practices, and industry trends with team members and stakeholders.
  • Developed comprehensive project plans and schedules for facilities maintenance and painting projects, ensuring timely completion within budget constraints
  • Utilized the organizations’ CRM project management software and power BI reports to track progress, allocate resources, and manage project timelines effectively
  • Managed project budgets for facilities maintenance and painting projects, controlling costs through careful resource allocation and procurement strategies
  • Implemented cost-saving initiatives and negotiated favourable contracts with vendors and subcontractors to maximize project efficiency
  • Procured and managed contracts with vendors and subcontractors for facilities maintenance and painting services, ensuring compliance with project specifications and quality standards
  • Administered contract terms, including scope of work, deliverables, and payment schedules, while maintaining positive vendor relationships
  • Implemented quality assurance measures to ensure high standards of workmanship and compliance with safety regulations in project and conducted regular inspections, quality audits to assess work progress, identify deficiencies, and implement corrective actions
  • Led and supervised 15 project teams of maintenance staff, guiding them to meet project objectives and deadlines. This involved fostering a collaborative work environment that promoted teamwork, communication, and accountability among team members
  • Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations and industry standards in facilities maintenance and painting projects, prioritizing the safety of workers and occupants
  • Cultivated strong client relationships by effectively communicating project progress, addressing client concerns, and delivering high-quality facilities maintenance and painting services

Administrator

Outsource Telecommunication Ltd
04.2017 - 12.2017
  • Handled sensitive information discreetly, maintaining strict confidentiality at all times as required by company policy or legal regulations.
  • Maintained personnel records and updated internal databases to support document management.
  • Organized workflow and delegated tasks effectively to ensure timely project completion without compromising quality.
  • Managed office inventory levels, ensuring adequate supplies were available while minimizing waste and unnecessary spending.
  • Collected, validated, and distributed information to employees.
  • Provided exceptional customer service to both internal and external stakeholders through prompt response times and thorough issue resolution efforts.
  • Screened and transferred incoming calls, took down messages, and transmitted information and documents to internal personnel.
  • Supervised administrative support staff members, offering guidance, feedback, and mentorship that contributed to their professional growth and development.
  • Entered and maintained departmental records in company database.
  • Maintained accurate documentation of company policies and procedures for easy reference by all employees.
  • Improved employee productivity with effective time management strategies for daily tasks.
  • Computerized office activities, maintained customer communications, and tracked records through delivery.
  • Served as a liaison between departments, fostering open communication channels that improved overall organizational function.
  • Generated reports to suggest corrective actions and process improvements.
  • Assisted in managing human resources functions, including hiring, onboarding, and employee evaluations for optimal team performance.
  • Targeted new customers to grow geographic reach and increase revenue.
  • Leveraged bookkeeping software and automated processes to reduce errors.
  • Drove marketing initiatives to increase brand recognition, facilitate promotion and boost revenue.
  • Collected, arranged, and input information into database system.
  • Maintained database systems to track and analyze operational data.
  • Generated reports detailing findings and recommendations.
  • Provided reporting for forecast analysis and ad-hoc reporting in support of decision-making.
  • Managed company schedule to coordinate calendar and arrange travel.
  • Completed forms and reports to facilitate admission, transfer or discharge.
  • Facilitated cross-departmental collaboration, resulting in increased efficiency and timely project completion.
  • Coordinated with human resources department to handle payroll and personnel databases.

Education

Graduate Diploma - Business Management (Sp.Project Management)- Lvl 7

Edenz College
Auckland, NZ
11.2017

Advanced Diploma - Business Management

College of International Computing & Management
Colombo, Sri Lanka
12.2015

Diploma - Business Management

College of International Computing & Management
Colombo, Sri Lanka
12.2013

Skills

  • Facilities Management
  • Construction management
  • Project Management
  • Budget Management
  • Risk Assessment and Mitigation
  • Time Management
  • Stakeholder Communication
  • Resource Allocation
  • Data Analysis and Reporting
  • Team Collaboration
  • Customer Satisfaction Management
  • Sales Goal Achievement
  • Software Proficiency (eg, MS Project, Gantt Charts, Network Diagrams)

Timeline

Contract Engineer/ Variations Manager

Downer EDI
03.2021 - Current

Project Specialist - Subcontractor Management

Downer EDI
03.2019 - 03.2021

Project Delivery Manager

National Group Ltd
12.2017 - 02.2019

Administrator

Outsource Telecommunication Ltd
04.2017 - 12.2017

Graduate Diploma - Business Management (Sp.Project Management)- Lvl 7

Edenz College

Advanced Diploma - Business Management

College of International Computing & Management

Diploma - Business Management

College of International Computing & Management
Praveena Ranathilaka