Client focused and results oriented leader, engages all stakeholders to take participate in project governance, takes innovative approaches to consistently deliver projects and solutions according to mandate. Expertise Senior Project and Program Manager Tenacious, strategic and tactical, inquisitive leader acknowledged as a prime project management resource. Sees by vision, follows the details, renowned for ingenuity and perseverance, inspires and steers teams to succeed and deliver. Hands-on, culturally sensitive, maintains a collaborative, firm rein over business activities to establish high performance standards and optimize costs. Technically minded, thrives in a knowledgedriven, fast-paced environment of diversity and challenges. Jim Eckler Chief Operating Officer Health Shared Services BC Current Client References Alan Grossert, P.Eng. Executive Director, Facilities Optimization Lower Mainland Facilities Management Fraser Health, Providence Health Care, Provincial Health Services Authority and Vancouver Coastal Health Core business competencies include: Project Management Change Management Construction Project Management Stakeholder Management Program Management Staff Management (including unionized staff) Contract Management Operations Business Case Development Business Reengineering Financial Analysis Process Improvement
CONSULTING EXPERIENCE Health Shared Services BC (HSSBC) and Lower Mainland Facilities Management 2012 2013 As Project Director, responsible for the successful consolidation of multiple health care support operations into a single leased property at 1795 Willingdon Avenue, bringing together approximately 1,000 Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA), HSSBC and Lower Mainland Consolidation (LMC) non-clinical staff. On track to finish on-time and $600,000 under the $16,000,000 budget. Continually lead a diverse team of internal staff and external consultants, manage, resolve or escalate issues to Steering Committee of Executives and facilitate transformation to a contemporary and flexible workplace, supported by technology and organizational policies that enhance the working environment. Lower Mainland Facilities Management Operations BC Health Authority 2011 2012 As Project Manager, successfully completed non-structural seismic upgrade assessment and phase 1 implementation at 8 acute care sites in the Lower Mainland and Coastal regions (VGH, St. Paul s, Mount St. Joseph s, Richmond General, Lions Gate, Powell River, St. Mary s and Squamish) in a tight 4 month timeline for the approved $500,000. As Project Manager, working closely with professional consultants, managed the development of Lions Gate Hospital Boiler Room and Roof structural and seismic upgrade, resulting in tender-ready documents. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE BC Hydro, Vancouver, BC (Positions Held) 1998 2011 PROJECT MANAGER Properties 2010 2011 Steered demanding space requirement projects through numerous hurdles for the Transmission & Distribution Division, with 60% of the overall staff; worked with multiple stakeholders across the business to plan and execute, completing on time and budget with high client-satisfaction. Expedited a 50,000 sq. ft. renovation working collaboratively with designers, engineers, suppliers, operational staff, and general contractor in a tight 5 month timeline, completing $50,000 under the $3 million budget.
Improved service quality by instituting project management principles with operational staff, resulting in clearer customer expectations and higher client-satisfaction. MANAGER, Transportation Facilities VANOC 2009 2010 Handpicked to project manage the infrastructure development for transportation sites working with skilled personnel to complete 3 bus depots, 3 fleet compounds, 12 transportation hubs and numerous park & ride facilities within a 6 month timeframe prior to the Olympics opening. Controlled the bustling Station Street Bus Depot during the games, accountable for operational requirements that supported athlete bus security, delivery vehicle screening for competition sites and bus transport for 30,000 passengers per day. Asked to extend contract a further 3 months after games closure and regular wind down to oversee site remediation and complete sign off from landowners. PROGRAM MANAGER, Properties Headquarters Improvements 2007 2009 Appointed to start up a Project Team and direct a multi-year renovation of 500,000 sq. ft. in three headquarters locations to meet new functional requirements introducing a more congenial, modern workplace while boosting density. Instituted project management practices, including writing business cases, resulting in executive approvals and satisfying internal audit for the overall $45M program. Directed significant office furniture and equipment procurement, with a total value above $10M, negotiating contracts with multiple vendors. Achieved 60% completion in 2 years and ensured continued performance to achieve another 20% completion, prior to being reassigned to VANOC. MANAGER, Contracts & Client Relations - Field Operations 2006 2007 Pivotal operations leader during significant corporate change overseeing a tenuous contract with BC Transmission Corporation (BCTC) after the divestiture from BC Hydro. Rigorously reviewed and eliminated a $300,000 penalty charge by BCTC. Instituted quantitative performance measures and improved review process, improving communications between BCTC and BC Hydro and allowing for further cooperation. Hired and coached a team of contract and procurement professionals, establishing new procurement practices and training field staff to deliver 100% of BC Transmission Corp s expectations.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT LEAD, various Corporate Projects 2003 2006 Tasked to review the company s position regarding obsolete furniture and office equipment, preparing a comprehensive assessment, financial analysis and recommendations for renewal to executives. Educated personnel on the needs and benefits of changing the workplace environment, becoming an influencer to champion the change. Facilitated numerous workshops encouraging opinions and the sharing of information and practices to advance the corporate stakeholder engagement model, especially with BC Hydro groups that interact with First Nation leaders, Non-Governmental Organizations and Community representatives, ensuring consistent engagement approach while the company implemented changes to regulatory process, operational framework and energy selfsufficiency policy mandated by Provincial Government. POWER SMART Various Management roles 1998 2003 Progressively promoted from Key Account Manager to Sector Manager. Led a team of 6 sales and marketing professionals, including management of multi-million dollar sector budget and achievement of annual targets. Partnered with Corporate Communications to plan and execute media relations strategies, develop and implement innovative programs for promoting energy conservation with elementary and high school students. Developed and implemented a 10-year business plan for achieving electrical energy reduction among BC schools, universities, colleges and hospitals with a budget of $50M. Achieved 30% above-target results for first 3 years, including agreement with UBC to upgrade over 100 campus facilities with new, energy efficient equipment at a total cost of $30M. Traversed difficult corporate litigation processes to develop and execute a $2M maintenance agreement with a key account during a period of inconsistent and strenuous communications. PROJECT MANAGER Retail Strategy Implementation 1999 2000 Wrote and presented a compelling business case to secure Board and Executive approval for the $3M Retail Strategy Implementation Project. Delivered 13 new or improved products and services to the market in 12 months to establish competitive advantage prior to anticipated deregulation. Led a committed and skilled 12-person team of financial and marketing professionals to meet the challenging goals.
West Coast Energy Inc. (now Spectra Energy) 1990 1998 CUSTOMER ACCOUNT MANAGER 1997 1998 Managed a portfolio of commercial domestic natural gas accounts in exploration, local distribution, end-use and marketing. Facilitated joint marketing activities to promote BC as a natural gas supplier to U.S. markets. SENIOR COORDINATOR Utility Services Marketing Division 1994 1996 Facilitated negotiations on pipeline system expansion projects with customers and stakeholders. Conducted feasibility assessments and coordinated technical resources. Coordinated a multi-disciplinary team of Regulatory, Legal, Rates, Engineering, and Construction professionals to develop capital project submissions to the National Energy Board. BUSINESS INFRASTRUCTURE LEAD Natural Gas Exchange 1993 1994 Actively engaged in establishing a natural gas commodity exchange, offering electronic trading, physical and financial clearing services. UTILITY SERVICES MARKETING DIVISION COORDINATOR 1990 1993 EDUCATION Project Management Institute, Newtown Square, PA 2009 PROJECT MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL Queen s University, Kingston, Ontario 2002 EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP PROGRAM (3 week residential) Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC 1995 MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC 1989 BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - Biochemistry