Senior Contracts Manager

NRL; Cork; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

NRL in Cork, Ireland is seeking a Senior Contracts Manager to lead contract delivery on major infrastructure projects. Based on-site, you will own preconstruction, procurement, and project delivery with a strong focus on HSE, quality, and client satisfaction.

You'll chair meetings, coordinate with design teams and subcontractors, manage commercial performance, and drive continuous improvement across the project lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Must have degree in construction-related field (chartered preferred).
• IOHS Managing Safely or equivalent HSE certification is required.
• Temporary Works Coordinator and Excavation Safety training is essential.
• Knowledge of live energy permits and regulatory compliance is required.
• Competence in Working at Heights, Scaffolding, and Lifting & Cranage is essential.
• Familiarity with Behavioural Safety, Root Cause Analysis, and PSCS/CDM standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation of project programmes, method statements, and contract submissions.
• Manage the contract programme in collaboration with the Estimating team during the tender stage.
• Liaise with the QS on major preliminary expenditure, including plant and accommodation.
• Chair project start-up and progress meetings, supporting resource allocation with the Regional Director.
• Oversee subcontract buying schedules and prepare site logistics and temporary works registers.
• Lead all project team functions, including project execution planning, design management, and HSE compliance.
• Monitor programme progress, subcontractor performance, and commercial compliance.
• Maintain project documentation control and drive progress towards completion.

Skills

Contract management

HSE management

Subcontractor management

Preconstruction planning

Project programme delivery

Budget and cost control

Safety leadership

Temporary works coordination

Excavation safety training

Live energy permits compliance

Working at heights

Scaffolding safety

Lifting & cranage

Behavioural safety

Root cause analysis

PSCS/CDM standards

BIM coordination

Education

Degree in construction-related field (chartered preferred)

Tools

BIM

Contract management software

Job description

Exciting opportunity for a Senior Contracts Manager based in Cork. This is a key leadership position suited to an experienced construction professional ready to oversee major engineering projects. You’ll take ownership of contract delivery, ensuring excellence in safety, quality, finances and client satisfaction.

Location and Working Pattern Cork, Ireland | On-site leadership role.

Client Overview Our client is a leading organisation within the construction and engineering sector, delivering complex infrastructure and building projects across Ireland and Europe. Operating anonymously through NRL, they are recognised for quality, innovation, and long-term collaboration with their partners.

Responsibilities

Preconstruction

• Lead preparation of project programmes, method statements, and contract submissions.
• Manage the contract programme in collaboration with the Estimating team during the tender stage.
• Liaise with the Quantity Surveyor (QS) on major preliminary expenditure, including plant and accommodation.
• Chair project start-up and progress meetings, supporting resource allocation with the Regional Director.
• Oversee subcontract buying schedules and prepare site logistics and temporary works registers.

Construction & Delivery

• Lead all project team functions, including project execution planning, design management, and HSE compliance.
• Ensure the project team and supply chain meet all HSEQS requirements.
• Coordinate design delivery, including BIM where applicable.
• Monitor programme progress, subcontractor performance, and commercial compliance.
• Maintain project documentation control and drive progress towards completion.

Subcontractor & Commercial Management

• Lead subcontractor selection, engagement, and performance reviews.
• Oversee commercial reporting, expenditure approvals, and productivity targets.

Post-Construction & Close-Out

• Manage defect completion and secure the Certificate of Making Good Defects.
• Oversee client handover, aftercare, and final account close-out.
• Drive lessons learned and continuous improvement initiatives.

Must-have Requirements

• Degree (or equivalent) in a construction-related field, ideally chartered.
• IOHS Managing Safely or equivalent HSE certification.
• Temporary Works Coordinator and Excavation Safety training.
• Knowledge of live energy permits and regulatory compliance.
• Competence in Working at Heights, Scaffolding, and Lifting & Cranage.
• Familiarity with Behavioural Safety, Root Cause Analysis, and PSCS/CDM standards.

Nice-to-have Skills

• Experience in Contracts Management, Cost Value Reconciliation (CVR), and Project Execution Planning (PEP).

We welcome applications from every walk of life and are committed to diversity within the industries we support, as a certified Inclusive Recruiter and Armed Forces friendly employer.