Samuel Darrington
Brisbane,Australia
Summary
A senior executive with over 25 years of global experience leading strategic growth, operational excellence, and client-centric delivery across the industry. With a proven track record of winning major pursuits and driving integrated business development strategies, Sam brings the discipline, energy, and leadership required to capture transformative programs of national and global significance. Currently serving as Director Strategy & Growth – PPM ANZ, Sam leads initiatives that connect multidisciplinary expertise across geographies to deliver outcome-driven solutions. He often redefines strategy, implements robust client account management frameworks, and builds high-performing teams. Sam has successfully led complex bidding and capture efforts across diverse markets including transport, education, cultural institutions, and technology. His experience spans the full lifecycle of the sales process — from pre-positioning and differentiation to proposal development and strategic presentations — consistently delivering measurable results. He has held senior roles in Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and the UK, giving him a well-informed global perspective and the ability to bring regional and international expertise to major pursuits. Sam is known for his consultative approach, mentoring teams, and fostering collaboration across business lines to align with growth targets and client needs. A Chartered Surveyor (MRICS) with academic credentials in Building Surveying and Architecture, Sam combines technical depth with commercial acumen. His passion for travel and adventure — including visiting over 50 countries — reflects his curiosity and adaptability, qualities that enhance his ability to connect with diverse stakeholders and lead with empathy.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Growth Director – PgM, Advisory, R+I ANZ
AECOM
Brisbane, AUS
11.2023 - Current
- As Growth Director for AECOM’s Program Management (PgM), Advisory, and Resource + Industry (R+I) business line in ANZ, I drive strategic growth across sectors and regions.
- Partnering with regional and global leaders, I shape short-, medium-, and long-term strategies that deliver net service revenue, bookings, and exceptional client outcomes.
- My role centers on building and advancing a robust opportunity pipeline, leading major pursuit capture efforts, and mentoring teams in best-practice sales and capture management.
- I champion cross-business collaboration and strengthen client relationships through our CAM program, ensuring alignment with market intelligence, competitor insights, and emerging trends.
- As a connector across AECOM, I influence integrated growth strategies, support strategic marketing campaigns, and contribute to financial performance through disciplined tracking of growth KPIs.
- As part of the ANZ PgM leadership team, I’m committed to collaborative, service-oriented leadership and bringing global expertise to regional opportunities.
Capture Manager
AECOM
Brisbane, AUS
02.2024 - 12.2025
- As Capture Manager, I took full accountability for the Brisbane 2032 Delivery Partner pursuit, leading strategy development, client engagement, and overall execution.
- I shaped the win strategy, guided complex risk and pricing decisions, and introduced innovative solutions aligned with ESG principles and digital transformation.
- My role focused on building trust with client decision-makers and fostering alignment across technical, commercial, and marketing teams.
- I oversaw all aspects of the pursuit, including teaming strategy, budget planning, risk and legal reviews, and executive approvals, while mentoring teams to achieve operational and technical excellence.
- Under demanding timelines, I ensured proposals and interview milestones were met, upheld AECOM’s reputation through ethical practices, and promoted a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation.
- This effort resulted in a landmark win – a high-profile, multi-year contract that is a game changer for AECOM in the ANZ region, positioning the company as a trusted delivery partner for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Director of Operations - Queensland
WT Partnership
Brisbane, AUS
08.2020 - 10.2023
- Providing leadership to the WT QLD region by redefining the Brisbane office strategy, implementing clear and effective business development and client account management objectives and new ways of working to improve staff engagement.
- We have achieved 75% growth in 12 months and significantly reduced our churn to build the office to 60+ FTE’s.
- My duties include oversight and management of the QLD business unit to deliver the P&L, ensuring outstanding professional services are delivered to all of our clients by monitoring and mentoring staff on the day-to-day delivery of projects and services that the QLD business maintains.
- I also lead a national business unit with a core focus on the strategic assessment, implementation, and management of client asset portfolios by providing a clear, consistent, and integrated approach supported by advanced digital innovation.
Commercial Consultancy Manager
Prendos
Auckland, NZ
08.2018 - 08.2020
- Working direct with the CEO to develop the company strategy at a national level, helping to create a strong and consistent level of professional delivery across multidisciplinary teams.
- I introduced best practise and clear governance procedures providing accountability from the top down and developed a structured approach to marketing and business development to create more consistent results and repeat business.
- Team Leader in charge of 25+ staff across 3 office locations made up of Chartered Building and Quantity Surveyors, Project Managers and Engineers.
- Responsible for all work winning, new client generation, distribution of work, technical performance, and overall team ethos.
Director – Growth and Operations
Atkins Realis
San Francisco, USA
08.2016 - 08.2018
- Director in charge of the San Francisco office, responsible for all operations, with a focus on growth, seeking out new business with specific targets aligned to the core US business strategy.
- Coaching and mentoring of senior and junior members of staff to encourage strong Key Account Management, Business Development, and client care.
- Project Executive on regional commissions for Google, You Tube, Intel and The Asian Art Museum.
- Other operational duties included: Financial management of USD$30m+ annual turnover, incl. P&L, invoicing, monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting
- New client engagement, bid preparation and management of all new project proposals
- Marketing and thought leadership
- Resource management (planning and forecasting) for 150+ staff
- Recruitment including identification, interviewing, and on-boarding of all SF based personnel
- Strategic planning to meet regional, national, and international company aims and objectives
Director – Business Development and Key Account Management
Atkins Realis
London, UK
09.2010 - 08.2016
- I joined Atkins Realis in October 2010 as a Senior Building Surveyor, managing a small team of five in a regional office.
- I moved to our UK & Europe HQ in London in May 2012 to help grow our Building Surveying offering successfully taking the team from 11 staff to 25+.
- I was promoted to Associate Director in 2013, Regional Director in 2014 and Director in 2016.
- As Framework Manager for the L+SE region I was instrumental in securing £150m+ fee income over a four-year framework period with a further pipeline generated of £250m+ revenue up to 2020, this included significant project wins with the Houses of Parliament, British Library and Tate Modern Art Gallery.
- I was responsible for the management and development of all existing clients and new opportunities through the framework, ensuring KPIs were met, and all projects were delivered to the required process.
Associate Partner
The Livemore Partnership
10.2001 - 09.2007
- I joined as a Graduate Surveyor straight from university in 2001 and worked on many projects across multiple sectors including Health, Education and Commercial Property.
- I developed key skills in contract administration and project and commercial management.
- My strength in managing clients and growing successful relationships to win new and repeat business saw my promotion to Associate Partner in 2005.
- Working for a small private practice gave me excellent commercial awareness.
Education
MRICS -
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
01.2004
BSc (Hons) - Building Surveying
Anglia Polytechnic
Essex01.2001
BA (Hons) - Architecture – RIBA part 1
Southbank University
London01.1997
GNVQ - Construction
Colchester Institute
Essex01.1994
Skills
- People-focused leadership
- Strategic capture and pursuit
- Opportunity pipeline management
- Integrated business development
- Strategic planning and implementation
- Commercial and financial acumen
- Client account management
- Project delivery lifecycle
- Marketing and positioning strategies
- Global stakeholder engagement
Hobbies and Interests
- Backcountry Skiing
- Hiking and Mountain Biking
- Travel
- Photography
- Film
Timeline
Capture Manager
AECOM
02.2024 - 12.2025
Growth Director – PgM, Advisory, R+I ANZ
AECOM
11.2023 - Current
Director of Operations - Queensland
WT Partnership
08.2020 - 10.2023
Commercial Consultancy Manager
Prendos
08.2018 - 08.2020
Director – Growth and Operations
Atkins Realis
08.2016 - 08.2018
Director – Business Development and Key Account Management
Atkins Realis
09.2010 - 08.2016
Associate Partner
The Livemore Partnership
10.2001 - 09.2007
MRICS -
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
BSc (Hons) - Building Surveying
Anglia Polytechnic
BA (Hons) - Architecture – RIBA part 1
Southbank University
GNVQ - Construction
Colchester Institute