USG International
Contract Manager
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My client is an industry leader in providing innovative and sustainable engineering solutions to design, build, operate, and maintain critical water and wastewater infrastructure across Ireland and the UK. We are a trusted provider to the municipal, industrial, and pharmaceutical sectors, working with clients including Uisce Éireann (formerly Irish Water), Thames Water, Yorkshire Water, United Utilities, and Northern Ireland Water, as well as multinational private clients such as Kerry Group, Diageo, Coca-Cola, and Nestlé.
My client complements this expertise as a specialist in anaerobic digestion and biogas solutions, delivering renewable energy and resource recovery projects that support the transition to a low-carbon economy. Together, my client combine deep technical capability across water, wastewater, and bioresource infrastructure, enabling clients to maximise efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and unlock sustainable value from waste streams.
Both organisations are passionate about solving today’s environmental challenges and delivering a decarbonised and sustainable world. We recognise that building successful, creative teams requires a diverse workforce capable of driving innovation and new ways of thinking. We provide an environment where individuals have the freedom to develop and grow to their full potential, while championing core values of Safety and Well-being, Innovation, Integrity, Collaboration, Courage, Agility, Accountability, Diversity, and Inclusion in everything we do.
With a talented and growing team of over 600 people across Ireland and the UK, my client are continuing to expand across multiple disciplines to support ambitious growth plans and deliver sustainable infrastructure for the future.
The Role
The Contracts Manager is a senior leadership role responsible for the successful end-to-end delivery of complex construction and engineering projects. Acting as the primary client interface, the role ensures strong stakeholder engagement, high levels of client satisfaction, and the identification of value-add opportunities.
The Contracts Manager leads multidisciplinary teams, fostering a high-performance, collaborative culture while providing clear direction, mentoring, and resource planning. They are accountable for programme delivery, commercial performance, procurement, and risk management, applying best practice methodologies to optimise outcomes. A strong focus on health, safety, quality, and environmental compliance underpins all activities, alongside a commitment to sustainability and Net Zero objectives. The role requires strategic thinking, operational agility, and a continuous improvement mindset to drive innovation and efficiency. Ultimately, success is defined by consistently delivering safe, high-quality projects on time and budget, while strengthening client relationships and contributing to business growth.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Client Focus & Stakeholder R&R
- Act as the single point of contact to the client as the Contractors’ Representative for projects, instilling confidence in your ability to deliver successfully.
- Work closely with all key stakeholders including clients, client representatives, and third-party agencies to ensure effective collaboration.
- Maintain a positive experience for the client and their representatives, upholding the company’s reputation and fostering an ethos of cooperation.
- Respond to and address any client and stakeholder complaints in a timely manner, securing feedback through satisfaction surveys and identifying improvement opportunities.
- Promote “value-add” opportunities by actively upselling company solutions, products, manufacturing, and wider group services such as operations, manufacturing, and sampling.
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Company Leadership R&R
- Lead multidisciplinary teams, design, construction, commercial, in the delivery of one or more projects, embracing a “one team” culture.
- Build and promote high-performing teams through training, mentoring, and setting clear development plans.
- Provide line management for the delivery team, including regular 1-2-1 sessions, performance appraisals, probation reviews, and handling escalation issues.
- Support resource management and recruitment as a hiring manager.
- Assist with tendering opportunities for new projects as required.
- Embed company culture and core values such as accountability, agility, innovation, and a can-do attitude through visible leadership and leading by example.
- Contribute to the roll-out and implementation of new company initiatives, strategies, and committees.
- Keep abreast of industry standards and technology through continuous professional development (CPD).
Delivery & Reporting R&R
- Apply best practice programme/project management techniques, including Lean Construction and Last Planner, and challenge contract programmes to achieve betterment and cost savings.
- Monitor programme performance, including risk and opportunities, and take action to mitigate risks and maximise opportunities.
- Report monthly performance to the framework manager / project lead, covering programme, budget, and HSQE compliance.
- Lead procurement of supplies and sub-contracts, ensuring timely delivery and cost control.
- Manage project cashflow in coordination with the Commercial team, ensuring interim payment applications are accurate, timely, and aligned with client standards.
- Prepare and maintain project re-budgets, forecasts, and framework projections.
- Present on project performance and initiatives as required.
- Continuously improve project delivery by sharing lessons learned and proposing innovative solutions.
Health & Safety R&R
- Ensure Health, Safety, Quality, Environmental, and Sustainability standards, policies, and procedures are adhered to on-site at all times.
- Instil a proactive Health and Safety culture within the team through leadership and example.
- Coordinate the role of Principal Designer with internal and external designers, and represent the company as Principal Contractor on live sites.
- Ensure all required safety documentation is up-to-date and present on-site.
- Conduct regular Health, Safety, and Environmental inspections, assurance activities, and safety interventions to maintain compliance and promote best practice.
Sustainability & Environmental R&R
- Contribute to and promote the company’s Sustainability and Net Zero Carbon targets, as well as those of the client.
- Embed sustainability principles into all operational functions and project phases.
- Promote circular economy, energy efficiency, and low-carbon design practices.
- Collaborate with clients and internal teams on sustainable innovation and regulatory compliance.
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Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
- Minimum of 10 years’ experience working in a similar role, ideally in the water and wastewater or bioresources industry.
- Significant experience in managing large-scale construction, infrastructure, or engineering projects from inception to completion.
- Strong understanding of design, construction, and commercial project delivery processes.
- Good understanding of DSEAR consideration, CompEx certification desirable.
- Comprehensive knowledge of Health, Safety, Quality, Environmental, and Sustainability regulations and best practices.
- Familiarity with Lean Construction, Last Planner, and other modern programme management techniques.
- Understanding of procurement, contract administration, and cashflow management in a construction/project delivery environment.
- Proven leadership and people management skills, including mentoring, performance management, and team development.
- Experience acting as the primary point of contact for clients, managing expectations, and resolving issues effectively.
Personal Attributes
- Accountable Leader
- Owns outcomes, makes decisive calls, and leads with integrity and clarity.
- Client & Commercially Focused
- Balances strong client relationships with delivery of commercial position for my client.
- Strategic & Agile Thinker
- Adapts quickly to challenges while aligning with long-term business goals.
- Innovative Problem Solver
- Drives continuous improvement through practical, forward-thinking solutions.
- People & Culture Builder
- Develops high-performing teams and champions a positive, values-driven culture.
What Success Looks Like
- Consistent Project Excellence
- Projects delivered safely, on time, on budget, and to high quality standards.
- High-Performing Teams
- Engaged, well-managed teams with clear development, motivation, and low turnover.
- Strong Commercial Control
- Accurate forecasting, effective cashflow management, and cost optimisation.
- Outstanding Client Experience
- High satisfaction, trust, and repeat business through proactive engagement.
- Continuous Improvement & Growth
- Innovation embedded, lessons learned applied, and value-add opportunities realised.
What we offer you
- The opportunity to join an ambitious and growing organisation.
- Monday to Friday working week finishing early on Fridays.
- 22 days annual leave plus 10 bank holidays.
- Competitive base salary with annual salary reviews.
- Incentivisation benefits.
- Healthcare and pension after probation period.
- Death in Service
- A company laptop and phone.
- Fully expensed company vehicle or car allowance.
- Access to EAP – 24/7 365 days confidential employee counselling service, free to avail for employees and their families.
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