Contracts Manager
3 days ago
Belfast
About the Role We are seeking an experienced and commercially astute Project Lead to take full ownership of high-value construction and infrastructure projects. In this role, you will be responsible for the entire project lifecycle—from early-stage planning through to final handover and post-completion review. You will act as the key on-site decision-maker, driving performance, safety, quality, and profitability while managing multidisciplinary teams and external partners. Key Responsibilities Pre-Construction & Planning • Oversee the development of project schedules, execution strategies, and tender submissions., • Partner with the estimating function to develop and maintain the master programme during bid stages., • Direct the commercial team on major preliminary cost items, including plant, site setup, and temporary works., • Lead internal kick-off and production meetings; support resource planning alongside senior operations leadership., • Manage the procurement schedule, coordinate statutory notifications, and prepare logistics and temporary works frameworks—with early health and safety planning embedded., • Attend design review meetings, providing progress updates and technical insight. Project Delivery & Execution • Lead all project functions, including planning, risk management, financial performance, compliance, stakeholder relations, design coordination, and project close-out., • Ensure that all project team members and supply chain partners meet required competency standards for safety, quality, and environmental performance., • Coordinate consultant and subcontractor design outputs in line with contract requirements, including digital delivery where specified., • Maintain and update the Project Execution Plan, with particular emphasis on health, safety, and quality standards., • Track progress against the master schedule; collaborate with site teams and subcontractors to review construction methodologies, optimise buildability, and protect the company’s contractual position through timely notices and documentation., • Uphold site presentation and professional standards to reinforce the company’s reputation., • Manage information flow, document control, and reporting cycles; deliver accurate cost-to-complete forecasts and monthly performance reports., • Drive towards Practical Completion, proactively resolving issues to avoid delays. Commercial & Supply Chain Management • Lead the selection, onboarding, and performance monitoring of subcontractors, including pre-order and progress meetings., • Supervise the work of commercial and site management teams; monitor subcontractor output and site productivity to meet milestones., • Review and authorise expenditure, subcontractor appointments, and financial controls within delegated authority levels. Project Completion & Continuous Improvement • Manage the defects process through to the issuance of the Making Good Defects certificate., • Guide the commercial team on claims for loss and expense and final account settlement., • Oversee final commissioning, client handover, and post-completion care., • Champion a culture of continuous improvement, embedding lessons learned into future project delivery., • Conduct performance and development reviews with direct reports and support their professional growth. Candidate Profile Essential Experience & Qualifications • Minimum 5 years’ experience in project management within the built environment, with a track record of successfully delivering multiple projects across different sectors., • Strong technical understanding of construction principles, methodologies, and engineering practices., • Proven ability to manage project finances, risk, and commercial performance., • Working knowledge of standard industry contract forms and familiarity with sustainability assessment frameworks, • A relevant professional qualification in construction, engineering, or a related discipline (degree or equivalent); chartered status is highly desirable., • Valid Health & Safety certification., • Training or competency in Temporary Works Coordination, Excavation Safety, and permitting for works near live utilities., • Demonstrated competence in Working at Heights, Scaffolding, and Lifting/Cranage operations., • Familiarity with Behavioural Safety, Root Cause Analysis, and statutory requirements. Desirable (but not essential) • Formal training or proven experience in Contracts Management, Cost Value Reconciliation (CVR) Personal Attributes • Strong leadership and people-management skills, with the ability to resolve conflict and motivate diverse teams., • Excellent stakeholder management and communication capabilities., • Analytical, methodical, and commercially minded, with a focus on delivering results.