Contracts Manager

John Sisk & Son Ltd; Belfast; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

26 days annual leave

Pension scheme

Comprehensive health, wellbeing and lifestyle supports

Career development opportunities

Job summary

John Sisk & Son Ltd is seeking a Contracts/Senior Contracts Manager to lead commercial and contractual delivery across building projects. The successful candidate will provide strategic oversight and ensure projects meet contractual obligations while managing cost control and commercial performance. Key responsibilities include leading procurement strategies, managing commercial risks, and supporting project teams. Applicants should have extensive experience in Tier 1 construction environments and a degree in a relevant field, along with professional membership of SCSI / RICS.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in a Contracts Manager or Senior Contracts Manager role within Tier 1 or large Tier 2 construction environments.
• Strong background delivering large-scale residential, commercial or mixed-use building projects.
• Proven experience managing multiple subcontract packages and complex commercial interfaces.

Responsibilities

• Provide commercial and contractual leadership across building projects.
• Oversee procurement strategies and manage commercial risk.
• Ensure accurate and timely commercial reporting, including cost/value reconciliation.

Skills

Commercial acumen

Leadership

Risk management

Cost control

Contract negotiation

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Economics, Construction Management or related discipline

Professional membership of SCSI / RICS or equivalent

Job description

Overview

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.

The Contracts / Senior Contracts Manager plays a critical leadership role in the successful commercial and contractual delivery of complex building projects across residential, commercial and mixed‑use developments. Working closely with the Project Director, Construction Director and Commercial teams, the role provides strategic oversight of contractual risk, procurement, cost control and commercial performance from pre‑construction through to final account.

Operating at Tier 1 level, the Contracts Manager ensures projects are delivered in line with contractual obligations, company governance, and client requirements, while protecting commercial margin and supporting collaborative relationships with clients, consultants, subcontractors and supply chain partners. The role requires strong commercial acumen, sound judgement, and the ability to operate confidently across multiple live projects in a fast‑paced construction environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide commercial and contractual leadership across assigned building projects, ensuring alignment with company procedures and contractual obligations.
• Lead and manage the commercial strategy from tender handover through to final account and project close‑out.
• Oversee procurement strategies, including subcontractor selection, contract negotiation, package placement and supply chain performance.
• Manage commercial risk, including identification, mitigation and reporting of cost, programme and contractual exposure.
• Lead cost control, forecasting, valuations, change management and final account negotiations.
• Review and manage contractual correspondence, variations, claims, extensions of time and dispute avoidance.
• Ensure robust change control processes are in place and consistently applied across projects.
• Support project teams with commercial input on programme, sequencing and delivery strategies.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with clients, consultants, funders and key subcontractors.
• Ensure accurate and timely commercial reporting, including cost/value reconciliation and risk registers.
• Mentor and develop Quantity Surveyors and commercial team members, supporting capability growth and succession planning.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across commercial systems, processes and governance.

Experience

• Demonstrable experience in a Contracts Manager or Senior Contracts Manager role within Tier 1 or large Tier 2 construction environments.
• Strong background delivering large‑scale residential, commercial or mixed‑use building projects.
• Proven experience managing multiple subcontract packages and complex commercial interfaces.
• Strong understanding of standard forms of contract (e.g. RIAI, JCT, NEC or equivalent).
• Track record of successfully managing cost, risk and change on high‑value construction projects.
• Experience working closely with project, construction and design teams in live project environments.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, influence and challenge senior stakeholders where required.
• Experience mentoring and developing commercial teams is highly advantageous.

Qualifications

• Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Economics, Construction Management or a related discipline.
• Professional membership (or working towards membership) of SCSI / RICS or equivalent.
• Strong contractual and commercial training with a solid understanding of construction law.
• Relevant health & safety training (e.g. Safe Pass; management‑level H&S training desirable).

Benefits

• 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

Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility We 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.