Darren Walker
SLA Sector Lead @Ess Modular
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WORK HISTORY
SLA Sector Lead @Ess Modular
Manchester, GB
ESS are a main contractor with in-house manufacturing that works exclusively within the modular sector, providing MMC category 1 3D volumetric buildings under turnkey design & build contracts. My first role for the business was as Preconstruction Lead tasked with work winning and PCSA management for the UK business unit operating predominantly in healthcare, typically requiring leadership of pre-construction teams tasked with both securing new work and ensuring that all pre-construction obligations are met and deliverables achieved for new projects. Typically this required management of estimating, project planning, design, co-ordination and procurement resource. With successful conversion of a series of projects, I was promoted to a Group role as Preconstruction Director with an expanded remit to help drive improvement across all operating sectors. In early 2022 I developed an efficient new design management process aimed at transitioning approach from traditional bespoke design to modern best practice DfMA. This was followed in the second half of 2022 by overseeing implementation of this new process in conjunction with development by our technical team of a platform of core product options and interfaces, all aimed at facilitating modern production practices and consistently high-quality manufacture. This new core product was centred around Single Living Accommodation (SLA) projects, primarily in the Defence and Justice sectors for the DIO and MOJ. In June 2023 I was promoted to SLA Sector Lead and tasked with leading the DIO account and delivering our first four SLA schemes with a combined value of £55m. In performing this role I hold P+L accountability and lead a multi-functional team with complete responsibility for technical, commercial and operational delivery of the schemes in conjunction with our off-site MMC manufacturing team.
ABOUT DARREN WALKER
I am an accomplished construction industry manager with over 30 years of experience and a proven track record in developing and implementing process and building and leading teams. The methodical and analytical thinking I gained from my introduction to project planning during my early years with Costain has shaped my approach to many of the situations and challenges I have faced throughout my career. My key attributes and experiences include-Building and leading account management, project planning, pre-construction, design management and work-winning teams and departments, including developing and implementing process for both pre-construction colleagues and wider operational and commercial teams- A background in project planning, work winning and client account leadership-A career that demonstrates consistent achievement of quality outcomes through a wide range of challenges, gaining the confidence of a succession of business leadership teams. I believe leadership should be based on setting the highest standards of behaviour and performance, coupled with excellent communication. My primary focus is achieving quality customer outcomes, delivering successful value creating business results, along with the career development of my colleagues.
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