Darren Burnside – Project & Contract Management Consultant

Project Manager,Contract Manager,Commercial Manager

A little about me

My career began in Mechanical Engineering, earning a City & Guilds qualification that led to practical, hands-on roles in Construction and Civil Engineering. Motivated by a desire to broaden my expertise, I later returned to university as a mature student, completing a BSc (Hons) in Computing and Networking. This academic pivot opened the door to a new path in Airport Special & Security Systems, where I specialised in baggage reconciliation and check-in systems-projects that took me across the EMEA region.

These early experiences introduced me to the intricacies and challenges of project delivery and contract management. Over the following two decades, I made it a priority to bridge knowledge gaps and develop a deeper understanding of both client and end-user needs. To support this, I pursued industry-recognised certifications including PRINCE2, MSP, ITIL, AvSec, and ASIS PSP.

My commitment to continuous professional development led to further academic achievement, including an MSc and an LLM, as well as credentials such as MRICS, ICE CLCM, FIDIC Certified Contract Manager and NEC3/4 ECC PM. These qualifications have enabled me to take on increasingly strategic responsibilities across the managerial, contractual, and commercial dimensions of project delivery.

With over 20 years of experience in Project and Contract Management, I've developed the judgment to recognise where specialist input is needed - and the confidence to seek it. I value working with knowledgeable professionals and am committed to continuous learning, knowledge sharing, and delivering successful outcomes through collaboration and informed decision-making.

what I do for clients

Project Manager

I’ve led the setup of PMO's for both newly formed and established teams, and played a key role in large-scale projects within organisations managing complex legacy systems and processes. My experience spans a broad range of technical initiatives — from implementing a DBA system for pension compliance to deploying GPS technology for asset data capture for the Gas Alliance and National Grid. More recently, I’ve delivered engineering projects in remote and challenging environments, including a portfolio of civil works in Saudi Arabia securing critical infrastructure such as government buildings, Steam Power Plants, and Data Centres, in line with government security directives. I also have extensive experience in highly regulated sectors, including petrochemical facilities and airports.

Contract Manager

My interest in contract agreements and their management began early in my career, sparked by the challenges of navigating unsuitable contracts on technical projects. Later acting as the Resident Engineer on a warehouse automation contract, I gained first-hand experience with heavily amended contracts and their practical implications for the parties. Since then, I’ve developed deep expertise in contract administration and management, supporting high-value agreements and multidisciplinary teams across major developments, including public transport and airport infrastructure, airline staff accommodation, and data centre and power plant protection.

Commercial Manager

My commercial journey began in the Middle East, working alongside a client’s PQS team on an airport terminal refurbishment — an experience that provided early exposure to the complexities of BOQs, AfPs, cashflow forecasting, retention, bonds, and more. Building on this foundation, I completed an MSc in Commercial Project Management at the University of Manchester specialising in Risk Management and Project Finance. Now, with over 20 years of experience, I work closely with Cost Consultants and QS teams to assess and control costs across the full project lifecycle — from pre-contract planning to post-contract forecasting, financial oversight, and claims. I bring a strong commercial understanding that supports effective project delivery at every level.

project management

With over 20 years of Project Management experience and formal accreditation, I have delivered projects across multiple sectors, including Utilities, Aviation, Petrochemicals, Power Generation, Transport, and the protection of critical assets (e.g., Data Warehouses, Power Transmission, Pipelines). I have set up and overseen PMOs, including requirements analysis, drafting bespoke project control tools, working documents/templates, processes & procedures, and SLAs & KPIs. Known for my reputation as a completer-finisher, I specialise in turning around projects and delivering on commitments through a strong understanding of PM, contracts, contract law, change management, and commercial principles. My approach is underpinned by diplomacy, integrity, and tenacity.


contract management

I hold an LLM in Construction Law & Arbitration and the ICE Certificate in Law & Contract Management (CLCM), with accreditation across a range of contract forms, including FIDIC, NEC3, NEC4, and bespoke agreements. I also have in-depth knowledge of the General Conditions of Contract (GCC) for public works in Qatar, supported by advanced training in FIDIC-based Engineering Claims Management. My experience as a Contract Manager spans a diverse portfolio of projects, including high-value residential developments and major aviation infrastructure. I continue to deepen my expertise in contract law and work collaboratively with internal and external legal professionals to clarify rights and obligations, mitigate risk, and support dispute resolution when required.

Proven experience as Contract Manager across a diverse range of projects, including high-value residential complexes and aviation infrastructure.


commercial management

With over 20 years of experience working alongside clients’ PQS and in-house QS teams, I have been deeply involved in both pre and post-contract evaluations, ensuring thorough cost management and alignment with project objectives. My expertise spans contract assessments, budgeting, cash flow projections, and the analysis of cost variations throughout the project lifecycle. I hold an MSc in Commercial Project Management from the University of Manchester, which has further strengthened my technical and commercial understanding of complex projects. As a Member of RICS, I adhere to the highest professional standards and continuously update my skills to reflect the latest industry practices.


Recent Projects

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Feedback & Recommendations
  • Darren has worked with us on several key projects during the expansion of our business. He has that very rare combination of project management skills, business acumen and extensive knowledge of the construction sector. Darren always delivers and he brings clarity of thought to each situation. His insight on the commercial aspects of a project is also extremely valuable. I would not hesitate to recommend Darren. Please feel free to contact me should you require further information.
    - Dave McAteer, Open ECX

  • Darren’s knowledge is exceptional. He is dependable, astute, and an outstanding communicator when it comes to contractual terms. His ability to provide clear and comprehensive contract risk advice is unparalleled.
    - Adam Hignett, LPS Consulting

  • Darren is a thorough, professional Project Manager backed up by strong technical knowledge and qualifications. He has excellent team/ resource management competencies that ensure effective and efficient project delivery. I've always found him to be thorough and methodical in his approach to projects and consistently delivered high standards.
    - Brian Hyde, Thales

  • Darren holds every project management accreditation imaginable and is the most tenacious person I know. I have great respect for his professional judgment and his ability to consistently deliver.
    - David Booth, AWS

  • I have known Darren, both professionally and personally, for over 15 years, and had the privilege of acting as his sponsor during his RICS APC. I have full confidence in his professional capabilities and would not hesitate to provide a strong recommendation on his behalf.
    - Luke Walker, National Contracting Co Ltd (NCC)

Drop me a line

Address

Manchester

Phone

Available upon request


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