Senior Construction Manager - Rail

About Nicholas O'Dwyer Ltd

Nicholas O'Dwyer is a company driven by a commitment to sustainability, with a 90-year history of excellence. We focus on delivering innovative infrastructure solutions across multiple sectors including water, wastewater, transportation, civil and structural engineering, flood protection, and renewable energy. Operating internationally with a headquarters in Ireland and as part of the RSK Group, we leverage a global network while maintaining our autonomy and local presence.

Role Overview

We are looking for a Senior Construction Manager with expertise in rail projects to oversee the safe, timely, and compliant delivery and commissioning of major rail and transportation infrastructure works. This position involves leadership throughout the entire project lifecycle, ensuring effective site execution, contractor performance management, and adherence to safety, quality, and contractual standards.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide senior leadership in construction phases including planning, design, procurement, construction, testing, and commissioning.
• Advise on constructability, construction methodologies, logistics, sequencing, and phasing strategies.
• Support assessment of tender submissions and contractor proposals from a technical and construction perspective.
• Oversee construction work execution across multiple projects and packages.
• Ensure safety, schedule adherence, and compliance with design and contract requirements.
• Promote a robust safety culture, conducting safety tours, assurance reviews, and site inspections with documented follow-up.
• Collaborate with project planners to develop detailed schedules and monitor construction progress against milestones.
• Identify risks of delays and formulate mitigation and recovery plans.
• Coordinate resource allocation and ensure programme compliance across project functions.
• Maintain compliance with contract, legislation, industry standards, environmental, and safety regulations.
• Manage quality assurance and control processes including Inspection and Test Plans implementation.
• Inspect completed construction work and manage non-conformance and defect resolution.
• Conduct regular site progress evaluations against contract and schedule benchmarks.
• Prepare accurate progress reports and deliver clear updates regarding delivery, risks, and issues.
• Assess contractor personnel competence and performance continuously.
• Act as senior liaison with contractors, clients, and stakeholders, resolving complex delivery and interface issues.
• Lead construction evaluation of proposed changes considering their impacts on safety, cost, quality, scope, risk, and schedule.
• Identify and implement cost-effective construction improvements.
• Lead and mentor construction management and supervision teams to maintain consistent standards and optimal resource deployment.
• Perform additional duties to support evolving project and business needs.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Degree or equivalent at NFQ Level 6 or 7 in Engineering, Construction, Project Management or related field preferred.
• At least 10 years of relevant experience, including a minimum of 5 years in construction, engineering, or management on rail, transportation, or major infrastructure projects.
• Proven track record managing complex infrastructure construction delivery.
• Experience on large-scale, multidisciplinary rail or comparable infrastructure projects.
• In-depth understanding of construction processes, materials, methodologies, logistics, and sequencing.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Irish Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations and construction legislation.
• Demonstrated commitment to health and safety standards on large-scale projects.
• Experience implementing quality, health, safety, environmental and construction assurance systems.
• Familiarity with NEC4 contract suite and strong commercial awareness.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, contract documents, and project programmes.
• Strong skills in project planning, scheduling, risk management, cost control, and progress reporting.
• Proven stakeholder management experience for major projects.
• Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Membership or qualification with professional bodies like MCIOB, MICE or equivalent is advantageous.
• Full, clean driving license and willingness to travel to project sites as necessary.

About Us

Our mission is to offer sustainable engineering solutions that positively transform communities. We provide professional services in engineering design, project and construction management, environment and planning, construction supervision, and contract advisory, gaining respect both locally and internationally. As part of the RSK Group, a global integrated environmental, engineering, and technical services provider, we benefit from wide-ranging resources and opportunities.

We prioritize employing, developing, and rewarding talented professionals, fostering a people-first culture focused on innovation and collaboration. We are dedicated to an inclusive workforce, believing that diversity enhances innovation and company strength.

If you are passionate about contributing to a sustainable and equitable future and possess the necessary skills, we invite you to join our team.