At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic projects in the cement industry, ensuring successful delivery and stakeholder collaboration.
- Company: Join Irish Cement, a leader in sustainable cement production with over 85 years of experience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for travel and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of cement production while working on innovative projects across the UK and Ireland.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in the cement industry with strong project management and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 68231 £ per year.
Job Details
Country: Ireland Req ID: 526305 Job Type: Full Time Workplace Type: Onsite Seniority Level: Director
About Irish Cement
Irish Cement Limited is a fully owned subsidiary of CRH plc and has manufactured cement in Ireland for over 85 years.
It operates two cement‑manufacturing facilities, one situated in Platin, approximately 5 km from Drogheda, Co.
Louth, and a second in Castlemungret, Co.
Limerick.
Production uses advanced, energy‑efficient technology to deliver high‑quality cements to the highest Irish and International standards.
Position Overview
The UK & Ireland cement business requires a centralised, highly skilled technical support and monitoring function to ensure that strategic projects are developed and delivered successfully.
Working collaboratively with business stakeholders and CRH Group support functions – including Procurement, Legal and Group Technical Services – this role has end‑to‑end, overarching responsibility for the governance and delivery of key development projects across the business.
Key responsibilities include shaping and prioritising the strategic development portfolio, leading the UK & Ireland central strategic projects team to manage the design, approval and development of projects, and establishing effective interfaces with equipment designers, manufacturers, research and technical advisory providers, and contractors.
- Key Tasks and Responsibilities
- Coordinate and manage internal stakeholders (Business and Group Functions – Technical, Legal, Procurement, Finance, etc.) and external stakeholders (OEMs, designers, consultants and contractors) through the project lifecycle.
- Early and proactive identification, assessment, management and mitigation of risk during all phases of the project.
- Develop robust technical specifications and employer requirements documentation specific to each project, in collaboration with Group functions such as Legal, Procurement and Insurance.
- Develop appropriate contract strategy (EPC, EP+C, Package, etc.) and documentation for each project in collaboration with the GTS contract manager and business legal advisors.
- Deploy analytical and commercial skills to develop the final detailed study including project scope, budget, program, delivery strategy, organisation, hiring program and risk analysis and mitigation.
- Support the successful development of the project pipeline in accordance with safety, quality, budget and program objectives, including commissioning and handover to the Op Cos.
- Oversee interfaces and impacts with other parallel projects and existing facilities.
- Define and implement a clear and effective communication and reporting plan.
- Support the commercial close‑out of contracts, including dispute resolution where required.
- Key Characteristics
- Strong track record in major project delivery in the cement industry (or other relevant industrial sectors) across all phases of the project lifecycle.
- Strong understanding of cement and concrete production processes, raw materials, equipment and cement/concrete products, and awareness of current and future technical challenges to the sector.
- Operational exposure and knowledge of the broader business and commercial environment to enable effective collaboration with senior stakeholders.
- Highly strategic mindset with proven ability to assess risk across multiple dimensions and develop pathways to success in complex, multi‑cultural environments.
- 10+ years of people management experience, including interpreting strategy and policy to set and deliver objectives within medium to long‑term time frames.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence multiple internal and external stakeholders at executive and operational levels, including on a global level.
- Strong written communication skills, capable of presenting complex technical and commercial concepts clearly and concisely.
- Able to handle a range of work‑streams simultaneously, without compromising quality or governance.
- Highly organised, detail‑orientated and results‑driven, with a strong bias for delivery and accountability.
- Appetite for continual professional development, particularly in the contract / legal domain.
- Available to travel regularly across UK & Ireland and internationally as required.
- Functional Competencies
- Shape our future
- Drive our impact
- Inspire our people
- Lead our industry
- Delivering at scale
- Broadening perspective
- Excellence in project management skills
- Organised
- Strong communication skills
Experience & Education
- A degree in Engineering with at least 15 years’ experience in the cement industry, primarily within the engineering domain.
- Master’s degree level an advantage.
- Experience of managing multiple large‑scale projects simultaneously.
- Contract law training an advantage.
- Complementary financial / business qualifications an advantage.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Portfolio Director- UK & Ireland Cement & Lime
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like CRH, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Project Portfolio Director- UK & Ireland Cement & Lime at CRH.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Portfolio Director- UK & Ireland Cement & Lime
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at CRH
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
