Santosh Kumar Panda
Summary
Strategic Construction Project Leader with over 2 decades of experience across high-growth global markets PMP & PMI-CP certified leader specializing in multi-site portfolio delivery, complex reverse-engineering, and strategic supply chain synchronization to achieve consistent cost reduction and aggressive schedule delivery. Delivered over $100 Million in diverse projects in last 10 years, achieving an average 3%+ budget reduction by optimizing logistics, synchronizing production, and leveraging strategic local resource involvement.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
2
2
Certification
Work History
Project & Technical Manager
Safal Building Systems Ltd
09.2022 - Current
- Leading project portfolios valued at over $10 M annually, driving end-to-end project execution for steel building projects across East Africa.
- Spearheaded process optimization initiatives, achieving upto 15% improvement in efficiency and reducing project delivery times upto 10%.
- Developed and executed strategic plans for resource allocation, vendor management, and risk mitigation.
- Fostered strategic relationships with stakeholders, ensuring seamless project delivery and enhanced client satisfaction.
- Currently managing projects over $ 15 M
- Leading project portfolios valued at over $10 M annually, driving end-to-end project execution for steel building projects across East Africa.
Chief Project Manager
Pramila Projects Pvt. Ltd
01.2019 - 09.2022
- Directed end-to-end project execution for high-value government and private contracts.
- Implemented cost-efficient strategies, achieving upto 5% reduction in project costs.
Manager-Projects
Everest Industries Ltd.
10.2014 - 01.2019
- Successfully delivered a $3.1 M integrated housing project, using dry construction methods with Light Gauge Steel Frame System, cutting timelines by half compared to traditional construction.
- Orchestrated nationwide project delivery improvements, reducing risks upto 50% and enhancing team communication.
- Managed projects worth $ 5 M annually, achieving over 90% accuracy in cost estimations.
Education
B.E. - Mechanical Engineering
PG Diploma - Project Management
Skills
- Production/Supply Synchronization
- Risk Mitigation & Compliance
- Stakeholder Engagement
- PMO Governance & Structure
- New Business Development
- Design-Build & EPC Delivery
- Contract Management
- Pre-Engineered Steel Building
- Light Gauge Steel Frame
- Quality Assurance
- Basic MEP
- Reverse Engineering & Integration
- Schedule Optimization
- Global Supply Chain & Logistics
- Cost Reduction
Certification
- PMP
- PMI-Construction Professional (PMI-CP)
Affiliations
- Member, Project Management Institute (PMI)
- Life Member, Indian Welding Society
- Member, The Institution of Engineers (India)
- Chartered Engineer, The Institution of Engineers (India)
Expertise
Production/Supply Synchronization, Risk Mitigation & Compliance, Stakeholder Engagement, PMO Governance & Structure, New Business Development, Design-Build & EPC Delivery, Contract Management, Pre-Engineered Steel Building, Light Gauge Steel Frame, Quality Assurance, Basic MEP, Reverse Engineering & Integration, Schedule Optimization, Global Supply Chain & Logistics, Cost Reduction (5%+ on multiple projects)
Volunteer Activity
- Global Construction Ambassador, PMI Global
- Social Impact Volunteer, PMI Kenya Chapter
Showcase Of Proven Strategic And Operational Excellence
- Logistics & Remote Site Optimization, Multi-Site Design & Build Project with Steel Superstructure ($13 M), Project & Technical Manager, Overseeing a multi-site design & build project in remote areas with poor connectivity, creating a critical risk of surplus/shortfall of supplies, leading to high logistical costs., Established a precise supply and installation synchronization system to eliminate multiple mobilization/demobilization cycles. Implemented detailed engineering checks for easier installation and integrated supervised local resources for execution., Reduced the overall site execution cost by more than 5% using local resources wherever possible. Successfully managed complex logistics to avoid surplus or shortfall of supplies, meeting the stringent project budget and timeline.
- Complex Reverse Engineering & Building Restoration, Building Restoration (Retractable Roof) During COVID-19 ($1.8M), Project Manager & Reverse-Engineering Lead, Restoration of a unique building with a heavy, damaged retractable roof during the pandemic, requiring the mobilization of technical experts to assess the structural and operational soundness of the undamaged sections., Took direct responsibility for the reverse-engineering effort to ensure the rebuilt section aligned perfectly with the existing structure. Minimized integration risk by subcontracting Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) for critical activities., Achieved seamless integration of the undamaged and rebuilt parts. The outcome met all customer expectations, leading to a strong recommendation for future jobs.
- Production Synchronization & Cost Reduction, Design & build Steel Factory Building ($4.3M), Project & Operation Manager, The requirement to supply 2,600 MT of structure within a short 3-month period, necessitating an unprecedented synchronization of production., Synchronized production across six contract job work facilities and utilized production facilities near the project sites for noncritical/difficult-to-transport items under strict supervision. Ensured proper alignment between design, procurement, and production., Successfully delivered the project within schedule and achieved an overall cost reduction of more than 3% of the budget by optimizing logistics and production placement.
- Accelerated Delivery & Cost Optimization, Design & build of 100K Sq. Ft. complex with LGSF Technology ($3.1M), Project & Contract Manager, Delivering a large-scale colony in less than half the typical construction time (1 year vs. 2+ years), while simultaneously mitigating high potential logistics costs., Pioneered a dual strategy of engaging local vendors to cut transportation costs, combined with integrating finishing supply and installation contracts to guarantee quality and secure predictable cash flow linked to installation milestones., Delivered the fully operational colony within the 1-year target, setting a new benchmark for ROI, and achieved a substantial 50% reduction in logistics costs through innovative vendor management.
- Strategic Procurement and Cost Reduction, Auto Ancillary Manufacturing Plant Development ($4.3M), Project & Commercial Manager, Managing the construction of an 80,000 Sq. M. auto ancillary plant with a $4.3 Million budget required by implementing innovative cost management strategies to not only meet but exceed the budgeted expenditure, particularly against the backdrop of fluctuating commodity prices for construction essentials., Executed detailed material planning for high-volume items (steel, cement, and sand). This involved strategically timing and coordinating bulk purchase orders to lock in favorable rates and achieve significant economies of scale across the entire development., The proactive and strategic bulk purchasing initiative successfully led to an overall cost reduction of more than 2% from the original project budget.
Accomplishments
- Spearheaded process optimization initiatives, achieving upto 15% improvement in efficiency and reducing project delivery times upto 10%.
- Reduced the overall site execution cost by more than 5% using local resources wherever possible.
Languages
English
Advanced (C1)
Hindi
Advanced (C1)
Quote
There’s no shortage of remarkable ideas, what’s missing is the will to execute them.
Seth Godin
Timeline
Project & Technical Manager
Safal Building Systems Ltd
09.2022 - Current
Chief Project Manager
Pramila Projects Pvt. Ltd
01.2019 - 09.2022
Manager-Projects
Everest Industries Ltd.
10.2014 - 01.2019