People And Stories: Eduardo Galdo combines his education in engineering and finance

Eduardo Galdo combines his education in engineering and finance

In this feature, he talks about the intricacies of his job and what he enjoys about his work.

Exytes bustling world of design, engineering, and construction, is about financial precision and project efficiency. As a cost engineer with decades of experience, Eduardo Galdo’s expertise lies in the art of managing budgets, analyzing costs, and maximizing resources for seamless project execution. Crucial for this task is a keen eye for detail and the will to immerse oneself in all aspects of the project, including the numbers.

Having worked both in civil engineering and finance, the job of cost engineer is the perfect fit for Galdo, who is originally from Venezuela. “I have quite a lot of experience in financial matters from previous work engagements, and also in the execution of civil engineering projects”, Galdo tells. “At Exyte, I can combine these two talents.”

Working a project from the start to the finish line

As a cost engineer, Eduardo Galdo’s primary focus is on accurate cost estimation for each project. Drawing from his extensive knowledge of construction, labor rates, and market trends, he crafts thorough estimates that serve as the foundation for project planning and Exyte’s bids to clients. "In my work I get to accompany a project through the whole lifecycle. Starting with a well-prepared cost estimate that brings us on the road to success, until the end of the execution phase when we hand over to a satisfied client,” Galdo says.

Once the project is greenlit, Galdo's role becomes even more important. He actively collaborates with multidisciplinary teams, including both detail and construction engineers, as well as project and construction managers. By working closely with these colleagues, he is able to factor in potential cost risks and identify areas for cost optimization, that can sum up to significant dollar amounts. “I enjoy working with our team, and in cost control I get to meet a lot of different people, working with different computer systems. By doing that, I can find small issues that on a large project can add up to substantial sums”, Galdo tells. "I also love the way we work together at Exyte. When I come to a new project site and meet new colleagues, you can always feel how focused everyone is, open to learn, to share their expertise, and to collaborate.”

Track, identify, act

Throughout the projects lifecycle, Galdo monitors and controls expenses. He diligently tracks actual costs against projected budgets, identifying any discrepancies and implementing corrective measures when necessary. Galdo believes in a proactive approach. "Identifying cost deviations early on allows us to act swiftly and maintain the projects financial health. If necessary, I can raise the alarm so to speak, but most of the time, simple adjustments in the execution of a project make all the difference to get us back on track.

Despite the challenges coming his way, Galdo finds immense satisfaction in his role as a cost engineer. Seeing a project progress from inception to completion within budgetary boundaries, fills him with pride. He believes that the real reward lies in the tangible impact of his work.