Project Manager - Pre-Construction

Overview

At Sisk, we create places and infrastructure that shape how people live, work and connect – now and for future generations. As a family‑owned, international construction and engineering group, we offer meaningful careers across building, infrastructure, rail, energy and off‑site manufacturing throughout Ireland, the UK and Europe, where people are supported to grow, make an impact and be part of positive change.

The Project Manager - Pre-Construction will lead the technical and delivery strategy on major infrastructure bids from early engagement through to contract award. This role is central to work winning across Sisk Infrastructure, ensuring that bids are technically robust, deliverable, commercially aligned and reflective of Sisk’s capability across complex civil and rail projects. Operating at a senior level across engineering, commercial and planning functions, this position requires a strong leader who can coordinate multidisciplinary teams and drive high-quality tender submissions in competitive Tier 1 environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead pre‑construction activities across major infrastructure bids, from early contractor involvement through to final submission
• Take ownership of bid coordination, driving alignment across engineering, commercial, planning and operational teams
• Develop robust and innovative construction methodologies that demonstrate safe, efficient and programme-aligned delivery
• Provide technical leadership in the preparation of tender submissions, ensuring buildability, sequencing and delivery strategy are fully developed
• Work closely with design teams to manage design development at pre‑construction stage, ensuring integration across disciplines and identifying gaps early
• Drive the development of detailed construction programmes, including phasing, interfaces, logistics and constraints management
• Identify, manage and mitigate technical, programme and construction risks within tenders, ensuring clear strategies are presented
• Contribute to pricing strategy by challenging design solutions, identifying efficiencies and supporting commercial decision making
• Lead value engineering workshops to optimise design, cost and programme outcomes without compromising quality or compliance
• Engage with supply chain partners to develop coordinated, competitive and technically sound proposals
• Support senior stakeholders in bid governance, including internal reviews, approvals and presentation to executive teams
• Contribute to client engagement, including technical clarifications, interviews and presentations where required
• Ensure all tender submissions meet Sisk quality standards, governance requirements and client specifications
• Support the transition from pre‑construction to delivery teams, ensuring key assumptions, risks and methodologies are clearly communicated
• Mentor and support pre‑construction engineers and coordinators, building capability within the team

Experience

• Degree qualified in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering or a related discipline
• Chartered Engineer status or working towards chartership with Engineers Ireland, ICE or equivalent
• Formal training or experience in planning, programme development and construction methodology
• Strong understanding of construction contracts such as NEC or FIDIC
• Solid understanding of health, safety and quality standards within infrastructure projects
• Experience with planning tools such as Primavera P6 or similar

Qualifications

• Extensive experience within a Tier 1 contractor environment, with a strong focus on pre‑construction, bid management or major project delivery
• Proven track record working on large, complex infrastructure projects, ideally including rail, metro or heavy civils
• Experience leading or coordinating major bids, including ownership of methodology, programme and technical submission elements
• Strong understanding of buildability, logistics and delivery strategy within constrained and high-risk environments
• Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams across engineering, commercial, planning and operations
• Experience managing design development at pre‑construction stage, including coordination across multiple stakeholders
• Exposure to complex engineering challenges such as ground conditions, temporary works, structural interfaces or rail systems
• Experience engaging with clients and managing technical queries, clarifications and presentations
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders and drive decisions
• Ability to operate at pace under tender timelines while maintaining high-quality outputs
• Strong communication skills, able to clearly articulate technical solutions and strategy
• Experience transitioning projects from pre‑construction into delivery, with a clear understanding of how early decisions impact execution

Additional Information

What We OfferAt Sisk, your rewards package goes far beyond your salary. Our most valued benefits include:

• Competitive salary 
• 26 days annual leave
• Pension scheme 
• Comprehensive health, wellbeing and lifestyle supports
• Career development opportunities
• And much more as part of our Total Rewards programme

Our People & Recruitment CommitmentAt Sisk, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer the opportunity to work with purpose, grow a career without limits and be part of a supportive, collaborative team.

All vacancies are managed directly by our Internal Recruitment Team. Unsolicited CVs or speculative contact from unapproved agencies are not accepted, and no fees will be payable.

Equity, Inclusion & AccessibilityWe are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion, family status or any other protected characteristic. We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to support all candidates.

Encouraging All Talent to ApplyWe understand that the confidence gap or imposter syndrome can discourage great people from applying. Even if you don’t meet every requirement, we encourage you to express your interest — your skills, experience and potential are what matter.

Compliance & TransparencyAll recruitment materials are designed to meet or exceed legal and regulatory requirements, including the Irish and UK Equality Acts and the EU Pay Transparency Directive, ensuring fairness, transparency and equal access for every applicant.

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