Contract Manager

PACE Global; Cork; On-site; EUR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

PACE Global in Cork is seeking a Senior Contracts Manager to direct major civil infrastructure projects from early planning through to completion. You will lead multidisciplinary teams, manage budgets and schedules, drive commercial governance, and ensure high safety and quality standards on site. Excellent leadership and broad contract knowledge are essential.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of proven Contracts Management experience on main contracting civil projects.
• Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related discipline.
• In-depth knowledge of construction contracts, estimating processes, and CVR management.
• Must have EU Citizenship or full right to work in Ireland without sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Direct site delivery as the on-site senior authority, overseeing schedule, budget, quality and safety.
• Lead subcontractor procurement, pre-award negotiations, progress reviews and performance assessments.
• Maintain commercial controls, issue timely notices and preserve contractual standing.
• Oversee monthly CVRs, reporting, cost control and risk management.
• Coordinate commissioning, handover, and post-project reviews; mentor direct reports.

Skills

Contracts management

Commercial acumen

CVR management

Team leadership

Education

Civil Engineering degree

Construction Management degree

Tools

Project control systems

Reporting tools

Database management systems

Job description

Contracts Manager

Location: Cork (Site-Based Senior Leadership)

Package: Top-tier competitive salary + comprehensive executive package

Are you an experienced operational leader ready to direct high-profile civil engineering projects in Cork?

We are currently recruiting a Contracts Manager on behalf of a premier, internationally recognized Tier 1 contractor. Known for innovation, high-quality execution, and technical excellence, our client is looking for a senior leader to oversee major civil infrastructure delivery from early-stage planning through to final completion.

The Role

As the senior operational authority on-site, you will take full accountability for project delivery, financial performance, quality standards, and safety culture. You will lead multidisciplinary teams, align site execution with strategic commercial objectives, and maintain high levels of client trust and satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

Pre-Construction & Setup

• Drive contract programming during tender and early stages alongside the Estimating team.
• Partner with the Commercial team on preliminary expenditure, temporary works, plant requirements, and subcontract procurement schedules.
• Lead project kick-off meetings, resource planning, and logistics mapping in collaboration with regional leadership.
• Coordinate statutory notices, stakeholder communications, and initial Health & Safety integration.
• Contribute technical and buildability expertise during Design Team Progress Meetings.

Project Execution & Operational Delivery

• Oversee site progress against master programmes, proactively resolving potential delays or technical bottlenecks.
• Maintain strict commercial control and protect the business's contractual standing through rigorous documentation and timely notices.
• Drive high-level HSEQS standards, ensuring all site personnel and supply chain partners meet required competency levels.
• Supervise design coordination, documentation flow, and BIM integration where applicable.
• Manage monthly Cost Value Reconciliations (CVRs), reporting, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Lead practical completion milestones, ensuring seamless final handover and client satisfaction.

Subcontractor & Commercial Governance

• Lead subcontractor procurement, pre-award negotiations, progress reviews, and performance evaluations.
• Direct and mentor project teams, including Quantity Surveyors and Site Managers, to drive site productivity.
• Review and sign off on project expenditure, subcontractor appointments, and monthly financial metrics.

Commissioning & Handover

• Manage defect resolution, early snagging, and the issuance of Certificates of Making Good Defects.
• Support the QS in final account settlements and contractual claims where necessary.
• Oversee final commissioning, client aftercare, and post-project reviews to capture lessons learned.
• Lead performance development reviews and ongoing mentoring for direct reports.

Candidate Requirements

Essential Criteria

• Experience: 10+ years of proven Contracts Management experience within main contracting civil engineering projects.
• Education: Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline.
• Commercial Acumen: In-depth knowledge of construction contracts, estimating processes, and CVR management.
• Eligibility: Must possess existing EU Citizenship or full legal right to work in Ireland without sponsorship.

Desirable Criteria

• Familiarity with project control systems, reporting tools, or database management systems.
• Specialized training in commercial risk management or modern construction management software.

PACE is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Disability Confident Committed. We celebrate diversity, foster inclusive workplaces, and welcome applications from all qualified candidates.