ILIJA SPAJIC
Project Manager
Zagreb,Croatia
Summary
Experienced Project Manager with a strong background in project organization, logistics, and HSE management. Skilled in leading large-scale operations, optimizing resource allocation, and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards. Successfully managed projects worth over $250 million, overseeing more than 1,000 personnel in challenging field conditions. Acted as a company representative, engaging with major international oil and mining companies, including Saudi Aramco (KSA), ADNOC (UAE), IVANHOE Electric (USA-Saudi Arabia), Ma'aden (KSA), and Petro-Canada. Proven ability to streamline workflows, mitigate risks, and coordinate cross-functional teams to deliver projects efficiently and on schedule.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
4
4
Languages
Work History
Project Manager
ARGAS
Al Khobar, Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia
11.2023 - Current
- Project Execution & Management: Plan, execute, and oversee company projects, ensuring timely delivery while managing contractors and suppliers effectively
- Performance Monitoring & Optimization: Identify efficiency gaps, propose solutions, and implement process improvements to enhance operational effectiveness
- Crew & Contract Compliance: Coordinate with crew management to ensure all contractual obligations are met while maintaining the highest safety standards
- Resource Planning: Define manpower and material requirements to optimize resource allocation for successful project execution
- Coordinated material procurement and required services for projects within budget requirements.
- Subcontractor Evaluation: Ensure the subcontractor selection process includes a thorough review of safety management programs and past performance
- Project Oversight & Supervision: Track project progress, maintain schedules, and ensure alignment with company goals and client expectations
- Quality Assurance & Control (QA/QC): Develop, implement, and oversee QA/QC protocols to ensure compliance with industry and company standards
- Team Development & Leadership: Provide coaching, mentoring, and performance monitoring to enhance team efficiency and individual growth
- Project Scheduling: Utilize MS Project to create and update project schedules, ensuring all activities are tracked and managed efficiently
- HSE Management: Develop and implement comprehensive HSE plans, including risk assessments, job safety analysis, emergency response strategies, medical evacuation plans, and safety checklists
- Safety Audits & Training: Conduct inspections, audits, and training programs to uphold a strong safety culture and regulatory compliance
- Client & Stakeholder Communication: Collaborate closely with clients and stakeholders, providing regular updates and ensuring project requirements are met to satisfaction.
Crew Manager
ARGAS
Al Khobar, Abu Dhabi, Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates
08.2010 - 11.2023
- Company Representative – SAUDI ARAMCO & ADNOC (UAE, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company) Seismic Survey Projects worth over $250 million. Fully responsible for ensuring contractual compliance, operational efficiency, and safety management at the job site
- Site & Operations Management: Establish and manage remote sites, ensuring seamless 24/7 operations
- Lead and supervise teams of 1,000+ personnel and 200+ vehicles across diverse terrains, from remote desert regions to urban areas
- Streamlined operations and prioritized tasks, allowing senior staff to increase revenue by 25%
- Develop and enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all field activities
- Client & Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as the primary point of contact for Saudi Aramco and ADNOC representatives
- Coordinate with local authorities to secure access and ensure smooth project execution
- HSE & Risk Management: Oversee HSE Management Systems (HSE MS), ensuring compliance with industry standards and best practices
- Investigate incidents and near-misses, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence
- Conduct safety audits, inspections, and training sessions to reinforce safety culture across operations
- Implement and oversee Contractor Safety Surveillance Program (CSSP) and Hazard Identification Program (HIP), ensuring safety responsibilities are met at all levels
- Lead emergency response drills and ensure readiness for critical situations
- Supervision & Compliance: Ensure strict adherence to ARGAS and client HSE policies, always applying the highest standard
- Regularly assess job site safety conditions, identify risks, and provide corrective action plans
- Monitor senior supervisors' performance to ensure compliance with safety and operational guidelines
- Review and manage the Crew Action Point (AP) Register, ensuring timely responses from relevant departments
- Liaised with regulatory bodies to ensure all projects complied with industry standards and legislation.
- Reduced downtime by efficiently overseeing the maintenance team and prioritizing tasks according to urgency.
Project Manager
Geofizika d.d. Zagreb
Zagreb, Croatia (EU), Libya, Egypt, Syria
07.2005 - 08.2010
- Project Execution & Coordination: Plan and execute company projects, managing contractors and suppliers to ensure efficient delivery
- Provide comprehensive project support, ensuring seamless coordination between teams and stakeholders
- Performance Monitoring & Process Optimization: Track project performance, proactively identifying efficiency gaps and implementing solutions for improvement
- Conduct on-site inspections to evaluate work quality, provide coaching, and enforce adherence to safety standards
- Project Oversight & Supervision: Organize and oversee project progress, ensuring milestones and deadlines are met
- Establish and enforce QA/QC protocols, maintaining high-quality standards across all operations
- HSE & Risk Management: Lead HSE Management System (HSE MS) implementation, ensuring full compliance with safety regulations
- Conduct safety audits, inspections, and team training to reinforce a strong safety culture
- Project Scheduling & Resource Management: Develop detailed project schedules, including task sequencing, resource allocation, and critical milestones
- Monitor project progress against established timelines, ensuring on-time completion
Head of Logistics
Geofizika d.d. Zagreb
Zagreb, Croatia (EU), Libya, Egypt, Syria
05.2004 - 07.2005
- Managed supply chain operations for an international geophysical exploration company, ensuring efficient procurement and delivery of materials
- Negotiated favorable contracts with vendors, securing high-quality products at competitive prices while maintaining strong partnerships.
- Reduced transportation costs for the company by streamlining logistics operations and negotiating with carriers.
- Enhanced inventory management with the implementation of advanced tracking systems and regular audits.
- Coordinated the import and export of essential equipment for seismic and geological exploration projects
- Organized and prepared equipment for geophysical exploration, ensuring readiness for field operations
- Led manpower planning and resource allocation to support seamless project execution
- Monitored equipment utilization and resource deployment to optimize efficiency and minimize downtime
- Managed relationships with contractors, ensuring high-quality performance and adherence to safety standards
- Secured necessary licenses and permits to facilitate smooth project progression
- Provided proactive support for geophysical exploration projects, contributing to their success
- Coordinated project mobilization and demobilization, ensuring timely and cost-effective operations
- Acted as a primary point of contact for client companies in the oil exploration and mining sectors, maintaining strong working relationships
Quality Control/ Team Leader
Geofizika d.d. Zagreb
Zagreb, Croatia, Egypt, Libya
02.2003 - 05.2004
- Field Operations & Team Supervision: Organize and oversee field work activities, ensuring smooth operations and team efficiency
- Supervise and coordinate workforce allocation, providing guidance to optimize performance
- Equipment & Resource Management: Assign and manage equipment allocation, ensuring proper utilization and maintenance
- Oversee material procurement and subcontractor management to maintain operational flow
- Safety & Compliance: Ensure full compliance with safety protocols, enforcing HSE regulations across all on-site activities
- Conduct safety inspections and implement corrective actions to maintain a safe working environment
- Quality Control & Documentation: Implement and enforce quality control measures, ensuring adherence to project standards
- Prepare and maintain project documentation, including reports, schedules, and compliance records
- Project Coordination & Reporting: Oversee on-site activities, ensuring efficient execution and alignment with project goals
- Prepare End of Month (EOM) and Bill of Quantities (BOQ) reports, providing accurate project tracking and cost assessments
Education
Bachelor of Science - Transport And Traffic Sciences
University of Zagreb
Faculty Of Transport And Traffic Sciences 09.1997 - 04.2001
Skills
Project management
HSE leadership
Technical support
Cost control
Client relations
Logistics management
Personal Information
Nationality: Croatia (EU)
Timeline
Project Manager
ARGAS
11.2023 - Current
Crew Manager
ARGAS
08.2010 - 11.2023
Project Manager
Geofizika d.d. Zagreb
07.2005 - 08.2010
Head of Logistics
Geofizika d.d. Zagreb
05.2004 - 07.2005
Quality Control/ Team Leader
Geofizika d.d. Zagreb
02.2003 - 05.2004
Bachelor of Science - Transport And Traffic Sciences
University of Zagreb
09.1997 - 04.2001
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