Darren Parker
Sydney,NSW
Summary
Results-oriented Area Manager with a track record in operations oversight, staff management, and strategic implementation. Proven leadership in enhancing team collaboration and customer satisfaction, alongside driving operational efficiency and cost reductions. Expertise in project management and strategic planning, with a history of successfully leading infrastructure projects and optimizing performance.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Area Manager
JV CPB Contractors/DTI
03.2025 - Current
- Intelligent Transport System (ITS) – Area Manager Role
- Leading a team of Mechanical / Electrical Engineers and Supervisors
- Reported financial performance, forecasts, and commercial risks to Senior Project Manager, enabling informed decision-making.
- Developed strategies and methodologies for risk management, enhancing project resilience.
- Planned and delivered on various project aspects, ensuring alignment with project goals and timelines.
- Liaising with the client and various stakeholders
- Warringah Freeway Upgrade ($1.2 billion) - Form of Contract: Incentivised Target Cost (ITC). The project involves upgrading four kilometres of the Warringah Freeway and associated works, including a dedicated bus lane and active transport links for cyclists and pedestrians.
Senior Project Engineer
CPB
07.2022 - 02.2025
- Leading a team of 14 staff including - Senior Project Engineer, 5x Project Engineers, 7x Site Engineers, budget scope of $150 million
- Lead Engineer on 3 technical bridge structures (including piling / abutments / girder lifts / bridge deck)
- Present planned / programmed construction works to Client (TfNSW) and Independent Certifier weekly
- Review and approve detailed construction programs, focusing on achieving set target dates
- Approved payments, costing, and forecasts during end-of-month reporting for senior management
- Managed day-to-day activities of subcontractors, foremen, and engineers
- Continuous involvement in temporary work solutions and detailed designs (cost mitigation strategies)
Senior Project Engineer
Acciona / Ferrovial Joint Venture (AFJV)
Sydney, Australia
07.2021 - 07.2022
- Led team of 2 project engineers and 4 site engineers to meet project milestones, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to project timelines
- Managed a budget of $25 million, ensuring proper allocation and tracking of financial resources.
- Developed scopes of work for procurement packages, integrating construction input to optimize contract awards for electrical, drainage reticulations, and FRP packages
- Completed detailed target programs and provided lookaheads to construction managers
- Working within the construction team, providing input into design teams (including all temporary works)
- Reporting forecasts monthly to Senior Management
- Communicated with Sydney Metro senior management and provided construction updates
- Directed activities during Sydney Trains possession weekends to enable maintenance and upgrades, minimizing service disruption and enhancing operational efficiency.
- Sydney Metro West – Central Tunnelling Package ($1.9 billion) - Form of Contract: Design & Construct (D&C): Early planning phase of the project.
Senior Engineer (Tenders - 3no projects)
John Holland / Acciona
10.2019 - 07.2021
- Temporary Works Lead, ensuring all works are considered and priced during tender phase
- Collaborated with bid team to provide construction guidance and input for design development, contributing to successful bids on two occasions
- Provided detailed input for submission documents and bid deliverables to enhance clarity and compliance.
- Draft construction methodology and technical advice notices
- Drafted constructability reports for programmers and estimators to define relevant project scope and enhance understanding
- Review reference design from a constructability perspective.
- Develop an understanding of project deliverables and drivers for client reference design solution
- Developed and maintained communication forums across disciplines to identify key constraints and align on project objectives
- PPP North East Link Project (NEL), Melbourne $9B. Bunbury Outer Ring Road $850m & Sydney Metro West – Central Tunnelling Package ($1.9 billion)
Project Engineer
Acciona
Sydney, Australia
01.2017 - 10.2019
- Delivered works along George Street (Circular Quay to Wynyard Station), overseeing drainage, combined service route (CSR), utility relocations, roadworks, and station platform fitout to ensure timely project completion.
- Led a team of four site engineers and two graduate engineers to ensure project milestones were met.
- Coordinated planning and interfaces with TfNSW, City of Sydney, Transport Management Centre, and utility providers to streamline project execution.
- Identified and forecasted risks and opportunities for works packages, reporting costs to senior management and controlling commercial variations to minimize potential impacts.
- Managed construction costs for scope of works valued at $50 million, ensuring adherence to budgetary constraints and project specifications.
- Sydney Light Railway Project ($2.1 billion) Construction - Form of Contract: Public Private Partnership (PPP). The 12 km route featured 19 no stops.
Senior Engineer
Carillion PLC
, England
04.2015 - 12.2016
- Led team of 2 section engineers and 4 site engineers to ensure project alignment and execution.
- Reviewed and approved lookahead programs, providing input to planners to optimize construction durations.
- Subcontractor package manager ensuring works are carried out within company procedures
- Producing Inspection Test Plans / Quality plans, raising Technical Queries and Non-Conformance Reports
- Facilitated communication and collaboration among stakeholders through engagement in subcontract, design, and client meetings.
- Defined the scope of works within the critical path program, focusing on a narrow corridor adjacent to a live motorway, and planned nightworks and weekend closures.
- Held accountable for the delivery of 1.6 km of new road construction
- (Costain Joint Venture), A5-M1 Link Dunstable Northern Bypass, England ($320 million). Construction of a dual carriageway 4.5km long.
Section Engineer
Carillion PLC
, England
08.2012 - 04.2015
- Led construction of three trenchless crossings (2.4m diameter precast pipe) under live carriageway, including diversions of existing creeks.
- Championed project safety, ensuring target observation compliance and fostering a culture of safety reporting among subcontractors.
- Planned works and resources to ensure project deadlines were met
- Producing look ahead programs to planners
- Maintained quality assurance records, supporting seamless project handover and adherence to standards.
- A23 Handcross to Warninglid bypass, England ($180 million). Converting a two-lane dual carriageway into three lanes.
Education
Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours) -
University of Greenwich
London01-2015
National and Higher National Certificate - Civil Engineering
University of Kent
01-2010
Skills
- Project Management
- Operational Planning
- Site Management
- Cost Control
- Budgeting
- Forecasting
- Contract Negotiation
- Resource Allocation
- Commercial Management
- Risk Assessment
- Operational Strategy
- Decision-making
- Team Collaboration
- Communication Skills
- Presentation Skills
Previous Project Experience
- Carilion PLC, M1 Junction 10-13 Improvement Scheme, 05/2011, 08/2012, $500 million
- Carillion Civil Engineering, M25 Junction 7 to 10 Super Span Gantry Installation, 11/2010, 05/2011, $75 million
- Carillion Civil Engineering, Gatwick North West Zone Project, 05/2009, 10/2010, $100 million
- Carillion Civil Engineering, Victoria Line Power Upgrade, 09/2008, 04/2009
- Alfred McAlpine, Dartford Park, 09/2006, 08/2008, $120 million
Contacts
Darren Parker, 0435 896 499, parker8285@hotmail.co.uk
Timeline
Area Manager
JV CPB Contractors/DTI
03.2025 - Current
Senior Project Engineer
CPB
07.2022 - 02.2025
Senior Project Engineer
Acciona / Ferrovial Joint Venture (AFJV)
07.2021 - 07.2022
Senior Engineer (Tenders - 3no projects)
John Holland / Acciona
10.2019 - 07.2021
Project Engineer
Acciona
01.2017 - 10.2019
Senior Engineer
Carillion PLC
04.2015 - 12.2016
Section Engineer
Carillion PLC
08.2012 - 04.2015
Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours) -
University of Greenwich
National and Higher National Certificate - Civil Engineering
University of Kent