Senior Contract Manager

Overview

An established and expanding construction and engineering contractor is seeking a Senior Contracts Manager to lead the successful execution of a major construction project in Cork, Ireland. This senior leadership role entails full oversight of project delivery from pre-construction to completion and handover, managing multidisciplinary teams and subcontractors, ensuring top standards in safety, quality, commercial performance, and client satisfaction. Joining this respected contractor offers access to a strong portfolio of projects across Ireland.

Core Responsibilities

• Lead preparation of project programmes, method statements, and contractual documentation during pre-construction.
• Develop overall project schedules in collaboration with estimating and pre-construction units.
• Manage major preliminary expenditures including plant, temporary works, and site accommodations.
• Chair project initiation and planning meetings, supporting resource planning and mobilisation.
• Handle subcontract procurement schedules alongside commercial teams and coordinate statutory notifications and stakeholder communications.
• Create site logistics plans and temporary works registers emphasizing health and safety adherence.
• Attend design meetings providing technical input and programme updates.
• Take comprehensive responsibility for delivering projects aligned with program, quality, safety, and commercial objectives.
• Lead Project Execution Planning, risk management, and reporting ensuring compliance with HSEQ standards.
• Coordinate consultant and subcontractor design work including BIM delivery where applicable.
• Monitor schedule progress, resolve issues proactively, and maintain strong stakeholder relationships.
• Administer contracts to safeguard interests and deliver accurate monthly commercial reporting and cost-value reconciliations.
• Drive projects to Practical Completion within agreed timelines and budgets.
• Oversee subcontractor selection, negotiation, performance management, and conduct coordination meetings.
• Collaborate with Quantity Surveyors and Site Managers to optimize productivity and financial performance.
• Review expenditure rigorously enforcing robust financial controls throughout the project lifecycle.
• Manage project close-out activities including defect resolution, final account agreements, commissioning, client handover, and aftercare.
• Promote continuous improvement by capturing lessons learned and support development and performance management of project team members.

Candidate Profile

Essential Qualifications and Experience:

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience as a Contracts Manager or Senior Contracts Manager on large-scale construction projects.
• Strong commercial insight with experience managing budgets and cost value reconciliations.
• Exceptional leadership, effective communication, and stakeholder management capabilities.
• IOSH Managing Safely certification or equivalent health and safety qualification.
• Training as Temporary Works Coordinator and knowledge of excavation safety and permitting.
• Experience with managing working at height, scaffolding, and lifting operations.
• Good understanding of behavioural safety practices, root cause analysis, and relevant construction health and safety regulations.

Desirable Attributes:

• Chartered status or progression towards chartership.
• Familiarity with Project Execution Planning frameworks.
• Competency in BIM coordination and design management.
• Experience delivering projects in complex commercial, industrial, pharmaceutical, or infrastructure sectors.

Benefits and Opportunity

• Lead a prominent construction project in Cork.
• Join a reputable contractor with a robust pipeline of substantial projects.
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits.
• Opportunities for long-term career advancement in a growing organisation.
• Work within a collaborative, safety-oriented, and supportive environment.