JOB: Global Director of Construction

Great Position for the right individual - my client is a large US Government construction and logistics firm operating in all regions of the world. Please contact me directly at 919-781-0400 EXT 123 OR eplesset@mriraleigh.com for more information.

CHALLENGE

• Improve international construction vision and delivery and revenue by bringing a careers' worth of experience to the table.
• Prepare for fast growth by establishing an infrastructure enabling that kind of growth while improving existing processes and "go to market" strategy.

GENERAL APPLICANT PROFILE

• 20 - 25 years experience in construction management both at the owners and contractor side in secure and unsecured (classified) projects (Top Secret).
• Career blend of US MILITARY Construction Engineering Corps AND Private Construction Management Firms
• DOD Active Duty OR Reserve Employment with US NAVY (NAVFAC), USACE, USAF (Retired at O-5 / O-6) AND US American Contingency Contractor
• Extended relationships and experience at government level in Asia, Africa, Middle East with diplomatic experience
• P/L Responsibility
• Comfortable with site visits in hostile and dangerous regions

PROJECT EXPERIENCE

• Hands on experience in field construction and operations for most types of general buildings, mixed use commercial and residential, infrastructure, power
• Experience in management of a $100M - $300M international construction division
• Experience in logistics in support of international projects

VETERANS DAY AND EVERYDAY OFFERS & DISCOUNTS

Hey Vets: Thanks for your service -- maybe you can take advantage of some of these retailers who also recognize your service.


RESTAURANTS:
APPLEBEE'S - FREE DINNERS TO VETERANS THROUGHOUT VETERANS DAY; SELECTIONS WILL BE FROM A NEW VETERANS DAY MENU.
- OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE - FREE BLOOMING ONION AND BEVERAGE.
- GOLDEN CORRAL - FREE BUFFET DINNER FROM 5-9PM ON NOV 16TH TO ANYONE WHO HAS EVER SERVED IN THE US MILITARY.
- SUBWAY - FREE SIX INCH SUBS TO ALL VETERANS OR ACTIVE DUTY MEMBERS.
- MCCORMICK & SCHMICK'S - FREE ENTRÉE TO MILITARY VETERANS FOR ITS 12TH ANNUAL VETERAN'S APPRECIATION EVENT.
- KRISPY KREME - ONE FREE DOUGHNUT OF ANY VARIETY.
- UNO CHICAGO GRILL- FREE ENTREE OR INDIVIDUAL PIZZA WITH AN ENTREE OR PIZZA PURCHASE OF EQUAL OR GREATER VALUE.
- COUSHATTA CASINO RESORT - FREE SEVEN-CLAMS LUNCH OR DINNER BUFFET TO VETERANS OR ACTIVE MILITARY.
- MARKETPLACE GRILL & EXPRESS - VETERANS AND ACTIVE-DUTY MILITARY RECEIVE FREE ENTREES.
- MASALA WOK - FREE ENTREE TO VETERANS.
- HY-VEE SUPERMARKETS - FREE BREAKFAST TO VETERANS.
- ABUELO'S MEXICAN FOOD RESTAURANTS - ALL VETERANS AND ACTIVE-DUTY MILITARY RECEIVE A FREE ENTREE.
- CAROLINA BURGERS & BBQ (MATTHEWS, NC) - FREE MEAL TO ALL SERVICE MEMBERS AND VETERANS.

RETAIL:
BRIDES ACROSS AMERICA - FREE WEDDING GOWNS TO QUALIFIED MILITARY BRIDES.
- LOWE’S & HOME DEPOT - 10% OFF TO ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY, NATIONAL GUARD/RESERVE, RETIREES, HONORABLY DISCHARGED VETERANS.
- SAM'S CLUB - HUGO CANES WILL BE GIVEN AWAY TO US VETERANS IN NEED OF MOBILITY ASSISTANCE (MEMBERSHIP NOT REQUIRED).
- AMAZON.COM - FREE "VETERANS DAY HONOR" MP3 ALBUM DOWNLOAD.
- CABELA'S OUTDOOR STORE - EMPLOYEE DISCOUNT TO ALL MILITARY, LAW ENFORCEMENT, FIRE, AND EMS PERSONNEL NOV 11-12.
- BUILD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP - 20% DISCOUNT NOV 11-15 ON ANY ONE TRANSACTION TO MILITARY SERVICEMEMBERS.
- DOLLAR GENERAL - 10% DISCOUNT TO ALL VETERANS, ACTIVE-DUTY MILITARY, NATIONAL GUARD/RESERVE AND THEIR IMMEDIATE FAMILIES.
- FASHION BUG - 20% OFF ALL PLUS-SIZE AND MISSES CLOTHING PURCHASES WITH MILITARY ID OR SPOUSE'S MILITARY ID.

ATTRACTIONS:
NATIONAL PARKS, FORESTS AND MONUMENTS - FREE ADMISSION TO EVERYONE ON VETERANS DAY.
- KNOTT'S BERRY FARM - FREE PARK ADMISSION TO US ARMED FORCES PERSONNEL AND A GUEST NOVEMBER 1-26.
- COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG - FREE ADMISSION NOV 6-11 TO VETERANS AND THEIR DEPENDENTS.
- SAN JACINTO MUSEUM OF HISTORY - FREE VISITS TO OBSERVATION DECK, THEATRE, AND SPECIAL EXHIBIT FOR VETERANS.
- HISTORIC JAMESTOWN - FREE ADMISSION TO VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS.
- BATTLESHIP COVE - FREE ADMISSION AND A SPECIAL CEREMONY FOR VETERANS, ACTIVE DUTY, AND RESERVISTS.
- VICKSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK - FREE ADMISSION TO ALL.
- BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM OF ART - FREE ADMISSION TO "LIFE AND LIBERTY" ON NOV 10-11 FOR VETERANS AND

CRS -- Iraq Casualties: U.S. Military Forces and Iraqi Civilians, Police, and Security Forces (Updated)

This is very interesting data...

This report presents U.S. military casualties as well as governmental and nongovernmental estimates of Iraqi civilian, police, and security forces casualties.

For several years, there were few estimates from any national or international government source regarding Iraqi civilian, police, and security forces casualties. Now, however, several Iraqi ministries have released monthly or total casualty statistics. The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) releases the monthly trend of Iraqi civilian, police, and security forces deaths. In addition, the United Nations Office for the Coordination for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has charted the trend of civilian casualties from August 2007 to April 2009, and the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) reported on the number of deaths by suicide bombers in 2008.

Nongovernmental sources also have released various estimates of Iraqi civilian, police, and security forces casualties. This report includes estimates from the Associated Press, the Brookings Institution, Iraq Body Count, the Iraq Coalition Casualty Count, Iraq Family Health Survey, the most recent study published in the Lancet, and the British survey firm, Opinion Research Business.

Because the estimates of Iraqi casualties contained in this report are based on varying time periods and have been created using differing methodologies, readers should exercise caution when using them and should look to them as guideposts rather than as statements of fact. This report will be updated as needed.

Have a geat weekend!

Erik Plesset

MEP SUPERINTENDENT - US EMBASSY - EUROPE

PLEASE CONTACT ME DIRECTLY IF INTERESTED and QUALIFIED! eplesset@mriraleigh.com 919-781-0400

PROJECT- NEW US Embassy Compound (NEC)
LOCATION - E. EUROPE (Non Hostile) 30% Complete, 8 Buildings total with one main 20K sq. ft. compound, another 12K sq. ft. building and other support buildings. Main building is in final stages of foundation and prep.

PAY - DOE (six figures), full benefits, R/R, living accommodations, per Diem, etc.

SUMMARY- Great Career Opportunity! Great Job! Great Location!

My client, a US BASED international general contractor with several large projects, is looking for a MEP Superintendent. The right candidate will be part of the CM team made up of civil, electrical, QA/Safety, mechanical, security and Project Management.; as well as being a “guru” with a detailed understanding of Mechanical and Electrical systems to include means and methods of installation, functionality, schedule sequencing, quality control focus points, system start-up, commissioning, troubleshooting, etc. A big “must have”: a solid personality and composure with ability to keep control of the client, project execution, subcontractors, locals, etc.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Builds effective relationships with customers, design team, subcontractors, suppliers, and user groups that reflect and support company core values and meets or exceeds the customer’s expectations. Maintains a strong focus on meeting and exceeding customer needs and expectations through the life of the project.


OTHER EXPERIENCE
a. Chillers – Multistack preferred
b. HVAC systems - York
c. Building Automation Systems, particularly using Johnson Controls solutions
d. Underground including utilities
e. Mission Critical Work platform, including Data Centers (to include Tier IV)
f. Sufficient knowledge of critical environment work processes and a proven track record in managing work in 24/7 operating work environments to illustrate management of the risk in such applications.
g. Experience in directing and/or supporting the commissioning effort.

The American Military Advisor: Dealing with Senior Foreign Officials in the Islamic World

This is a nice report... a bit long but very imformative.

Brief Synopsis - Download full report!

Although the role of the military advisor to senior foreign officials is honored in political history, it became almost a forgotten art when it was needed in Afghanistan and Iraq. Whatever the past, the American military services are now fully engaged in nation-building in the Iraqi and Afghan conflict zones, and the advisory responsibility seems certain to be needed elsewhere as well. Advisors have become an invaluable part of the nation-building process, and whether they are assigned to counsel and work with governors, generals, or Cabinet Ministers, their role has decided impact on America’s overall political and military strategy. This guidebook draws on the experiences of diplomats and military officers who have served in such advisory roles, and whose work with senior foreign officials was carried out in conflict zones at critical times. Although the examples are drawn from life in the Islamic world, the precepts have widespread application, and the examples will be an important part of any advisor’s--be he military or civilian--preparation for his mission.

QA/QC Manager - NAVFAC Road + Infrastructure - PE Req'd - Fayetteville, NC

Great company and nice, multi-year project... $40M to start on road, wet - dry utilities, storm, water and other related inftrastructure. Will relocate - $100K - $115K base plus bonus and great benefits.

Ideeal candidate

a. Professional Engineer - Civil Engineer Degree
b. USACE QC/QA Qualified
c. Military road and base construction experience
d. Design - Build or GC Self Performing experience

Immediate Need. Pls contact me directly for screen.
Erik Plesset
919-781-0400 / eplesset@mriraleigh.com

What is a Clearance Worth?

From the Washington Post

What's a clearance worth?

According to Clearancejobs.com, which specializes in helping job seekers find work that requires U.S. government clearances and matches them with contractors, quite a lot, in some cases. Recruiters say it can boost a salary 10 percent to 25 percent, depending on the person's skills, type of job, experience and level of clearance.

Thought For The Day

"Getting ahead in a difficult profession requires avid faith in yourself. You must be able to sustain yourself against staggering blows. There is no code of conduct to help beginners. That is why some people with mediocre talent, but with great inner drive, go much further than people with vastly superior talent."

Sophia Loren, Actress

Will Iraq Fall Victim to the Oil Curse?

Will Iraq Fall Victim to the Oil Curse?
by Judith Miller
The Wall Street Journal
August 9, 2010

BAGHDAD — Since America toppled Saddam Hussein in 2003, Iraq has had three free-wheeling, relatively fraud-free national elections. Its military has been reconstituted, its soldiers and some of its police retrained. The infrastructure has been partially rebuilt. Iraq, with its 30 million people and the world's third-largest oil reserves, could one day be fabulously rich.

Go to the link above in title for the full article.

Have a nice weekend.

Erik Plesset

Managerial Accountant / Financial Analyst: G8 ARCENT Oversight

My client, a Tier 1 US Gov't contractor, is looking for a qualified Managerial Accountant to work at Camp Arifjan Kuwait and other areas within the CENTCOM AOR, in support of USARCENT G8. Please contact me directly or email you resume for further discussion. Immediate need, pay in the $150's with all uplifts. Full benefits for family. Great company..

Principle Duties and Responsibilities:
Heavy analysis and query of data for review
Create and review current metrics for process improvement

Ad Hoc Queries of STANFINS, RMT, ODS, etc so understanding the flow of data into specific funds and controls is important.

Probably worked at a MAJCOM OR DFAS organization supporting US Army into high 7 or 8 figure programs.

Strong experience with Month End Close process for US Government preferred

Strong Excel spreadsheet knowledge including linking spreadsheets, creating accounting formulas, exporting & importing data from other programs

Strong Word and PowerPoint skills to communicate findings from queries and make recommendations to Contracting Officer Representative (Client)

Army Finance Command School OR Army Finance Command Experience or other government finance experience.

2 years of accounting classes and credits from any college preferred

5 - 10 years minimum finance experience

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to successfully complete the Company Background Investigation to include; 50 State Criminal, Education and Employment; Additionally, your ability to successfully complete a Credit and/or Driving Records Checks may be conducted if required by the contract for continued employment.
• Possession of a SECRET security clearance is required to begin employment; Ability to maintain a SECRET security clearance is required for continued employment; US Citizenship is required.
• Ability to successfully pass a drug screening test prior to hiring and continue to pass random drug screening tests annually.

Economy: Get Ready For A Sluggish Second Half

Nice article from a group of industry experts....

Get Ready For A Sluggish Second Half
Christian Menegatti, Rachel Ziemba, Prajakta Bhide and Nouriel Roubini ,
08.05.10, 06:00 AM EDT

The recovery will be rocky, the risk of policy gridlock is high and exit strategies will remain uncoordinated.

After predicting that 2010 would be a "Year of Two Halves,” we'd like to say we've been pleasantly surprised by recent data. Instead, a string of releases in the past two weeks has made it clear that the sluggish second half is here.

Since the end of 2009 we have been emphasizing that the recovery would be multispeed--or at least two-speed--with much of the advanced world displaying a below-trend, anemic growth pace and the emerging world showing a more V-shaped recovery. Now, the global macroeconomic deterioration that we still see emerging in the second half of 2010 increasingly is becoming the consensus view. In much of the advanced world this low growth will feel like a recession even if these economies technically avoid a double dip. Meanwhile, emerging markets are showing that even their more robust recoveries are not insulated from the slowdowns and structural adjustments in advanced economies. We have never been subscribers to the decoupling thesis and believe that emerging markets also will have to partially adjust to a "New Normal."

Read the entire article at the link above.

Have a Great Day!

Erik Plesset

Executive Recruiter - Dallas / Ft. Worth Area

If qualified and interested, please contact me at eplesset@mriraleigh.com or 919-781-0400 ext 123.

Job Title: Executive Recruiter
Location: Dallas – Ft. Worth, TX (local candidates only)
Type: Contract 90 – 180 days
Pay: $40/hr
Urgency: NOW – Interviews week of 2 August 2010


My client, a top international brand in US Government DOD and DOS contracting, is looking for an Executive Recruiter. The Executive Recruiter will be part of the large corporate recruiting department conducting searches for HR, Legal, Benefits, Accounting, Finance, Business Development, Proposal, Contracting and Marketing. These positions may be based in US or overseas but mostly in the US and will require direct contact with the hiring managers.

The atmosphere is highly demanding and lots of energy required with positive attitude. It’s not for everyone, not for they shy - but very rewarding and there is a possibility to be taken on full time after initial assignment is complete. The winning candidate will be an organized thinker, professional and capable of presenting themselves well with senior management who don’t micromanage – you must be self driven. And, able to sell the company to potential candidates!

The ideal candidate will:

a. Act as the Recruiting Candidate Project Manager and follow the search through offer acceptance.
b. Have minimum 9 – 10 years recruiting experience with executive level search assignments in the $100K - $300K range; capable of handling 4 to 10 searches simultaneously.
c. Be thoroughly familiar with full cycle recruiting including name sourcing (internet searches, job boards, social media, and niche sites), full candidate screening per job description, communication with the hiring manager; scheduling and follow up on interviews (feedback both ways); preparing the job offer through acceptance; then handing off to other generalists in department for on boarding.
d. Extremely familiar with Applicant Tracking Systems and computers; preferably with SONIC but not required; able to work with job requisitions, posting through the ATS, sifting through applicants, testing the postings for proper functionality, etc.
e. Some military or US Government contracting – recruiting experience preferred.

If you feel you qualify, please send me your resume and contact me at your earliest convenience.

JOB: Construction Managers – Oil & Gas – Upstream / Downstream Deepwater (subsea) + Land Based

I have several new exciting positions below with a major international oil producer. Please pass on to anyone in your network who is qualified and interested. This is a Tier One company with a great brand and reputation…

Pay - $120,000 - $200,000 Base plus other competitive incentives.
Benefits: Full benefits.Urgency: Management is seriously engaged in hiring process.

Ideal Profile – someone who wants to go from EPC to Operating Company… long term career opportunity… EPC experience needed on construction positions...

a. Must have 10 – 15 years experience in Oil & Gas industry starting in the mid 80’s to 90’s
b. Experience in N. & W. Africa, Asia, Australia, Middle East, Europe (Russia, Siberia, etc.) and willing to work globally with a six month on boarding training program in CONUS.
c. Experience with Petroleum Operating Co’s OR Petroleum Engineering firms
d. Bachelors in Civil Engineering with Masters Preferred
e. Must Be Authorized to Work in USA

Job Titles

1. Regional Quality Advisor - confirms that activities meet the overall quality and operations integrity goals and objectives by stewardship, assessment and leadership

2. Quality Engineer – Develops and maintains Project Quality Plans, provides projects with subject matter expertise regarding quality assurance and quality control systems and assists with staffing quality positions for projects worldwide.

3. Construction Advisor – provides expert construction consultation; assists with development and maintenance of common construction plans, systems, tools and resources for identifying gaps and vulnerabilities for projects.

4. Construction Discipline Lead – represents construction in concept screening and early project planning efforts; coordinates construction related activities during project execution phases.

5. Construction Site Lead – oversees the execution of fabrication, construction, hookup, and mechanical completion of the structure and facilities; coordinates activities of Site Safety Advisor and technical and inspection personnel.

6. Installation Engineers – provides technical support to offshore installation planning and execution activities; serves as primary interface for Installation Coordinator to contractor’s technical organization.

7. Project Controls Engineer – coordinates overall project schedule integration and cost control, as well as all aspects of progress measurement, schedule development, schedule control, estimate development and project change management.

8. Cost & Schedule Engineer – Assist area supervisors in coordinating the cost & schedule / project controls activities within assigned areas.

9. Estimating Engineer – coordinates preparation of cost estimates and oversees quality assurance reviews for company builders and owners.

Thanks, and I look forward to any people in your network that might be ready for a great job in the Oil and Gas Industry!


Erik Plesset
Search Consultant
International Construction Practice
MRINetwork
Management Recruiters of Raleigh
BUILDING THE HEART OF BUSINESS
919-781-0400
eplesset@mriraleigh.com
www.mriraleigh.com
View my profile on Linkedin
SKYPE eplesset
www.gscouncil.org

"Leadership is no longer about your position. It's now more about your passion for excellence and making a difference. You can lead without a title."

OFCCP to Focus on Affirmative Action Compliance; Construction Industry Targeted Yet Again

This is a bit old but still the year has many months to go... so maybe this is good information for you as business executive, manager or owner.

From: AGC of America
OFCCP to Focus on Affirmative Action Compliance; Construction Industry Targeted Yet Again

February 17, 2010

According to the Bureau of National Affairs (BNA), the U.S. Department of Labor's (DOL) Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP), which is responsible for ensuring that those doing business with the federal government don't discriminate and take affirmative action, this year, plans to hire more staff, conduct more onsite reviews, and place a greater emphasis on affirmative action compliance. Specifically, OFCCP has announced plans to develop proposed rules to strengthen recruitment and hiring goals for military veterans and persons with disabilities, and to propose new affirmative action standards for the construction industry.

HEARING Tuesday 6/29 : Combat Zone Subcontractors House Oversight and Government Affairs Subcomittee

This looks interesting for all DOD / DOS and other contractors!

Combat Zone Subcontractors

House Oversight and Government Reform Committee - Hearing [ 10:00 am, 06/29/2010 ]National Security and Foreign Affairs Subcommittee hearing on "Contracting in Combat Zones: Who Are Our Subcontractors."

Witness(es):
TBAContact: 202-225-5051
http://twa.govexec-media.com/portal/wts/ccmcfOcB2waqi-eOaUfP2LiN2Vvcj

The Release of the 2010 Failed States Index

Failed States Index Scores 2010

Click here to read the article in Foreign Policy
The Fund for Peace is pleased to present the sixth annual Failed States Index. The FSI focuses on the indicators of risk and is based on thousands of articles and reports that are processed by our CAST Software from electronically available sources. To learn more, please see the FAQs.We encourage others to utilize the Failed States Index to develop ideas for promoting greater stability worldwide. We hope the Index will spur conversations, encourage debate, and most of all help guide strategies for sustainable security.

PLUS: Bad Boys Bad Boys: The World's 23 Worst Dictators - Bad dude dictators and general coconut heads. READ THIS!