Senior Associate (Contract Manager)

Gardiner & Theobald is an independent construction and property consultancy committed to providing world class service to our clients. Our dedicated team of over 1,500 people delivers Cost Management, Project Management and Specialist Consultancy services from a network of UK, Irish and US offices bound by a common purpose - to build a better tomorrow. We define our success by the value we create for our clients, the fulfilling careers we build for our people and our contribution to the communities we work in. Our own long-term business performance aligns profit with purpose, taking social and environmental responsibility for our actions and the legacy we leave behind. People are central to our mission. Rewarding individuals based on their unique abilities, talent and hard work, we believe in the quality of experiences and investing in a collaborative culture where all can thrive. Gardiner & Theobald are seeking an experienced and commercially astute Senior Contract Manager to lead contract strategy, administration, and risk management across major infrastructure projects in Ireland. This role is critical in ensuring contractual compliance, protecting commercial interests, and supporting our Clients in successful project delivery within highly regulated and complex environments. The successful candidate will work closely with programme and project directors, procurement professionals, a PMO and external stakeholders, managing high-value contracts across the full project lifecycle—from pre-contract tender stages through to execution and close-out. What You Will Do As a Senior Associate Contract Manager, your day-to-day duties will include: Contract Strategy & Management Lead the development, negotiation, and implementation of contract strategies aligned with project and organisational objectives Administer and manage contracts (e.g., NEC, FIDIC, Public Works Contracts) across multiple large-scale infrastructure projects Ensure compliance with Irish public procurement regulations and EU directives Commercial & Risk Oversight Identify, assess, and mitigate contractual and commercial risks Manage change control processes, including variations, claims, and dispute resolution Provide strategic advice on contractual entitlements and obligations Stakeholder Engagement Act as the primary contractual interface with clients, contractors, procurement professionals, consultants, and legal advisors Support senior leadership in commercial decision-making and negotiations Build strong working relationships with public sector bodies and key delivery partners Claims & Dispute Resolution Lead the preparation, defence, and negotiation of claims Manage dispute avoidance and resolution processes, including adjudication, mediation, and arbitration where necessary Governance & Reporting Ensure robust contract governance, documentation, and audit readiness Provide regular commercial and contractual reporting to senior…