Desmond Haines MRICS

Associate Commercial Manager | Senior Contracts Manager

Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates

About

I help Developers, Contractors and Asset Owners protect margin and momentum on complex builds from first tender to final account. As a Strategic Commercial Manager with 20+ years' experience, I have delivered major infrastructure, mixed-use developments, corporate office fit-out, shopping mall and semiconductor factory projects across the UAE, Ireland and the UK. I am a Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS) and the Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering (AACE International). My expertise spans the full commercial lifecycle, pre-contract procurement strategy and tender administration through to post-contract claims negotiation, change control and financial closeout. I work extensively with Fédération Internationale des Ingénieurs Conseils (FIDIC), the international standard contract forms used on major construction projects and other international contract frameworks, with a strong track record in cost planning, earned value management and cash flow forecasting. Career achievements include: 1. Leading commercial strategy on major construction projects exceeding AED 400 million (EUR 100 million), delivering measurable cost savings through value engineering and proactive risk mitigation. 2. Negotiating complex contract amendments and variations, safeguarding Client interests while maintaining project momentum. 3. Implementing performance monitoring systems that improved forecasting accuracy, strengthening Stakeholder confidence at Executive Level. 4. Building and leading Commercial Teams, aligning commercial objectives with project delivery goals and producing clear Executive Level Reporting for Senior Leadership. 5. Committed to the Highest Standards of Ethics and Professionalism, as an advocate of the RICS Rules of Conduct and Professional Standards. I am always glad to connect with Fellow Commercial and Contracts Professionals, Developers and Contractors working on Major Infrastructure and Built Environment projects.

Experience

  • Associate Commercial Manager at AECOM
    Dec 2024 - Present · 2 yrs

  • Associate at JLL
    Oct 2021 - Oct 2024 · 3 yrs 1 mo

    Directed commercial management for mixed-use residential, office and manufacturing campus projects. Led cross-location teams of Quantity Surveyors, ensuring consistent reporting and Client communication. Managed procurement processes, including tender preparation, prequalification and bid evaluation. Negotiated contractor claims and variations, achieving impartial and fair outcomes for both the Clients and the Contractor. Oversaw monthly valuations, payment certifications, cash flow forecasting, and earned value reporting.

  • Senior Quantity Surveyor at Omnium International Ltd.
    Oct 2017 - Jun 2020 · 2 yrs 9 mos

    Managed commercial delivery for a major retail and car park development. Led a team of Quantity Surveyors through tender analysis, change control, valuations and cost reporting. Streamlined commercial reporting processes to improve decision-making efficiency.

  • Contract Manager / Senior Quantity Surveyor at Faithful+Gould
    Jan 2016 - Sep 2017 · 1 yr 9 mos

  • Commercial Manager at AECOM
    Feb 2014 - Jan 2016 · 2 yrs