Contracts Manager - Asset Management

The Contracts Manager provides guidance and oversight to the Cost Control Lead and Schedule Lead to ensure integrated project delivery and alignment with commercial and scheduling objectives. 

This role combines strategic oversight with hands-on contract administration, acting as both the senior advisor and the operational lead on NEC and FIDIC contract matters.

The Contracts Manager ensures compliance with framework agreements and Work Orders (call-off contracts), support project delivery teams, and liaises with internal and external stakeholders to drive continuous improvement in contract management delivery and practices aligned with the Contracting Entity’s strategic objectives and operational plans.

• Lead and implement contract management strategies and operational plans across the Dublin Airport Capital Delivery portfolio.
• Lead and manage Cost Managers and Schedulers, fostering collaboration and ensuring effective coordination of project delivery tasks. Support team development and uphold high standards of performance and accountability.
• Ensure compliance with contract terms, conditions, and governance frameworks, reporting non-compliance to senior leadership.
• Provide expert advice to Project Managers, Service Managers, and senior stakeholders on all contractual matters, including risk mitigation, dispute resolution, and claims management.
• Administer NEC and FIDIC contracts, including compensation events, early warnings, and payment applications.
• Prepare and issue formal contractual communications and instructions on behalf of the Project Manager 
• Maintain and update the early warning register and administer the early warning process.
• Review and assess compensation event applications and quotations, making recommendations to the Project Manager or Service Manager.
• Monitor contractor and consultant performance against KPIs and Incentive Schedules, and lead contractor performance evaluations and improvement plans.
• Hold works and projects performance review meetings and ensure consistent quality in contract administration.
• Support procurement and commercial teams in contract drafting, negotiation, and award processes.
• Ensure effective use of contract management systems such as CEMAR and Unifier.
• Maintain oversight of contract registers, early warning registers, and risk logs.

Experience

• 5-7 years of experience in contract management, with a strong focus on NEC and FIDIC contracts.
• People management experience
• Proven track record in managing infrastructure contracts and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Extensive experience in contractor and consultant performance management.
• Strong background in claims management, dispute resolution, and commercial negotiations.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement contract management strategies.
• Experience in setting and monitoring KPIs and Incentive Schedules.
• Familiarity with contract administration tools and systems.

Skills

• Must have a clear understanding of, and ability to work with, construction contract commercial documents, drawings and specifications.
• Strong experience of delivering technically complex and high value infrastructure projects.
• Experience of working in a comparable consultancy environment, or with a client or contractor organisation.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage deliverables within tight timelines.
• Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Communication and coordination skills to lead a team of diverse backgrounds and experience towards a single project outcome.
• Process driven with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to develop long term relationships with all team members and effectively balance people and processes.
• Ability to shape direction for the team coupled with the ability to lead and motivate for high performance.  

Education & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in law, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or Project Management.

Professional Memberships

• RICS, CIOB, or equivalent professional body.

We're an airport industry leader with operations in four continents and over 3000 employees working together to ensure we deliver the best services for all our customers globally. We are a fast paced, energetic and diverse company. Offering careers that range from IT, Finance, Technical, Airport Operations to frontline security and customer focused roles and many more. Whether you are starting your career or looking for your next move, we have lots of great opportunities to choose from.