Daniel Barnett

My tenure with Groundlord Limited has provided me with valuable insight into the challenges and dynamics of running and maintaining an SME from the contractors perspective. Driving growth and influencing strategy whilst maintaining delivery of major projects to time cost and safely has further developed my commercial acumen. I am proud of my achievements in particular maintaining engagement and coaching the team to achieve more for less, and using my skills and experience to influence company ethos and awareness of customer and client needs. Highlights can be summarised as follows:

• Led on all commercial advice to contract managers and Directors.
• Identified, created and successfully won multiple contracts in key sectors converting commercial opportunities into pipeline of works
• Increased turn over each year by over 50% in year 1 and 2
• Maintained company wide awareness of specification and contract principals for 6 key framework contracts
• Led on conflict management and resolution, engagement and safety culture.
• Oversaw planning and execution of targeted sales/ marketing strategies including domestic and commercial marketing including drone footage and project interviews and case studies
• Conducted and shadowed quality and safety audits enhancing risk assessments to achieve regulatory compliance.
• Managed company wide team engagement and performance, through motivational strategies, social enterprise and regular engagement and setting personal objectives.
• Implemented long-term business strategy and business planning to guide leadership decision-making.
• Optimised supply chain management and compliance for an efficient operation system.
• Directed 500k worth of efficiencies and carried out market testing for best value with supply chain.
• Set up agreements with non framework contractors and sub contractors.
• Defined and incorporated company vision and values into the workforce.
• Fostered a culture of continuous improvement within the operational/ commercial team.
• Introduced employee coaching and recognition reward programme to heighten engagement and performance.
• Directed market research initiatives to identify emerging trends and opportunities, informing strategic business decisions.
• Developed new market strategies to boost brand visibility.
• Led the negotiation of key contracts with major suppliers.
• Successfully delivered on tasks and projects within tight deadlines.
• Fostered a collaborative work environment to encourage team productivity.
• Managed commercial risks by implementing strategic plans.
• Addressed customer issues with compassion and professionalism, ensuring swift, successful resolution.
• Applied expertise in team leadership to address productivity and performance issues, motivating staff to achieve KPIs.
• Analysed sales reports to identify trends and update strategies.
• Monitored plans to meet deadlines, budget and quality standards.
• Conducted periodic performance reviews for direct reports.
• Introduced systems to the business to streamline process
• Optimised sales methods to best engage, acquire and retain customers.
• Developed strong teams by skilfully recruiting, orienting and training loyal, hard-working employees.
• Negotiated contracts, securing optimum conditions for business expansion.
• Developed marketing plans to support department strategies.
• Managed multiple partner relationships and internal projects simultaneously in fast-paced work environment.
• Boosted customer satisfaction levels with swift resolution of contractual issues.
• Negotiated comprehensive contracts that benefited the company by reducing costs and risks.

My tenure with Tilhill involved running and balancing all the requirements of multiple high value schemes and projects for example, M4 Smart Motorway and Portsmouth Water reservoir construction. Additional highlights of this role summarised as follows :

• Handled negotiations with client and external QS to meet group needs and project outcomes.
• Pricing and bidding for tenders relevant to the works
• Delivery of tendered projects with internal and external resource
• Designed and implemented NEC training to further develop staff based on business goals and contract compliance
• Undertook regular site visits to assess progress against project milestones.
• Managed budgets diligently, controlled unnecessary expenditure on projects.
• Delivered high-quality results whilst adhering to strict deadlines and budget constraints.
• Ensured effective resource allocation with meticulous project scheduling.
• Mitigated potential risks effectively, safeguarded against possible pitfalls within projects.
• Measured, certified and approved sub-contractor interim valuations.
• Maintained strong relationships with suppliers resulting in favourable negotiation outcomes.
• Determined project feasibility by estimating quantities and costs of materials.
• Complied to all main contract and subcontract processes.
• Produced and presented final cost plans and procurement reports.
• Prepared detailed quantity surveys and cost breakdowns for client presentations.
• Collaborated with architects and engineers to develop detailed project plans.
• Maintained budget adherence with strict commercial and contract management.
• Assessed tender documents for accuracy whilst identifying potential issues or discrepancies.
• Attended development, pre-start and subcontract meetings.
• Managed client relationships and requirements at contractual level.
• Liaised and consulted with technical specialists to verify and cross-examine data.
• Handled project schedules and managed stringent deadlines to deliver projects within agreed timelines.
• Addressed post-contract cost variances and change control processes.
• Evaluated bids from contractors and subcontractors to ensure value for money.
• Liaised effectively with subcontractors, maintaining smooth workflow at all times.
• Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations during all stages of construction projects.
• Performed surveying calculations to guarantee accuracy of data and formulate insights.
• Facilitated effective communication between different stakeholders within projects.
• Analysed historical cost data to inform and improve future project estimates.
• Assessed applications, valuations and cost reconciliations and drafted reports with findings.
• Handled disputes resolution processes efficiently, minimising disruption to projects.
• Developed presentations and proposals to inform stakeholders and to provide project details to potential clients.
• Managed site instructions, daily diary, record sheets and other forms of site reporting.
• Drafted comprehensive project plans to guarantee timely completion of tasks.
• Mentored junior team members to improve overall team skill set and performance on projects.
• Oversaw all day-to-day site operations.
• Reported on progress, problems and information requirements.
• Held construction and installation teams accountable for performance against specific schedules and man-hour budgets.
• Implemented strict health and safety regulations for continued compliance with site requirements.
• Performed detailed safety briefings and new team member inductions, reducing onsite risks.
• Conducted routine quality audits, verifying progression against specifications and initiating corrective actions to remedy concerns.
• Promoted best practice in health, safety and environmental matters in conjunction with SHEQ department.
• Supported cost-effective working methods to reduce project outgoings and maximise potential profits.

Throughout my career, i have predominantly worked with the third sector organisation Canal & River Trust (formally British waterways) My 20+ years of experience there have been incredibly rewarding both personally and professionally. The challenges of managing the nations special heritage assets and infrastructure, whilst balancing business needs, budgetary constraints and organisational change across a multi disciplines, have shaped me into the effective manager that I am today.

A summary of duties and achievements are summarised as follows :

• Managed regional teams to ensure alignment with company objectives.
• Translated senior management directives into actionable front-line policies and implemented changes with staff.
• Investigated issues affecting group operations, prepared reports and helped correct problems.
• Fostered positive relationships with key stakeholders, enhancing business partnerships.
• Coordinated cross-functional team collaborations for project completion on schedule.
• Implemented effective risk management strategies to mitigate potential issues.
• Promoted a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and commitment to quality.
• Conducted regular performance reviews, promoting continuous improvements within the team.
• Oversaw budget allocation, ensuring cost-effective operations across regions.

• Full accountability of M&E national framework contract performance
• Boosted customer satisfaction levels with swift resolution of contractual issues.
• Recruited, developed and motivated contract team, expertly building and managing dedicated team of 24 staff.
• Responded to time-sensitive queries quickly for fast resolution.
• Coordinated with internal departments for seamless service delivery to clients.
• Collaborated with senior stakeholders and external partners, influencing direction in complex environments.
• Coordinated program initiatives, aligning project activities with organisational goals for streamlined execution.
• Established consensus across diverse stakeholder group for alignment with programme goals.
• Led transformation programmes, establishing clear vision and standards for success.
• Established team and project goals, tracking performance and evaluating necessary changes.
• Monitored project budgets, scrutinising expenditures and recommending cost-effective measures.
• Evaluated programme outcomes against predefined objectives, providing insights for future planning.
• Implemented operational business plans, establishing priorities and recommending improvements.
• Guided teams through change management processes during major organisational shifts.
• Fostered a collaborative work environment amongst team members, boosting morale and productivity.
• Navigated challenges successfully through proactive problem-solving skills and strategies.
• Optimised resource allocation across various projects, preventing overrun costs.
• Championed continuous improvement culture within the team, leading to higher performance standards.
• Utilised project management tools effectively for better tracking and reporting.
• Coordinated multiple projects simultaneously without compromising quality or deadlines.
• Undertook regular site visits to assess progress against project milestones.
• Measured, certified and approved sub-contractor interim valuations.
• Maintained strong relationships with suppliers resulting in favourable negotiation outcomes.
• Complied to all main contract and subcontract processes.
• Assessed applications, valuations and cost reconciliations and drafted reports with findings.
• Analysed historical cost data to inform and improve future project estimates.
• Collaborated with internal teams to verify project viability and improve cost-effectiveness.

• Accountable for effective delivery of planned and reactive maintenance tasks through effective use of national TSC operational contracts.
• Accountable budget holder and member of senior management team
• Attended user group meetings to improve regional customer service and visitor experience
• Adopted best practice and developed a national contract management collaboration
• Effective line manager to contract supervisor direct reports
• Aided in the preparation of quarterly profit-and-loss forecasts, enabling proactive business planning.
• Enhanced customer satisfaction with excellent service delivery.
• Devised strategic plans to achieve business objectives promptly.
• Investigated issues affecting group operations, prepared reports and helped correct problems.
• Led project management efforts, improved operational efficiency.
• Oversaw the planning and delivery of minor works projects
• Worked with cross function departments to define waterway improvements
• Behavioural safety facilitator
• People champion for the waterway region
• Provided leadership and direction for employees, supervising activities to drive productivity and efficiency.

• Responsible for implementing new waterway asset inspection regime
• Set up and supervised activities of 5 key waterway inspectors to record waterway defects using Samsung Q1 hand held devices uploading ZX notifications from prioritisation into SAP maintenance plan
• Trained new hires and set up mentoring relationships to drive team performance.
• Coordinated with other supervisors to maintain consistency across shifts.
• Worked with Asset engineers and senior management teams on reviewing and agreement of new asset management directive.
• Developed comprehensive programme plans to achieve strategic objectives.
• Managed complex projects for successful completion within stipulated deadlines.
• Oversaw staff operations, training and performance to accomplish objectives.
• Executed risk assessment strategies to mitigate potential project threats.
• Resolved critical issues promptly, ensuring minimal disruption to programme timelines.
• Boosted stakeholder satisfaction with consistent communication and updates.
• Evaluated programme outcomes against predefined objectives, providing insights for future planning.
• Delivered high-quality outcomes with strict adherence to quality standards.
• Organised annual inspections of tunnels by boat engaging stakeholders and bridge engineers
• Reported regionally and nationally on defect reporting and influenced regional maintenance plans
• Facilitated weekly meetings to discuss progress on projects, deadlines, objectives and concerns.
• Boosted morale by recognising and rewarding exceptional work.
• Conducted performance evaluations to identify areas of improvement.
• Fostered a positive work environment through effective communication and conflict resolution tactics.

• Management of a team of 14 to deliver essential maintenance tasks
• Appointing of contractors and site set up
• Management of reactive incidents
• Coordination of winter lock stoppages and lock gate repairs
• Out of ours rota and call out coordination
• Acting duty manager for out of hours emergencies
• Monitored daily and weekly KPIs, implementing improvement strategies to maintain on-track status.
• Implemented safety protocols for a safer work environment.
• Handled customer queries, enhancing client satisfaction levels.
• Directed team tasks for improved productivity and staff morale.
• Achieved project deadlines though focused staff and resource planning.
• Enhanced site safety by enforcing strict compliance to health and safety regulations.
• Led labouring teams by driving continued productivity to reach targets.
• Identified project issues quickly to minimise delays.
• Oversaw equipment maintenance, minimised downtime due to malfunctions.
• Collaborated with engineers and ecologist for accurate implementation of plans.
• Improved efficiency with meticulous planning and scheduling of tasks.
• Incident investigation
• Provided consistent leadership to maintain high levels of team performance and satisfaction.
• Achieved higher team efficiency with regular training and mentoring sessions.
• Facilitated weekly meetings to discuss progress on projects, deadlines, objectives and concerns.
• Implemented staff rota schedules to ensure adequate coverage during peak times.
• Conducted regular performance review meetings

• Working as a team of three responsible for a waterway territory
• Carried out customer care and essential cyclical maintenance
• Chain saw and multi skilled trained operative
• Followed instructions accurately to ensure task completion in a timely manner.
• Carried out inspections
• Held monthly meetings a toolbox talks
• Coordination of volunteers and action groups
• Fitted lock gates in the stoppage season and worked along side contractor
• Ensured safety standards by meticulously following protocols and procedures.
• Worked in all weather conditions whilst maintaining high standards of workmanship.
• Handled various power tools, enhancing work speed and accuracy.

• Managed landscaping projects, enhancing curb appeal of the estate.
• Carried out routine welfare checks on livestock to identify health and production abnormalities.
• Cleaned and maintained farm buildings, equipment and water supply systems.
• Hired, trained and supervised seasonal workers engaged in seeding for tilling and planting.
• Maintained buildings, water supply systems and equipment to facilitate smooth farming operations.
• Checked farmland for issues in need of attention, such as fences to mend and broken pipes to fix.
• Cultivated wildlife gardens; contributed towards habitat diversity.
• Liaised regularly with farmers to manage land usage effectively.
• Promoted countryside conservation by organising educational programmes.
• Procured necessary equipment for grounds maintenance tasks.