Bertrand Soondar
Carapichaima
Summary
I am an accomplished engineer with extensive expertise in Project, Contract, and Construction Management, specializing in both On-shore and Off-shore Natural Gas Facilities, as well as the Industrial Transport and Steel sectors. With a strong foundation in technical, communication, and leadership skills, I have effectively managed complex projects, ensuring adherence to industry regulations, ethical standards, and company policies. My ability to lead and mentor cross-functional teams has driven compliance and operational excellence. Known for my innovative thinking and strategic problem-solving, I excel in negotiating, influencing, and making informed decisions. I am dedicated to ensuring all operations are conducted with the utmost safety, environmental responsibility, and integrity.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Supervisor Upstream Operations
National Gas Company Trinidad & Tobago Limited
09.2018 - 09.2022
- Led Beachfield Operations and Maintenance teams to meet safety and operational goals.
- Assisted in developing annual business objectives and section budget.
- Ensured cost-effective operations by monitoring expenditures and implementing control measures.
- Managed performance, safety, and efficiency systems; submitted records for KPI development and reports.
- Conducted employee assessments, identified performance gaps, and recommended interventions.
- Oversaw compliance and conducted appraisals via Individual Performance Contracts (IPCs) and KPIs.
- Monitored pipeline systems and recommended corrective actions via Management of Change Procedure.
- Utilized SAP for tasks related to CMMS and submitted daily/monthly reports to upper management.
- Reported personnel and process safety incidents; conducted Lessons Learned reviews.
- Ensured compliance with Occupational Health and Safety, EMA, and statutory requirements.
Construction Engineer II
National Gas Company Trinidad & Tobago Limited
07.2010 - 09.2018
- Reviewed construction projects for constructability and compliance with contract and safety standards
- Secured regulatory approvals and initiated construction after obtaining necessary documents
- Led kick-off meetings, set start dates, and issued commencement notices
- Developed risk registers, supervised works, and managed project risks, cost, and quality
- Conducted audits, responded to RFIs/NCRs, and resolved site issues
- Prepared JHAs, contingency, and commissioning procedures; supervised facility start-up
- Evaluated contractor invoices, managed scope variations, and oversaw contract closeout
- Prepared cost estimates and managed change requests for approval
Project Engineer
Bayfield Energy (Galeota) Limited
05.2009 - 03.2010
- Represented Bayfield in crude fiscalization exercises and managed custody transfer of Trintes Field Platforms and Galeota Tank Farm
- Conducted maintenance risk assessments, identified critical risks, and recommended improvements for facility reliability
- Developed scopes of work, prepared tender packages, evaluated bids, and provided contract award recommendations
- Supervised contractor performance to ensure compliance with quality, safety, and schedule requirements
- Coordinated with operations teams, minimizing disruptions and enforcing health, safety, and environmental policies
- Conducted design reviews, approved procedures, and ensured project specifications met industry standards
- Provided technical expertise and monitored installation of materials for compliance with drawings and specifications
- Managed project records, ensured safe working conditions, and completed tasks on time and within budget
Offshore Maintenance Supervisor
Neal & Massy Wood Group SOCA Project
12.2007 - 04.2009
- Supervised a team of six skilled technicians, providing leadership, coaching, and performance assessments to ensure high-quality maintenance work
- Enforced and optimized maintenance programs, ensuring equipment reliability and compliance with company technical, HSSE standards, and policies
- Managed maintenance budgets and submitted financial reports, ensuring accurate and efficient resource allocation
- Maintained asset integrity through reliability-centered maintenance, proactive safety measures, and incident investigations
- Coordinated maintenance plans with operational teams to enhance asset performance and minimize downtime
- Strategically managed shift schedules, leave requests, and contractor activities to optimize labor costs and productivity
- Developed strong professional relationships within the organization to foster trust and reliability.
Senior Process Technician
International Steel Group USA – TRINIDAD
12.2004 - 01.2007
- Coordinated and executed statutory inspections, routine, and shutdown work, including planning, scheduling, and cost estimation
- Engaged in contract management, including scope development, tender evaluation, and execution oversight to meet HSE, quality, and production targets
- Monitored critical spares inventory, supported budget preparation, and implemented cost control practices aligned with company objectives
- Supported training and development of personnel, participated in equipment lifecycle planning, and verified plant documentation updates
- Ensured compliance with OSH, ISO, and statutory standards, conducting safety walks, meetings, and inspections as scheduled.
Construction Superintendent
Methanex (Gem Atlas Methanol Project)
09.2003 - 08.2004
- Led construction activities, optimizing resource allocation and project scheduling for on-time delivery
- Supervised contractors and QA/QC personnel, ensuring high-quality deliverables and scope adherence
- Conducted inspections for compliance with specifications, industry standards, and regulations
- Collaborated with engineering teams to resolve technical issues using risk management and cost analysis
- Coordinated stakeholder communication and contractor activities through project management software
- Participated in HAZOP/design reviews, system evaluations, and action status meetings to enhance safety
- Managed change implementation and approved job safety analysis, coordinating permits and daily risk assessments
- Enforced HSE standards, maintaining a safe work environment with zero incidents
- Managed timelines, budgets, and vendor communication, ensuring on-time project delivery
- Used incident tracking systems to resolve issues and minimize disruptions
- Delivered detailed progress reports, secured completion notices, and ensured regulatory compliance
- Led project meetings, fostering collaboration, and resolving issues to maintain timelines and financial targets
Education
MSc Construction Management -
University of The West Indies, St Augustine
M.B.A -
Heriot-Watt University, Edinburg Scotland
Bachelor of Applied Technology Degree (Mechanical Engineering) -
University of the West Indies, St. Augustine
Mechanical Engineering Technician Diploma -
John.S. Donaldson Technical Institute
Auto and Diesel Craft Certificate -
John.S. Donaldson Technical Institute
Skills
- Leadership & Team Coordination
- Negotiation & Influencing
- Collaboration & Teamwork
- Problem Solving & Decision Making
- Customer Service Excellence
- Effective Communication (Written & Oral)
- Analytical & Critical Thinking
- Adaptability & Flexibility
- Project & Construction Management
- Contract Management (FIDIC)
- Pipeline Design & Corrosion Management
- Asset & Maintenance Management
- Risk Assessment & Mitigation
- Training & Mentoring
- Finance and Budgeting
Projects
National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited Projects
- Operations and Construction advisory liaison for the Shell Manatee project
- Construction of PPVS storage tank for increased storage capacity
- Refurbishment of four storage tanks at Point-a-Pierre refinery as part of the LFPP project
- Construction of LFPP tank bundwall to meet safety and environmental standards
- Odorization of gas to the Couva Valve Station for improved operational efficiency
- Beachfield closed drain replacement project to ensure environmental compliance
- Beachfield firewater project for safety system enhancement
- Construction of eleven metering stations throughout Trinidad to monitor and control gas distribution effectively
Offshore Projects
- Replacement and installation of deck sheets on the Teak and Poui gas platform
- Installation of the davit framework and escape capsule for the Teak gas platform
Methanex Projects
- General construction oversight on the Client side of construction activities
- Expedited pipeline hydrotesting for system piping handover for commissioning and startup
- Construction oversight of Lurgi QA/QC for the modification and repairs of the cooling tower
- Construction oversight for the elevation change in the heating tower modifications
International Steel Group Projects, Rehabilitation of Gas Fired Heaters Refractory for enhanced efficiency
- Rehabilitation works on Preheater Cyclone
- CFB, and FB reactors to ensure optimal operation
Certification
- On-shore Pipeline Engineering (Clarion Technical Conferences Houston, Texas)
- Contract Management and Administration of FIDIC Contracts (Construction & Plant and Design-Build)
- FIDIC The Practical management of Contract Claims and the Resolution of Disputes
- Prevention and Resolution of Engineering and Construction Claims Through Effective Contracting, Contract Administration, Project Controls and Project Management (Long International)
- Skilled Mediator (Dispute Resolution Centre)
- Toxic People in a Toxic Workplace (Dispute Resolution Centre)
- Emotional Intelligence (Dispute Resolution Centre)
- Root Cause Failure Analysis (Reliability Centre Inc 2020)
- Incident Command Training (ICT 100)
- John Maxwell 360 Leadership Training
Affiliations
- BOETT, #11-1389
- APETT, #070688
- ASME, #100134799
- NACE Level 1, (54610)
References
References will be provided upon request
Languages
English
Native language
Spanish
Intermediate
B1
Timeline
Supervisor Upstream Operations
National Gas Company Trinidad & Tobago Limited
09.2018 - 09.2022
Construction Engineer II
National Gas Company Trinidad & Tobago Limited
07.2010 - 09.2018
Project Engineer
Bayfield Energy (Galeota) Limited
05.2009 - 03.2010
Offshore Maintenance Supervisor
Neal & Massy Wood Group SOCA Project
12.2007 - 04.2009
Senior Process Technician
International Steel Group USA – TRINIDAD
12.2004 - 01.2007
Construction Superintendent
Methanex (Gem Atlas Methanol Project)
09.2003 - 08.2004
MSc Construction Management -
University of The West Indies, St Augustine
M.B.A -
Heriot-Watt University, Edinburg Scotland
Bachelor of Applied Technology Degree (Mechanical Engineering) -
University of the West Indies, St. Augustine
Mechanical Engineering Technician Diploma -
John.S. Donaldson Technical Institute
Auto and Diesel Craft Certificate -
John.S. Donaldson Technical Institute
- On-shore Pipeline Engineering (Clarion Technical Conferences Houston, Texas)
- Contract Management and Administration of FIDIC Contracts (Construction & Plant and Design-Build)
- FIDIC The Practical management of Contract Claims and the Resolution of Disputes
- Prevention and Resolution of Engineering and Construction Claims Through Effective Contracting, Contract Administration, Project Controls and Project Management (Long International)
- Skilled Mediator (Dispute Resolution Centre)
- Toxic People in a Toxic Workplace (Dispute Resolution Centre)
- Emotional Intelligence (Dispute Resolution Centre)
- Root Cause Failure Analysis (Reliability Centre Inc 2020)
- Incident Command Training (ICT 100)
- John Maxwell 360 Leadership Training
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