Operations Manager (Civil Engineering / Infrastructure)
Location: Portlaoise, Co. Laois
Salary: €115,000–€135,000+ (DOE)
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Benefits: Company car, 5% pension, healthcare, EAP, career progression, professional development support

About the Role
We are recruiting an Operations Manager for a leading Irish civil engineering and infrastructure contractor delivering large-scale projects nationwide (roads, utilities, groundworks, commercial and residential developments, public realm).

This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for operational delivery across Ireland. You will oversee project performance, resource management, safety, programme, and commercial outcomes.

This role is ideal for someone with a heavy civils background who has already managed multiple live projects and teams at senior level.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the operational delivery of all live projects, ensuring programme, budget, quality, and safety targets are met.
• Provide strategic direction to Project Managers, Site Managers, Engineers, and site teams.
• Oversee resource planning, labour and plant allocation, supply chain management, and subcontractor performance.
• Ensure all works are completed in line with Irish health, safety, environmental, and quality standards (HSA, ISO, CIF requirements).
• Drive performance in programme management, risk management, reporting, and continuous improvement.
• Work closely with the commercial team on tendering, programme buildability, contract management (Public Works Contracts / NEC), variations, and forecasting.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants, local authorities, and key stakeholders to ensure repeat business and protect reputation.
• Report operational performance, key risks, and progress updates to senior leadership.

What We’re Looking For

• Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) status with Engineers Ireland is desirable.
• 10+ years’ experience in civil engineering / infrastructure / construction.
• At least 5 years’ experience in a senior operations / contracts / delivery role in Ireland.
• Proven track record delivering heavy civil works (roads, utilities, drainage, groundworks, enabling works, public realm).
• Strong understanding of Irish regulatory standards, Public Works Contracts, NEC contracts, and local authority requirements.
• Strong leadership capability: able to manage multiple project teams and drive performance across several sites at once.
• Commercial awareness: comfortable with budgets, cost control, resourcing, procurement, and programme risk.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong focus on health & safety, quality, and delivery.

Package / Benefits

• Salary: €115,000–€135,000+ (depending on experience).
• Company car.
• 5% pension.
• Healthcare.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Career progression and long-term development opportunities.
• Professional development support, including further education and leadership development.
• Opportunity to take a senior operational role in a growing civil engineering business with a strong national pipeline.

How to Apply

Please apply with:

• Your up-to-date CV
• A brief summary of major civils / infrastructure projects you’ve managed in Ireland
• Your current notice period
• Your salary expectations