Senior Contracts Manager

Overview

The Senior Contracts Manager is the senior on-site leader with overall responsibility for the successful delivery, quality, safety, and financial performance of engineering projects. The role ensures full coordination of all aspects of the contract and that client expectations are met or exceeded. The role holder upholds the highest standards in line with Sisk’s HSEQS policies and procedures, while actively identifying opportunities to enhance project value and profitability. At Sisk, we create places and infrastructure that shape how people live, work and connect – now and for future generations. As a family‑owned, international construction and engineering group, we offer meaningful careers across building, infrastructure, rail, energy and off‑site manufacturing throughout Ireland, the UK and Europe, where people are supported to grow, make an impact and be part of positive change.

Responsibilities

• Preconstruction:

  • Lead the preparation of project programmes, method statements, and contract submissions.
  • Develop and manage the contract programme, typically in collaboration with the Estimating team during the tender stage.
  • Instruct the Quantity Surveyor (QS) on major preliminary expenditure (including plant, accommodation, and temporary works).
  • Chair project start-up and production meetings and support resource allocation alongside the Regional Director.
  • Oversee the subcontract buying schedule with the QS, notify relevant statutory authorities and stakeholders of site commencement, draft preliminary site logistics and temporary works registers (integrating early Health & Safety considerations), and attend Design Team Progress Meetings providing updates and technical input.

  Construction & Delivery:

  • Lead all project team functions including Project Execution Planning (PEP), risk management, commercial performance, HSEQS compliance, stakeholder engagement, design management, project administration and close-out.
  • Ensure the project team and supply chain have the required competencies to meet HSEQS requirements.
  • Coordinate consultant and subcontractor design delivery as required by the contract, including BIM delivery where applicable.
  • Implement and maintain the Project Execution Plan (PEP) with specific focus on HSE and Quality compliance.
  • Monitor progress against programme, liaising with subcontractors and site management, review buildability and identify improvements, protect Sisk’s contractual position through timely correspondence/notices/documentation, and maintain professional site presentation to positively represent the company.
  • Manage information flows, document control and required schedules, deliver accurate CVRs and monthly project reporting, and drive timely achievement of Practical Completion while resolving issues proactively.

  Subcontractor & Commercial Management:

  • Lead subcontractor selection, progress meetings, pre-order meetings and performance monitoring.
  • Oversee the work of the QS and Site Manager (SM), manage subcontractor performance and site productivity to achieve project milestones, and review/approve expenditure, subcontractor appointments, commercial reporting and financial control measures within agreed authorities.

  Post-Construction & Close-Out:

  • Lead defect management through completion and secure the Certificate of Making Good Defects.
  • Instruct and support the QS in loss and expense applications and the preparation of final accounts.
  • Oversee final commissioning, client handover and aftercare activities.
  • Drive continuous improvement and embed lessons learned into future delivery.
  • Complete performance and development conversations (PDPs) with direct reports and support delivery of agreed development actions.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in civil engineering project management, with successful delivery of multiple projects across sectors.
• Strong technical knowledge of civil engineering principles and construction methods, with proven ability to manage project financials, risk and commercial outcomes.
• Working knowledge of NEC3 and JCT Design & Build forms of contract, plus relevant sustainability standards (e.g., BREEAM, LEED, or CEEQUAL).
• Strong leadership, people management and conflict resolution capability, with effective stakeholder management and communication skills.
• The role requires an analytical, methodical approach and strong commercial awareness.

Qualifications

Essential:

• Professional qualification in a construction-related field (degree or equivalent), ideally chartered.
• IOSH Managing Safely (or equivalent) Health & Safety certification.
• Temporary Works Coordinator and Excavation Safety training.
• Knowledge of permitting requirements for live energy works.
• Training/competence in Working at Heights, Scaffolding, and Lifting & Cranage operations.
• Familiarity with Behavioural Safety, Root Cause Analysis, and PSCS/CDM requirements.

Desirable:

• Formal training and/or demonstrated experience in Contracts Management, Cost Value Reconciliation (CVR), and Project Execution Planning (PEP).

Additional Information

What We OfferAt Sisk, your rewards package goes far beyond your salary. Our most valued benefits include:

• Competitive salary
• 26 days annual leave
• Pension scheme
• Comprehensive health, wellbeing and lifestyle supports
• Career development opportunities
• And much more as part of our Total Rewards programme

Our People & Recruitment CommitmentAt Sisk, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer the opportunity to work with purpose, grow a career without limits and be part of a supportive, collaborative team.

All vacancies are managed directly by our Internal Recruitment Team. Unsolicited CVs or speculative contact from unapproved agencies are not accepted, and no fees will be payable.

Equity, Inclusion & AccessibilityWe are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion, family status or any other protected characteristic. We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to support all candidates.

Encouraging All Talent to ApplyWe understand that the confidence gap or imposter syndrome can discourage great people from applying. Even if you don’t meet every requirement, we encourage you to express your interest — your skills, experience and potential are what matter.

Compliance & TransparencyAll recruitment materials are designed to meet or exceed legal and regulatory requirements, including the Irish and UK Equality Acts and the EU Pay Transparency Directive, ensuring fairness, transparency and equal access for every applicant

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