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Contracts Manager – (Anaerobic Digestion)
About Marches & Glanua
Glanua 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 municipal, industrial, and pharmaceutical sectors, working with clients including Uisce Éireann, Thames Water, Yorkshire Water, United Utilities, Northern Ireland Water, as well as multinational private clients such as Kerry Group, Diageo, Coca-Cola, and Nestlé.
Marches Biogas, part of the Glanua Group, 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, Marches Biogas and Glanua 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, 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, Marches Biogas and Glanua 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
- Identification of value-add opportunities
The Contracts Manager leads multidisciplinary teams, fostering a collaborative culture while providing clear direction, mentoring, and resource planning. They are accountable for:
- Programme delivery
- Commercial performance
- Procurement
- Risk management
Applying best practice methodologies, this role optimises outcomes and focuses on health, safety, quality, environmental compliance, and a commitment to sustainability and Net Zero objectives. Strategic thinking, operational agility, and continuous improvement are essential for driving innovation and efficiency. Success is defined by consistently delivering:
- Safe, high-quality projects
- On-time and on-budget outcomes
- Strengthened client relationships
- Business growth contribution
Main Duties and Responsibilities
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Client Focus & Stakeholder Management
- Act as the single point of contact to the client (Contractors’ Representative for projects), instilling confidence in the ability to deliver successfully.
- Collaborate closely with key stakeholders, including clients, client representatives, and third-party agencies, to ensure effective coordination.
- Maintain a positive client experience while upholding company reputation and fostering a cooperative culture.
- Address and resolve client/stakeholder complaints, gather feedback through satisfaction surveys, and identify improvement opportunities.
- Promote value-add opportunities, actively promoting company solutions, products, manufacturing, and wider group services (operations, manufacturing, sampling).
Company Leadership
- Lead multidisciplinary teams (design, construction, commercial) to deliver one or more projects, embedding a “one team” culture.
- Build high-performing teams through training, mentoring, and clear development plans.
- Provide line management, including:
- Regular 1-2-1 sessions
- Performance appraisals
- Probation reviews
- Handling of escalation issues
- Support resource management and recruitment as a hiring manager.
- Assist with new project tendering opportunities as needed.
- Embed company culture and core values (accountability, agility, innovation, can-do attitude) through visible leadership.
- Contribute to new company initiatives, strategies, and committees.
- Stay up-to-date with industry standards and technology through Continuous Professional Development (CPD).
Delivery & Reporting
- Apply best practice project management techniques, including Lean Construction, Last Planner, and challenge contract programmes to achieve betterment and cost savings.
- Monitor programme performance (risk and opportunities) and take proactive measures to mitigate risks and maximise opportunities.
- Report monthly performance to framework manager/project lead, covering programme, budget, and HSQE (Health, Safety, Quality, and Environment) compliance.
- Lead procurement of supplies and sub-contracts to ensure timely delivery and cost control.
- Manage project cash flow in coordination with the Commercial team, ensuring:
- Accuracy and timeliness of interim payment applications
- Alignment with client standards
- Prepare and maintain:
- Project re-budgets
- Forecasts
- Framework projections
- Present on project performance and innovations as required.
- Continuously improve project delivery by:
- Sharing lessons learned
- Proposing innovative solutions
Health & Safety
- Ensure adherence to Health, Safety, Quality, Environmental, and Sustainability (HSQE) standards and procedures on-site.
- Instil a proactive safety culture through leadership and example.
- Coordinate role of Principal Designer with internal/external designers and represent the company as Principal Contractor on sites.
- Ensure all required safety documentation is up-to-date and on-site.
- Conduct:
- Regular health, safety, and environmental inspections
- Assurance activities
- Safety interventions to promote best practice compliance.
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Sustainability & Environmental Responsibility
- Contribute to and promote company Sustainability and Net Zero Carbon targets, as well as those of the client.
- Embed sustainability principles into all operational functions and project phase.
- Promote:
- Circular economy practices
- Energy efficiency
- Low-carbon design solutions
- Collaborate on sustainable innovation and regulatory compliance with clients and internal teams.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Minimum Requirements
- 10+ years’ experience in a similar role, ideally in water, wastewater, or bioresources industry.
- Significant experience managing large-scale construction, infrastructure, or engineering projects from inception to completion.
- Strong understanding of:
- Design & construction processes
- Commercial project delivery
- Familiarity with DSEAR considerations, with CompEx certification desirable.
- Comprehensive knowledge of HSQE regulations and best practices.
- Experience with:
- Lean Construction
- Last Planner methodologies
- Modern programme management techniques
- Understanding of:
- Procurement
- Contract administration
- Cash flow management in construction/engineering
Leadership & People Management
- Proven leadership and people management skills, including:
- Mentoring
- Performance management
- Team development
- Experience acting as primary client point of contact, managing expectations, and resolving issues effectively.
Personal Attributes
✅ Accountable Leader
- Owns results, makes decisive calls with integrity, and leads with clarity.
✅ Client & Commercially Focused
- Balances strong client relationships with adherence to commercial goals.
✅ Strategic & Agile Thinker
- Adapts to challenges while aligning with long-term business trends.
✅ Innovative Problem Solver
- Drives continuous improvement with practical, forward-thinking solutions.
✅ People & Culture Builder
- Develops high-performing teams, champions a positive values-driven culture, and promotes D&I.
What Success Looks Like
✔ Consistent Project Excellence
- Projects delivered safely, on time, on budget, and with high-quality standards.
✔ High-Performing Teams
- Engaged teams with clear development opportunities, high motivation, and low turnover.
✔ Strong Commercial Control
- Accurate forecasting, effective cash flow 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.
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