Major Capital Programme Contract Director

AECOM; Ireland; Hybrid; EUR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

AECOM in Ireland is seeking an experienced Contract Director to lead the delivery of client partner services on major infrastructure programmes. You will ensure contracts are met, align internal structures for delivery and embed quality assurance across the lifecycle.

You'll provide strategic direction in contract management, govern frameworks, and oversee performance management, change control, and stakeholder engagement with government bodies, authorities, consultants and delivery partners.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in contract management within large capital programmes.
• Experience leading contract governance with performance management and escalation.
• Strong negotiation, claims management and dispute resolution skills.
• Ability to manage multi-disciplinary teams and complex stakeholder environments.

Responsibilities

• Oversee client partner services contracts performance.
• Resolve contract issues and ensure seamless service delivery.
• Lead contract management strategies and procedures.
• Govern QA and compliance across service areas.
• Manage onboarding and deployment of resources.
• Foster collaboration with client organisations and stakeholders.
• Maintain accountability for contract performance.

Skills

Contract management

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Governance

Change control

Dispute resolution

Programme management

MS Office

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor's in Civil Engineering

Project management qualification

Chartered Engineer

Safety/compliance certifications

Tools

Contract management systems

MS Project

Primavera P6

MS Office

Job description

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

We are looking for an experienced Contract Director who will be responsible for leading the successful delivery of client partner services within major infrastructure programmes. This senior leadership role ensures that contractual obligations are met, internal structures are aligned for effective delivery, and quality assurance processes are embedded throughout the lifecycle of the programme.

Here’s what you’ll do:

• Oversee the management and performance of client partner services contracts
• Resolve contract-related issues and ensure seamless service delivery
• Lead the implementation of contract management strategies and procedures
• Govern quality assurance and compliance across all service areas
• Manage onboarding and deployment of resources
• Foster collaboration with client organisations and stakeholders
• Maintain accountability for contract performance and service execution

Strategic and Operational Leadership

• Experience providing strategic direction and leadership in contract management within large and complex organisations.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement contract management strategies aligned with programme goals and client expectations.
• Experience in setting up and leading contract governance frameworks, including performance management systems and escalation protocols.

Commercial and Contractual Expertise

• Strong understanding of various contract forms, particularly NEC, FIDIC, and bespoke agreements.
• Experience negotiating and administering contracts at a senior level, including change control, claims management, and dispute resolution.
• Ability to embed contract management standard operating procedures and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

Performance and Relationship Management

• Experience establishing and managing contractor performance frameworks, including KPIs, SLAs, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong commercial relationships that enhance programme performance and delivery outcomes.
• Skilled in managing complex stakeholder environments, including government bodies, local authorities, consultants, and delivery partners.

Technical Programme Delivery

• Experience overseeing the design and delivery of technically complex projects in the architectural, engineering, or construction sectors.
• Ability to integrate technical, commercial, and programme requirements to ensure cohesive and efficient delivery.
• Familiarity with digital tools and systems used in programme management, contract administration, and performance reporting.

Here’s what we’re looking for:

• Proven progressive experience in contract management within major capital programmes, ideally in sectors such as transport, utilities, energy, or construction.
• Significant direct experience managing contracts across the full project lifecycle—from procurement and mobilisation through to delivery including construction phase, close-out, and post-completion review—on high-value infrastructure projects.
• Proven track record of successfully delivering complex, multi-disciplinary programmes involving multiple stakeholders, contractors, and delivery partners.
• Strong leadership and coordination of large, multidisciplinary teams
• Ability to manage multiple technical requirements and drive efficiency
• Proficiency in MS Office and project management tools
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills
• High attention to detail and ability to manage client expectations
• Ability to resolve risks and issues proactively
• Strategic thinking with the ability to take a holistic view
• Strong prioritisation and time management capabilities

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent (required)
• Project or Programme Management qualification (desirable)
• Accreditation in relevant safety or compliance standards (desirable)
• Chartered Engineer status and membership in a recognised professional institution (desirable)

Additional Information

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About AECOM

AECOM is the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, delivering professional services throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. On projects spanning transportation, buildings, water, new energy and the environment, our public- and private-sector clients trust us to solve their most complex challenges. Our teams are driven by a common purpose to deliver a better world through our unrivaled technical and digital expertise, a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion, and a commitment to environmental, social and governance priorities. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm and its Professional Services business had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. See how we are delivering sustainable legacies for generations to come at aecom.com and @AECOM.

Freedom to Grow in a World of Opportunity

You will have the flexibility you need to do your best work with hybrid work options. Whether you’re working from an AECOM office, remote location or at a client site, you will be working in a dynamic environment where your integrity, entrepreneurial spirit and pioneering mindset are championed.

You will help us foster a safe and respectful workplace, where we invite everyone to bring their whole selves to work using their unique talents, backgrounds and expertise to create transformational outcomes for our clients.

AECOM provides a wide array of compensation, benefits and well-being programs to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their families. We’re the world’s trusted global infrastructure firm, and we’re in this together – your growth and success are ours too.

Join us, and you’ll get all the benefits of being a part of a global, publicly traded firm – access to industry-leading technology and thinking and transformational work with big impact and work flexibility. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in each person’s potential, and we’ll help you reach yours.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and will offer an interview to applicants who have a disability or long‑term condition, who meet the minimum/essential criteria for the role. Please let us know using this email address [e-mail] if you would like to apply through the Disability Confident Interview Scheme.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.