Kevin Barker
Box Elder,SD
Summary
Accomplished Estimator/Production Planner with a proven track record at AWT Labels & Packaging, adept in cost estimation and project planning. Renowned for enhancing project accuracy and efficiency, leveraging estimating software and interpersonal communication skills. Successfully increased client trust, contributing to securing high-value contracts. Demonstrated leadership by mentoring junior staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and teamwork.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Estimator /Production Planner
AWT Labels & Packaging
04.2000 - 02.2023
- Used specialized software to create estimates quickly and accurately and make estimates easily understandable and shareable.
- Established a reputation for delivering reliable and accurate estimates, resulting in increased client trust and repeat business opportunities.
- Gathered cost and material data for accurate and up-to-date information on material and labor costs.
- Calculated labor hours accurately based on trade-specific productivity rates, leading to more realistic project timelines and work plans.
- Participated in pre-bid meetings and site visits to understand project scope and identify potential issues or challenges.
- Continuously improved estimating procedures by staying updated on industry trends and attending relevant training courses.
- Increased project accuracy by diligently reviewing specifications, drawings, and other documentation.
- Assisted in securing high-value contracts by preparing competitive yet profitable bid packages tailored to client needs.
- Reviewed project plans and specifications to understand project requirements and accurately estimate cost and resources needed.
- Collaborated with other departments and contractors to access all necessary information and expertise to create comprehensive estimates.
- Collaborated with project managers to ensure accurate scheduling and resource allocation, improving overall project efficiency.
- Reviewed completed projects'' actual costs compared against estimates as part of a continuous improvement process, refining future estimates based on lessons learned.
- Mentored junior estimators in company processes and best practices, increasing the team''s overall effectiveness.
- Analyzed subcontractor bids for completeness and accuracy, ensuring alignment with project requirements and budgets.
- Reviewed and approved invoices and change orders to monitor project expenses and reflect any change to scope in project budget.
- Streamlined estimation process for faster turnaround times with the implementation of new software tools.
- Contributed to company success by consistently meeting or exceeding target profit margins on awarded projects.
- Enhanced communication between departments by providing detailed cost breakdowns and explanations for project bids.
- Identified areas of risk during preconstruction phase, recommending appropriate mitigation strategies to prevent costly delays or changes later on in projects.
- Provided value engineering suggestions throughout projects'' lifecycle, revealing opportunities for cost savings without compromising quality or functionality.
- Streamlined bidding process, enabling team to respond to RFPs more efficiently and increase bid submission rates.
- Facilitated successful project bids, consistently delivering detailed proposals under tight deadlines.
- Ensured compliance with industry standards and regulations in all estimates, mitigating legal and financial risks for company.
- Provided comprehensive training to junior estimators, enhancing team capabilities and improving overall departmental productivity.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with vendors and subcontractors, ensuring timely delivery of materials and services.
- Contributed to winning several high-value contracts by presenting compelling and competitive estimates to potential clients.
- Played key role in project planning meetings, offering insights into cost implications of design choices.
- Prepared bids and proposals to submit to clients and secure new business.
- Elevated accuracy of cost-to-completion projections, allowing for more effective budget management throughout project lifecycles.
- Collaborated with project managers and contractors to obtain necessary information for preparing cost estimates.
- Analyzed plans and specifications to identify scope and cost of projects.
- Stayed current with industry regulations and standards to produce cost estimates in compliance with all relevant laws.
- Provided accurate estimates by defining scope, timelines, potential setbacks, and limitations.
- Attended project meetings to provide updates and insights on project costs.
- Utilized cost-estimating software to streamline estimating processes and produce accurate and reliable estimates.
- Monitored project progress to identify and address changes in project scope or budget.
- Evaluated subcontractor bids to obtain best value for projects.
- Worked directly with production personnel to resolve production scheduling issues and conflicts.
- Managed change requests effectively, balancing priorities while minimizing disruptions to ongoing operations.
- Engaged in both long and short-term project planning, strategizing for on-time, high-quality deliverables.
- Mentored junior staff members, fostering a positive team environment that encouraged knowledge sharing and skill development opportunities.
- Directed materials planning and team performance to support company initiatives and goals.
- Contributed to cost reduction efforts by identifying areas for potential savings within the production planning process, leading to increased profitability.
- Participated in root cause analysis exercises to address quality concerns, fostering a culture of continuous improvement among team members.
- Led cross-functional teams to address and resolve production bottlenecks swiftly, minimizing downtime.
- Coordinated with sales and marketing teams to ensure production plans aligned with market demands and promotional activities.
Printing Press Operator
AWT Labels & Packaging
04.1995 - 02.2000
- Examined job orders to determine quantity, stock specifications, colors and special printing instructions.
- Set up and operated printing press machines.
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving abilities, quickly identifying and resolving issues that arose during production runs.
- Adjusted controls to regulate flow of ink and dampening solution to plate cylinder.
- Enhanced printing efficiency by performing regular maintenance and troubleshooting on printing press equipment.
- Operated press to achieve highest print quality and productivity with minimal scrap.
- Reviewed completed orders for quality and accuracy.
- Inspected machines and performed repairs.
- Maintained register during make-ready and productions processes.
- Loaded and positioned unprinted materials.
- Trained junior operators in proper press operation techniques, ensuring a skilled workforce and smoother production processes.
- Mixed and poured paint and color mixtures into reservoirs.
- Promptly removed completed loads from press.
- Successfully completed monthly safety training sessions.
- Adjusted press during production runs to maintain specific registration and color densities.
- Adapted quickly to new technologies and software updates, maintaining up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and best practices.
- Wrote clear and concise work instructions.
- Enhanced print quality, meticulously adjusting press settings for each job.
- Reduced error rates with comprehensive review and adjustment of pre-printing proofs.
- Achieved consistent color matching for brand-sensitive projects, using advanced color management systems.
Printing Press Operator
Tursso
04.1990 - 04.1995
- Examined job orders to determine quantity, stock specifications, colors and special printing instructions.
- Set up and operated printing press machines.
- Adjusted controls to regulate flow of ink and dampening solution to plate cylinder.
- Improved color consistency across print runs by conducting thorough quality control checks.
- Enhanced printing efficiency by performing regular maintenance and troubleshooting on printing press equipment.
- Operated press to achieve highest print quality and productivity with minimal scrap.
- Reviewed completed orders for quality and accuracy.
- Maintained register during make-ready and productions processes.
- Mixed and poured paint and color mixtures into reservoirs.
- Promptly removed completed loads from press.
- Enhanced color accuracy with careful adjustments to printing press, meeting client specifications.
Education
No Degree - Economics
Bemidji State University
Bemidji, MNHigh School Diploma -
Neil Armstrong High School
Plymouth, MNSkills
- Cost Estimation
- Estimate Preparation
- Project estimation and bidding
- Bid preparation
- Math
- Problem-Solving
- Project Management
- Interpersonal Communication
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Problem-solving abilities
- Team Collaboration
- Adaptability
- Problem-solving aptitude
Accomplishments
Working with staff and Customers to create multiple new products that were patented by AWT and Customer
Timeline
Estimator /Production Planner
AWT Labels & Packaging
04.2000 - 02.2023
Printing Press Operator
AWT Labels & Packaging
04.1995 - 02.2000
Printing Press Operator
Tursso
04.1990 - 04.1995
No Degree - Economics
Bemidji State University
High School Diploma -
Neil Armstrong High School
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