Contracts Manager - Civil Engineering Projects

Overview

An established construction and engineering company is seeking an experienced Contracts Manager to oversee the successful delivery of a significant project in Cork. This senior leadership role holds full accountability for the project's delivery, including safety, quality, schedule adherence, and financial outcomes. The role involves close collaboration with project teams, consultants, subcontractors, and clients to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and meet high standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead planning, programming, and contract submissions during preconstruction.
• Develop and manage project delivery schedules and resource mobilization.
• Chair project startup and production meetings, managing procurement and subcontractor engagement.
• Coordinate early site logistics, temporary works planning, and health and safety compliance.
• Participate in design team meetings, providing technical input during preconstruction.
• Oversee all project team activities, including risk management, commercial performance, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure top standards in health, safety, quality, and environmental management.
• Coordinate design activities among consultants and subcontractors, including BIM delivery when necessary.
• Monitor programme performance and drive achievement of project milestones.
• Maintain contractual entitlement through clear documentation and communication.
• Manage reporting, document control, and financial performance.
• Guide projects through to Practical Completion proactively resolving issues.
• Lead subcontractor selection, appointment, performance oversight, and productivity monitoring.
• Collaborate with Quantity Surveyors and Site Managers to secure commercial and operational success.
• Review project costs, commercial reports, and financial controls to align with budgets and objectives.
• Manage defect resolution, project handover, final accounts, commissioning, and aftercare.
• Capture lessons learned and promote continuous improvement.
• Mentor and develop project team members through coaching and performance management.

Qualifications and Experience

• At least five years managing civil engineering or infrastructure projects with multiple successful deliveries.
• Strong technical knowledge of civil engineering principles and construction methods.
• Proven experience managing project finances, risks, and commercial outcomes.
• Familiarity with NEC3 and JCT Design & Build contracts.
• Experience with sustainability frameworks such as BREEAM, LEED, or CEEQUAL.
• Excellent leadership, stakeholder management, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
• Commercial acumen with a structured analytical mindset.
• Degree or equivalent qualification in construction or related discipline.
• Chartered status or progression towards chartership preferred.
• Health and safety qualifications including IOSH Managing Safely, Temporary Works Coordinator, Excavation Safety, Working at Heights, Scaffolding, and Lifting Operations.
• Knowledge of live energy works permitting, Behavioural Safety, Root Cause Analysis, PSCS/CDM requirements.
• Desirable: formal contracts management training, Cost Value Reconciliation, and Project Execution Planning experience.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package.
• 26 days of annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Participation in a pension scheme.
• Comprehensive health and wellbeing benefits.
• Opportunities for career growth and development.
• Flexible benefits package.

Additional Information

This position offers a confidential discussion for experienced Contracts Managers seeking to lead complex civil engineering and infrastructure initiatives. The company is known for delivering high-profile projects with strong career progression prospects.