At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead multiple fire protection projects across Ireland and the UK, ensuring timely and budget-friendly delivery.
- Company: Join a growing specialist contractor in fire protection and coatings with a strong project pipeline.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company vehicle, travel expenses, and opportunities for career progression.
- Other info: Ideal for proactive leaders looking to grow in a niche industry.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in fire safety while advancing your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in contracts management and a strong background in construction delivery.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: Annacloy, County Down (Travel across Ireland and occasional UK travel required)
Salary: £50,000 - £65,000+ (DOE) + package (vehicle / expenses likely)
Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Our client is a specialist contractor operating within protective coatings, industrial painting, passive fire protection, and associated construction works. They deliver projects across industrial, commercial, and infrastructure environments, including fire protection systems such as intumescent coatings, fire doors, and fire stopping, all of which play a key role in slowing the spread of fire and protecting building structures. With a growing pipeline of work across Ireland and the UK, they are now seeking an experienced Contracts Manager to oversee multiple projects and support continued expansion.
Role Overview
The Contracts Manager will take full responsibility for the delivery of multiple projects, ensuring they are completed safely, on time, and within budget. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring strong commercial awareness, site coordination, and client-facing capability across specialist fire protection and construction works.
Key Responsibilities (but not limited to)
- Project & Contracts Management
- Manage multiple live contracts across Ireland (and occasionally the UK)
- Oversee project delivery from pre-start through to completion
- Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to specification
- Coordinate site teams, subcontractors, and suppliers
- Client & Stakeholder Management
- Act as the main point of contact for clients
- Attend site and progress meetings
- Maintain strong working relationships and manage expectations
- Commercial Oversight
- Work closely with QS team on cost control and variations
- Monitor project performance and profitability
- Approve valuations, variations, and final accounts input
- Technical Delivery
- Oversee works relating to: Passive fire protection (fire stopping, fire doors, intumescent coatings), Industrial painting / protective coatings, Small-scale building and civil works
- Ensure compliance with relevant fire safety and construction standards
- Health, Safety & Compliance
- Ensure all works are delivered in line with HSE regulations
- Maintain high standards of quality and compliance across all sites
Candidate Requirements
Essential
- Proven experience in a Contracts Manager / Senior Site Manager / Project Manager role
- Strong background in construction delivery across multiple projects
- Ability to manage programmes, costs, and teams effectively
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel
Highly Desirable
- Experience in fire doors / fire stopping / passive fire protection OR background in joinery, fit-out, or interiors (strong alternative)
- Experience managing subcontractors and specialist trades
Skills & Attributes
- Strong leadership and communication skills
- Commercially aware with a problem-solving mindset
- Organised, proactive, and able to manage multiple priorities
- Comfortable working in a growing, specialist contractor environment
What's on Offer
- £50k-£70k+ salary (flexible for the right person)
- Company vehicle / travel expenses
- Opportunity to join a growing specialist contractor with strong pipeline
- Exposure to niche and in-demand sectors (fire protection & coatings)
- Long-term progression into senior operational leadership
Contracts Manager (Fire Protection/Fit-Out) TLNT1_NI employer: Ashton Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Ashton Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts Manager (Fire Protection/Fit-Out) TLNT1_NI
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend relevant events, and join online forums. The more people you know in the fire protection and construction sectors, the better your chances of landing that Contracts Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your experience! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your past projects and how you managed them. Use specific examples that demonstrate your leadership and problem-solving skills in fire protection and fit-out.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like ours at StudySmarter, and express your interest in working with them. You never know when an opportunity might arise!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their approach to fire protection and construction works. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Contracts Manager (Fire Protection/Fit-Out) TLNT1_NI
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Contracts Manager role. Highlight your experience in fire protection, fit-out projects, and any relevant management roles. We want to see how your background aligns with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this position. Share specific examples of your project management success and how you’ve handled challenges in the past. Let us know why you’re excited about joining our team!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Contracts Manager, strong leadership is key. In your application, emphasise your ability to manage teams and coordinate with clients and subcontractors. We want to see how you’ve led projects to success and maintained high standards.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our growing team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ashton Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of fire protection systems, including intumescent coatings and fire doors. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just a manager but someone who understands the technical side of the projects you'll be overseeing.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams or managed multiple projects. Highlight how you coordinated site teams and maintained strong client relationships, as this role requires hands-on leadership and effective communication.
✨Understand the Commercial Side
Familiarise yourself with cost control and project profitability. Be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets in previous roles and how you approach variations and final accounts. This will demonstrate your commercial awareness, which is crucial for the Contracts Manager position.
✨Safety First
Since health and safety compliance is key in this role, be prepared to talk about your experience with HSE regulations. Share specific instances where you ensured high standards of safety and quality on-site, as this will show your commitment to delivering projects safely and effectively.