Project · Contract · Commercial

Keeping complex projects on programme, on contract and on budget.

Over 20 years' experience delivering projects across aviation, utilities, power, petrochemical and critical infrastructure sites in the UK, Europe and the Middle East.

20+years in project delivery
FIDIC & NECcertified contract management
MRICSchartered
Darren Burnside

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 and completed 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 deepen my 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

Three disciplines, one joined-up view of your project.

Most project problems sit where programme, contract and money meet. I work across all three.

Project Management

PMO set-up, project controls and turning around projects that have gone off track, from complex legacy-system programmes to civil works in remote, security-sensitive environments.

  • PMO set-up: requirements, control tools, procedures, SLAs & KPIs
  • Civil works across the Middle East securing aviation, government buildings, steam power plants and data centres
  • GPS asset data capture for the Gas Alliance and National Grid
  • Highly regulated sectors: utilities, petrochem, aviation, power

Contract Management

Contract administration, risk advice and claims under FIDIC, NEC and heavily amended and bespoke forms, on high-value aviation, transport and residential developments.

  • FIDIC, NEC3, NEC4 and heavily amended and bespoke contracts
  • Qatar GCC for public works; FIDIC engineering claims management
  • Resident Engineer on a warehouse automation contract
  • Working with legal teams on rights, obligations and disputes
  • LLM Construction Law & Arbitration, Robert Gordon University

Commercial Management

Cost control across the whole project lifecycle, working with PQS and QS teams from pre-contract planning to post-contract forecasting, financial oversight and claims.

  • Pre- and post-contract financial analysis, planning, monitoring and reporting
  • Budgeting, cash flow forecasting and variations
  • MSc Commercial Project Management, University of Manchester
  • Member of the RICS
Feedback & recommendations

What clients and colleagues say

…that rare combination of project management skills, business acumen and extensive knowledge of the construction sector. His insight on the commercial aspects of a project is also extremely valuable.

Dave McAteerOpen ECX

An outstanding communicator when it comes to contractual terms.

Adam HignettLPS Consulting

A thorough, professional Project Manager backed up by strong technical knowledge and qualifications… consistently delivered high standards.

Brian HydeThales

I had the privilege of acting as his sponsor during his RICS APC and I have full confidence in his professional capabilities.

Luke WalkerNational Contracting Co Ltd (NCC)
Contact

Let's talk about your project.

Whether you need a contract reviewed, a project brought back on track, or commercial support through to completion, I'd be glad to hear from you.

  • Emailonline [at] darrenburnside.com
  • LinkedInView profile
  • LocationManchester, UK
  • PhoneAvailable on request

Your message comes straight to me by email and is used only to reply to you.