Khaja Asrar Ahmed, PMP,RMP-PE
Summary
Results-oriented Senior Project Manager experienced in leading complex projects and driving teams to deliver exceptional outcomes. Achieved significant improvements in project delivery times and client satisfaction through effective process streamlining and team collaboration. Focused on leveraging project engineering expertise to foster innovation and enhance operational efficiency.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Sr Project Manager (EHV Substations and Power T&D)
NESMA INFRASTRUCTURE AND TECHNOLOGY (NIT)
2023.10 - 2026.06
- Sr. Project Manager/Program Head for NEOM Projects – Trojena and Oxagon Programs
- Project(s): 02 No’s - 132/33kV NEOM Mountain Substations PSS-A and PSS-B -TROJENA (CR Value- 450 million SR)
- 02 Nos -132/33kV NEOM Mountain Substations PSS-A and PSS-B –OXAGON (CR Value- 480 million SR)
- Client: NEOM/ENOWA & SEC
- Consultant: Bechtel /AJEC/DAR Engineering
- Technology Providers: HITACHI /SIEMENS/ALFANAR /SPTC etc.
- Reporting to: COO/Regional Manager / Business Unit head
- Direct reports: PMs. PMT, Engineering Design office, Supply chain, Lead Electrical / Mechanical and ICT Engineers/ document controllers
- Software used: BIM/Primavera / MS Project /Excel /PowerPoint/ 3D Model (NOVISWORKS)/AutoCAD/ETAP/ Dialux
- Key Roles and Responsibilities
- Developed project execution, engineering, and stakeholder management plans, defining objectives, deliverables, timelines, and resource requirements, while identifying risks and establishing mitigation strategies.
- Create comprehensive plans that outline the execution strategy, engineering approach, and stakeholder management strategy for the project.
- Define project objectives, deliverables, timelines, and resource requirements.
- Identify and analyze project risks and develop mitigation plans.
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders.
- 2. Establish and nurture relationships with project stakeholders, including customers, clients, suppliers, and regulatory authorities:
- Effectively communicate project progress, updates, and changes to stakeholders.
- Address any concerns or issues raised by stakeholders and ensure their satisfaction with the project
- 3. Planning, scheduling, monitoring, and controlling project activities:
- Develop detailed project schedules, considering dependencies, resource availability, and project constraints.
- Monitor project progress against the schedule, identify deviations, and take corrective actions as needed.
- Control project activities to ensure they are executed as planned, managing changes and ensuring efficient resource utilization.
- Validated project scope to ensure alignment with client requirements and evaluated project proposals for feasibility and compliance, conducting post-bid evaluations to assess technical and commercial aspects.
- Validate the project scope to ensure it aligns with the client's requirements and expectations.
- Evaluate project proposals and bids to determine their feasibility and compliance with project specifications.
- Conduct post-bid evaluations to assess the technical and commercial aspects of bids and make recommendations for selection.
- 5. Prepare and/or review/align Execution designs, reports, specifications, and drawings:
- Develop or review engineering designs, reports, specifications, and drawings to ensure they meet project requirements and adhere to applicable standards.
- Coordinate with relevant stakeholders to align and incorporate their input into the design process.
- Ensure compliance with national and international standards, codes, and regulations.
- 6. Support the preparation of regulatory plans and administrative files:
- Assist in the preparation of regulatory plans and documentation required for obtaining necessary permits and authorizations, such as environmental approvals and building permits.
- Collate and organize all relevant technical documentation, test reports, and certifications as part of the interconnection process. Support the tender, negotiation, and procurement process, contract and Claims department
- 7. Continuous professional development
- 8. Actively participate in Factory Acceptance Tests and Site Acceptance Tests of assets and components
- 9. Handling all design-related queries and supporting the department with innovative methods.
- 10. Active participation in HAZOP Study and Constructability analysis
- 11. Report the variance analysis & providing mitigation plans
- Resolved critical path delays by monitoring project performance through CPI and SPI metrics, implementing corrective actions to keep projects on schedule.
- 13. Conducting Risk analysis and mitigation review meeting
- 14. Ensure safety measures strictly, at all times
Sr. Project Engineer (Bahrain /Al Jubail, KSA)
SSEM/MARAFIQ/ILF/P2M BERLIN
2021.01 - 2026.06
- Key Roles and Responsibilities
- Develop Project Execution, Engineering, and Stakeholder management plans
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders, effectively communicating with them, and acting as the key contact for the customers.
- Effectively plan, schedule, monitor, and control activities necessary for predictable fulfillment of planned activities with efficient utilization of available resources and budget.
- Prepare and/or review/align Execution designs, reports, specifications, and drawings ensuring compliance with national/international standards and project requirements
- Scope validation /Prebid/post-bid evaluation
- Develop Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for engineering work, evaluate the submissions, and recommend their selection. Review project deliverables, TOP (Turn over Package) as per project requirements and LOD (List of deliverables)
- Process /P&ID and MEP design coordination and compliance verification
- Support the preparation of regulatory plans of administrative files such as environmental authorization/ building permit
- Support the interconnection (grid connection) processes, organize all relevant technical documentation, test reports, and certification
- Project: Industrial Waste Water Treatment Plant IWTP-8, Stage 4 (CR Value- 750 million SR) for treatment of 125,000m3/day effluent water for Jubail industrial city;
- Client: MARAFIQ and Royal Commission, Jubail, SA
- Consultant: ILF Engineering /p2m Berlin, Germany /Bahrain
- Reporting to: Project Manager/Project Director
- Direct reports: Engineering Design Consultant, Lead Electrical / Mechanical and ICT Engineers/ document controllers
- Software used: BIM/Primavera / MS Project /Excel /PowerPoint/ 3D Model (NOVISWORKS)/AutoCAD/ETAP/ Dialux
- Achievements at SSEM as Sr. Project Engineer
- Secured prompt approval on design deliverables and ensured on-time delivery of raw materials to maintain project schedule.
- Coordinated with government organizations for timely release of approval on tie-in points (power supply, SCADA interface, and influent and effluent connection points)
- Integrated engineering list of deliverables (LOD) with project measurement system (PMS) in Excel, enhancing daily updates on engineering design progress.
- Developed BIM model with engineering consultant for a clear overview of plant interfaces, reducing reworking, saving engineering manhours
- A procurement register was developed to track and implement the project material requirements
- Tracked, and reported changes in scope and requirements impacting the timeline and cost
- Developed the Project Execution plan defining the project execution strategy with engineering/ procurement/quality/sub-contacts management
- Recommended, designed, and implemented integrated outdoor area lighting of plant with the shielding mast of (25-30mts) reducing cost
- Resized distribution transformer load requirements, reducing transformer load losses and cost of related MV/LV cables in the plant
- Ensured zero LTI/ High safety standards
Project Manager (EHV Substations and Power T&D)
Saudi Services for Electro Mechanical Works Co. (SSEM), Saudi Arabia.
2016.05 - 2021.01
- SAUDI ELECTRICITY COMPANY/SAUDI ARAMCO/MARAFIQ/SWCC/ROYAL COMMISSION
- Promoted to Project Manager for EHV Transmission and Distribution Projects in Saudi Electricity Company (SEC)
- Oversaw multiple projects as Project Manager, ensuring timely and efficient execution
- As a Project Manager, for Power transmission and distribution networks, saved SAR 100,000 by ensuring on-time procurement of equipment; prevented penalties caused by project delays
- Managed a diverse team of over 100 members, including consultants and civil subcontractors(including Consultant and Civil Subcontractor)
- Developing, controlling & maintaining a detailed project plan. Managing project deliverables in line with the project plan.
- Complete project P&L responsibility. Analyze project inception plan and create a systematic layout given key quantifiable parameters encompassing - estimation of takeoff costs, reviewing project constructability, project buy-out, cash-flow, scopes of work, sub-contracting requirements, project profitability, and scheduling.
- Identified and reported project deviations, ensuring timely adjustments to the baseline schedule. Managed document control and punch list clearing.
- Coordinated with Ministry of Road/Transports – Ministry of Municipal Corporation / Railways / Oil, Water and Power Utilities (SWCC/SEC/ARAMCO), for timely release of route approvals, power supply, and support for project execution
- Conduct first and pre-commencement site meetings with the client and sub-contractors. Work cross-functionally with Civil, Electro-Mechanical vendors.
- Review technical drawings and specifications, ensuring installations conformed to standards and project requirements.
- Allocated and utilised resources efficiently, fostering a cooperative and motivated team environment.
- Accountable for the smooth and efficient management of all daily site operations, ensuring consistent adherence to all health & safety regulations.
- Implement 5-star safety protocols on the worksite by preventing soil, water, and noise pollution, managing waste disposal, and following specifications for chemical storage.
- Conducted QA/QC and HSE management, handled crisis management, and ensured information security.
- Achievements at SSEM as Project Manager
- Software used: Primavera / MS Project /Excel /PowerPoint/ 3D Model (NOVISWORKS)/AutoCAD
- 1. EPC of Meena 115/13.8kV Substation Integration/remote end modifications -NGSA(Eastern)
- 2. EPC of 115/13.8kV South Dammam Substation -2 and Additional modifications at Remote End, Source Substations
- 3. EPC of Integration of 115/13.8kV 4B DIE Substation
- 4. EPC of Dhahran South 380/115/13.8kV BSP
- Merged material procurement for similar projects, achieving approximately 20% cost savings.
- Opted for alternate shipment method for small parts of GIS to support timely initiation of next activities
- Collaborated with major companies like General Electric, Siemens, Hitachi Energy, Schneider Electric, Hyundai, Hitachi, Hyosung, and various local and international companies at various levels.
- Reported to Program Manager / Area Manager
- Coordinated with Ministry of Road/Transports – Ministry of Municipal Corporation / Railways / Oil, Water and Power Utilities (SWCC/SEC/ARAMCO), for timely release of route approvals, power supply, and support for project execution
Sr. Project Engineer / Electrical Design Engineer
SEC/Saudi Aramco/Royal Commission/MARAFIQ
2009.03 - 2016.02
- Collaborated with major clients
- Oversaw engineering projects, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to client specifications.
- 1. Project Engineer: EPC of Jubail -7 115/13.8kV Substation in Jubail2 (June 2015-Aug 2016)
- Client: SEC-NGSA
- Consultant: Al -Othman /AJEC
- 2. Project Engineer for EPC of Raising Overhead Power Lines & KFIP Power Substation Improvements (115,230 & 380kV) and Improvement of KFIP S/S Power factor (115kV/34.5kV-GIS) - (June 2014-Aug 2015)
- Client: Royal Commission (RC) Jubail / SEC_NGSA
- Consultant: Bechtel/SATECH/AJEC/ GECC/Al-Othman
- 3. Project Engineer for 115/13.8kV SADARA Substation@ NEW SWRO MARAFIQ Facility (Feb 2013-May 2014)
- Client: ARAMCO/MARAFIQ/SEC
- Consultant: SIDEM Arabia
- Proposed an alternate solution for optimizing the EHV cable ampacity sizing calculation that resulted in optimized design and cost
- 4. Project Engineer for 380/115/13.8kV Dhahran South BSP (CR value: 464 M SAR) (June 2010-Aug 2012)
- Client: Saudi Electricity Company
- Consultant: AJEC/Al Othman
- Proposed viable technical solutions that saved SAR 0.6M by selecting an alternative shipping method for GIS components, facilitating timely project progression.
- 5. Electrical Primary Design Engineer for Ras Al Zaur 380/115/13.8kV Substation (Mar 2009 to June 2010)
- EPC of Water Transmission and Pumping Station Contract Value: 800Million SAR:
- Client: SWCC/SEC-EOA
- Consultant: ILF
- 6. Sr. Electrical Engineer - Royal Commission Contract RC 108-C01 (CR value: 216.19M SAR)
- Portable Water Pumping Station and Storage tanks for MARAFIQ SWRO Plant in Ras Al Khair -Engineering, Procurement, and Construction of New Water Pump Station for Ras Al Khair Area;
- Client: RC/SEC/MAADEN
- Consultant: BECHTAL
- Defined key roles and responsibilities, contributing to efficient project execution and team alignment.
- Engineering and Design/Preparation of the following Systems:
- Basic Engineering & Detailed design calculations, Preparation of EPC Technical specifications & Key Single Line Diagram as per ETAP System Study. Preparation of Single Line Diagrams for MV/LV Systems, Metering &Protection, SCADA PLC control I/O, Protection relays, and coordination study.
- Sizing calculation of Emergency Diesel Generator, UPS, Transformers, and related electrical systems
- Preparation of Data Sheets for HV/MV/LV Switchgear, Transformers, UPS, MV Cables / LV Cable Bus ducts & related electrical systems
- Preparation of Electrical Load List, Energy Consumption reports, Cable Schedules, etc.
- Coordination and in-depth support for integration of the system for SCADA/DCS control by identifying the Complete PLC I/O list for necessary control and monitoring of electrical systems
- Electrical Hazardous Area Classification Layout.
- Technical Bid Evaluation for Electrical equipment such as Switchgears/transformers / MV drives/VFS/Generators/UPS/ DC Systems/Cables/NERs/Bus ducts / LV panel boards HV Switchgears, etc.
- Purchase Specification/Bid evaluation & preparation of evaluation reports for MV/LV Switchgear, Service Transformers, HT/LT Power Cables, DC systems, Bus ducts, Motors, Illumination system
- Technical support for the preparation of Contracts/Purchase Orders with major local and international vendors (ABB, SIEMENS, GE, HITACHI, HYOSUNG, LS CABLES, etc.
- Vendor drawings review/approval of Switchgears, GA, SLD, Data Sheet, Control & Schematic drawings of MV/LV Switchgears, Busduct sizing calculation, Battery & charger calculation, MV/LV cable calculation, and Service Transformers sizing calculation, CT/PT sizing calculations, grounding design calculation, lighting calculations.
- Carried out Power System Study (Load Flow, Short Circuit, and Motor Acceleration) for the complete plant by ETAP.
- Provide technical support to Field Service Engineers
- Ensuring that Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) practices are of a high standard and working to eliminate unsafe practices and incidents
- SAT /FAT inspections for GIS /Transformers/ Busways/ACDC distribution panels etc.
- Testing and commission coordination and snags clearing
- Handing over documentation, built drawings review /approval, and project closing support.
Automation Engineer
Advance Institute of India
2008.07 - 2009.03
- Engineered industrial PLC applications to optimise automation processes
- Streamlined operational processes through the integration of innovative automation solutions.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge on emerging trends in automation industry-offered informed guidance to colleagues.
- Devised comprehensive automation strategies for improved workflow efficiency.
Education
Bachelor of Engineering (B.E) - Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE)
Osmania University
Hyderabad, India 2004.01 - 2008.01
Skills
Power BI, AI tools, BIM, Navisworks, MS Office, AutoCAD, ETAP, PROFIX, Dialux, PSpice
- Time management
- PMBOK expertise
- Contract negotiation
- Budget forecasting
- Risk mitigation
- Grid analysis
- Contract management
- KPI management
- Quality management
- Root cause analysis
- Project engineering
Certification
- PMP – From PMI, 2021
- Feeder and Transformer Protection using Reyrolle 5 Relays, SIEMENS, 2020
- Smart Distribution Power System, IET UK, 2020
- Hybrid PV Systems, Solar Energy, EVXPRTS, SESI, 2020
- Power Systems Generation, Protection, Earthing and Transformers, TATA Group, 2020
- Project Management Foundations – Procurement, PMI, 2020
- Project Management Foundations - Preventing Scope Creep, PMI, 2020
- Stakeholder Management, PMI, 2020, 2019
- Basics of EHV underground cable transmission engineering standards and applications, 2018
- Job Safety Training (Risk assessment, Permit issuer, Job Safety Analysis, SAJA Energy Co, 2018
- Factory Inspection Tests for 36/4.16 kV Transformers and 115kV Power Cables, 2014
- Bentel & Simplex Fire Alarm Systems, 2011
- Siemens Low Capacity (SRAL) Radio, 2010
- Programming and Application of PLC (SIEMENS S7-300) from ATI India, 2009
- Automation using micro-PLC (SIEMENS LOGO), ATI, India, 2009
- PLC programming and its application for motor control, ATI, India, 2009
- Microcontroller programming and its application, ATI, India, 2009
- ACDC motor control and mechanism, ATI, India, 2009
- Project Management and primavera software, India, 2009
Languages Known
English, Hindi, Urdu, Telugu and Arabic
Affiliations
Australian Engineering Council (Engineers Australia) and Saudi Engineering Council (SCE)
Codes and Regulatory Standards
- Codes – IEEE, NEC, ANSI, ASTM, UL, SACO, NFPA, ISO9000-01
- Saudi Aramco Standards
- Saudi Electricity Standards
- Royal Commission (RC) Standards
https://www.linkedin.com/in/khaja-asrar-ahmed/
Gender & Marital status
Male & Married
Nationality
Indian with Australian Permanent Resident status
Age
39yrs
Residence Permits
Australia and Saudi Arabia
Accomplishments
Technical Completion Certifcate - NEOM Projects
Final Completion Certificate for EHV Substations
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Sr Project Manager (EHV Substations and Power T&D)
NESMA INFRASTRUCTURE AND TECHNOLOGY (NIT)
2023.10 - 2026.06
Sr. Project Engineer (Bahrain /Al Jubail, KSA)
SSEM/MARAFIQ/ILF/P2M BERLIN
2021.01 - 2026.06
Project Manager (EHV Substations and Power T&D)
Saudi Services for Electro Mechanical Works Co. (SSEM), Saudi Arabia.
2016.05 - 2021.01
Sr. Project Engineer / Electrical Design Engineer
SEC/Saudi Aramco/Royal Commission/MARAFIQ
2009.03 - 2016.02
Automation Engineer
Advance Institute of India
2008.07 - 2009.03
Bachelor of Engineering (B.E) - Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE)
Osmania University
2004.01 - 2008.01