Contracts Manager

Ward Personnel; South Dublin; On-site; EUR 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vehicle

Bonus

Pension

Excellent benefits package

Job summary

Ward Personnel is partnering with a leading Tier 1 Main Contractor to appoint an experienced Contracts Manager to oversee the delivery of two significant education projects in Dublin.

You will act as the senior operational lead across both schemes, providing direction to Project Managers, Site Management teams, and key stakeholders while ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. These projects commence in Sep/Oct 2026 and will be delivered concurrently.

Qualifications

• Degree-qualified in Construction Management, Engineering, Building or related discipline.
• Proven experience as a Contracts Manager or Senior Project Manager with a leading main contractor.
• Experience delivering education, healthcare, public sector or live-environment projects (desirable).
• Track record delivering multiple projects simultaneously (€15m+).

Responsibilities

• Oversee the successful delivery of both education projects from commencement through to completion.
• Provide leadership and support to Project Managers and site teams.
• Drive programme certainty across both projects.
• Ensure project objectives and key milestones are achieved.
• Monitor project budgets, forecasts and risk management.
• Work closely with the commercial team to maximise project performance.
• Review procurement strategies and subcontractor appointments.
• Ensure strong cost control and financial reporting throughout the project lifecycle.

Skills

Client-facing

Leadership

Programme management

Commercial awareness

Education

Bachelor's in Construction Management/Engineering/Building

Tools

BIM

Job description

Location: Dublin (Rathcoole & Leopardstown)
Position: Contracts Manager
Sector: Main Contracting / Education
Salary: Excellent Executive Package + Vehicle + Bonus + Pension

Lead the Delivery of Two Landmark School Projects

Ward Personnel is partnering with a leading Tier 1 Main Contractor to appoint an experienced Contracts Manager to oversee the successful delivery of two significant education projects in Dublin.

This is a unique opportunity to take ownership of a combined €30 million portfolio, comprising:

• €15m Secondary School Extension – Leopardstown / Stepaside

Both projects are scheduled to commence in September / October 2026 and will be delivered concurrently.

The successful Contracts Manager will play a pivotal leadership role, managing project teams across both sites while ensuring exceptional standards of safety, quality, programme delivery, and client satisfaction.

The Opportunity

This role offers the chance to join one of Ireland’s most respected contractors at a time of continued growth and project success.

You will act as the senior operational lead across both projects, providing direction to Project Managers, Site Management teams, and key stakeholders while ensuring both schemes are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

These projects will be delivered within live educational environments, requiring excellent planning, stakeholder management and construction delivery expertise.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the successful delivery of both education projects from commencement through to completion.
• Provide leadership and support to Project Managers and site teams.
• Drive programme certainty across both projects.
• Ensure project objectives and key milestones are achieved.
• Monitor project budgets, forecasts and risk management.
• Work closely with the commercial team to maximise project performance.
• Review procurement strategies and subcontractor appointments.
• Ensure strong cost control and financial reporting throughout the project lifecycle.

Health & Safety

• Champion a positive health and safety culture across all project activities.
• Ensure full compliance with company procedures and statutory requirements.
• Conduct regular site reviews and audits.

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants and design teams.
• Lead project review meetings and strategic planning sessions.
• Manage stakeholder expectations and maintain clear communication throughout delivery.

Operational Excellence

• Identify and mitigate project risks.
• Drive quality assurance and project compliance.
• Ensure resources are effectively allocated across both projects.
• Support planning and mobilisation activities for future projects within the region.

Candidate Profile

• Degree-qualified in Construction Management, Engineering, Building or a related discipline.
• Proven experience as a Contracts Manager or Senior Project Manager with a leading main contractor.
• Demonstrated success delivering multiple projects simultaneously.
• Track record managing projects valued at €15m+.
• Strong knowledge of Irish construction contracts and project delivery methodologies.
• Excellent commercial, operational and programme management capability.
• Strong client-facing and leadership skills.

Highly Desirable

• Previous experience delivering education, healthcare, public sector or live-environment projects.
• Experience managing multiple site teams concurrently.
• Chartered membership of a recognised professional body.
• Strong understanding of modern construction methods and BIM processes.

What’s on Offer?

Opportunity to manage a €30m education portfolio.

Join a market-leading Tier 1 contractor with a strong reputation for excellence.

Long-term pipeline of major projects across Dublin and Leinster.

Excellent salary, bonus and benefits package.

Senior leadership position with clear progression opportunities.

Meaningful projects that will have a lasting impact on local communities.