Fabián Retamal F.
Las Condes
Summary
Civil Engineer with a Master of Science in Engineering from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, bringing strong experience in contract administration, project controls, and forensic analysis within large-scale construction and mining projects. Lead Contract Administration professional with strong background in managing and negotiating complex contracts. Skilled in risk assessment, compliance, and strategic planning, ensuring optimal terms and conditions. Focused on team collaboration and driving results, adapting to changing needs efficiently. Known for reliability and results-driven approach.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Contract Administrator
SQM Industrial S.A.
05.2025 - Current
- Contracts Administrator for the "Tente en el Aire" (TEA) project. A USD 300 million investment located in the Tarapacá Region, Chile. Seawater supply project that transports water to the Nueva Victoria mining operations, owned by SQM.
- Led contract negotiation process to achieve favorable terms and minimize risk exposure.
- Developed and implemented contract management strategies to streamline workflows and enhance compliance.
- Mentored junior staff on best practices in contract administration and legal requirements.
- Analyzed contractual obligations to ensure alignment with organizational goals and regulatory standards.
Contract Engineer
SQM Industrial S.A.
04.2023 - 04.2025
- Technical, commercial, and contractual evaluation of tenders for environmental, engineering, and construction projects.
- Assessment of contractor capability, pricing structures, and contractual risks to support award decisions.
- Lean-based operational analysis across mining and industrial assets (Coya Sur, Nueva Victoria, TEA, Tocopilla, Pampa Blanca).
- Implemented process improvements that reduced cycle times and enhanced productivity.
- Mentored junior engineers, fostering skill development and knowledge sharing.
Contract Technical Inspector
SQM Salar S.A.
07.2021 - 03.2023
- Contract administration and compliance monitoring for civil and electromechanical construction works.
- Identified defects and discrepancies, facilitating timely corrective actions.
- Review of contractor budgets, variations, and progress claims.
- Development of contractual risk registers and implementation of Lean improvements at the Carmen Lithium Chemical Plant.
Project & Forensic Consultant
GEPRO SpA.
03.2019 - 06.2021
- Participation in forensic construction investigations in collaboration with DICTUC for the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
- Contractual and documentary analysis related to unit rate discrepancies, variations, and potential misconduct.
- Claims-support activities including correspondence review, evidence assessment, and technical reporting.
- Developed comprehensive project plans incorporating stakeholder input to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
- Led cross-functional project teams to deliver strategic initiatives on schedule and within budget.
- Analyzed project performance metrics, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions.
- Facilitated workshops to gather requirements and enhance collaboration among diverse teams and departments.
- Application of Last Planner System and productivity analysis in construction and mining environments.
Education
Master of Science - Civil Engineering
Pontificia Universidad Católica De Chile
Macul01.2022
Honours Equivalent - Civil Engineering
Pontificia Universidad Católica De Chile
Macul, Chile01.2022
Bachelor of Science - Civil Engineering
Pontificia Universidad Católica De Chile
Macul01.2019
Skills
- Office 365
- Power BI
- Python
- Primavera P6
- Document control
- Budget planning
- Procurement strategies
- Dispute resolution
- Verbal and written communication
- Contract terms negotiation
- Contract performance monitoring
- Workflow management
LANGUAGES
English
Advanced (C1)
Spanish
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Timeline
Lead Contract Administrator
SQM Industrial S.A.
05.2025 - Current
Contract Engineer
SQM Industrial S.A.
04.2023 - 04.2025
Contract Technical Inspector
SQM Salar S.A.
07.2021 - 03.2023
Project & Forensic Consultant
GEPRO SpA.
03.2019 - 06.2021
Master of Science - Civil Engineering
Pontificia Universidad Católica De Chile
Honours Equivalent - Civil Engineering
Pontificia Universidad Católica De Chile
Bachelor of Science - Civil Engineering
Pontificia Universidad Católica De Chile
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES
- Speaker at the International Group for Lean Construction (IGLC).
- General Coordinator of the Engineering Tutoring Program, UC (2020).
- Co-founder of the Student Chapter of Construction Engineering (ICC).
- Member of the UC Engineering Handball Team (2015–2018).
- Researcher with publications in international journals and conferences, including IGLC and the Journal of Construction Engineering and Management.