Senior Project Manager - Aviation

Company Description

At Turner & Townsend we’re passionate about making the difference. That means delivering better outcomes for our clients, helping our people to realize their potential, and doing our part to create a prosperous society.

Every day we help our major global clients deliver ambitious and highly technical projects, in over 130 countries worldwide.

Our team is dynamic, innovative, and client-focused, supported by an inclusive and fun company culture. Our clients value our proactive approach, depth of expertise, integrity and the quality we deliver. As a result, our people get to enjoy working on some of the most exciting projects in the world. 

Job Description

The Senior Project Manager (SPM) will act as the Contracting Entity’s senior representative, providing strategic leadership and governance for the delivery of complex, high-value infrastructure projects within a live aviation environment. This role ensures projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and to specification, while maintaining compliance with governance frameworks and stakeholder requirements. The SPM will champion best practice in integrated project delivery, operational readiness (ORAT), and stakeholder engagement, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives and operational continuity.

Governance & Compliance:

• Establish and maintain robust governance structures for project delivery, ensuring adherence to corporate policies, regulatory requirements, and Dublin Airport Authority (daa) standards.
• Present at governance boards and change control meetings, ensuring transparent decision-making and compliance with contractual obligations to align requirements and outcomes with delivery programme to align with stakeholder objectives.
• Implement performance management frameworks, reporting on KPIs, financials, and risk mitigation strategies to senior leadership.
• Ensure compliance with NEC, and other relevant bespoke contract forms, managing compensation events and change control processes

Programme Delivery Leadership:

• Oversee the delivery of multiple concurrent projects within the Dublin Airport capital programme, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
• Lead the development and implementation of Project Execution Plans, embedding innovative and sustainable approaches (e.g., reducing embodied carbon).
• Drive operational readiness and handover processes (ORAT), ensuring smooth transition into live operations.
• Apply phased construction methodologies to minimise disruption in live operational environments and mitigate risk.
• Support and develop programming to provide clarity and aid delivery in terms of stakeholder buy in, contractor delivery and upstream reporting including PMO.
• Foster a culture of collaboration throughout the IDP.
• Lead by example to raise the standards of Health and Safety, Sustainability and Quality across the commission

Stakeholder Management: 

• Develop and execute a stakeholder engagement plan, managing relationships across daa for Terminals. Campus, Airfield operations, security, ground handling, fuel suppliers, and regulatory bodies.
• Facilitate collaboration with integrated delivery teams, design consultants, and contractors to ensure seamless coordination across interfaces.
• Represent at executive-level meetings, providing clear communication on project progress, risks, and strategic decisions.

Team Leadership:

• Build and mentor a high-performing team of Senior Project Managers and Project Managers, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.
• Provide technical, contractual, and performance guidance, ensuring consistent application of best practice methodologies.
• Develop resourcing strategies to meet programme demands and optimise delivery efficiency.

Commercial & Contract Management:

• Act as or work in collaboration with the designated Project Manager under NEC contracts, ensuring compliance with contractual duties and obligations.
• Negotiate with suppliers and contractors to optimise commercial outcomes and mitigate financial risk.
• Manage procurement aligned with E-tender thresholds and controls, ensuring cost certainty and contract fixity.

Scope & Contract Management:

• Draft and review scope of works and specifications via document control platforms.
• Manage contract administration and commercial aspects under NEC and its various options.
• Oversee contract management processes, ensuring compliance with governance and change control.
• Lead commercial and programme management activities to maintain cost certainty and schedule integrity.
• Ensure accurate documentation and approvals through established document control systems.

Qualifications

Experience:

• Minimum 20–30 years in construction/infrastructure delivery, with significant experience in aviation and complex live operational environments.
• Proven track record in leading large-scale capital programmes (up to €50-100M+), including stakeholder engagement at executive level.
• Expertise in governance, integrated project delivery, and phased construction within high-pressure settings.
• Experience with international projects and contract forms in particular NEC, as well as FIDIC, and other bespoke variants.
• Demonstrated ability to embed innovation and sustainability in project delivery (e.g., embodied carbon reduction strategies).

Technical Competencies:

• Stakeholder Engagement
• Integrated Project Delivery
• Corporate Governance
• ORAT & Handover
• Financial Analysis & Cost Control
• Phasing and Scheduling
• Performance Management
• Executive Communication
• Leadership Excellence

Systems & Tools:

• Project Management software i.e. Primavera P6, MS Project etc.. .
• Microsoft suite
• Project Controls Systems (ACC, Unifier, CEMAR)
• SMSTS competent, CSCS / Safe Pass compliant

Qualifications:

• Degree in Project Management, Construction Management, Engineering, or related discipline.
• Professional membership: MCIOB, MIEI, MAPM, MRICS (or equivalent).
• Certifications: i.e. PRINCE2 (or equivalent), SMSTS, CSCS (UK), Safe Pass (Ire)

Additional Information

What we offer:

• Full time, permanent
• Competitive remuneration and attractive range of benefits
• Pension
• Annual leave + 2 Company days & 1 volunteering day 
• Opportunity to work on impactful and innovative projects
• Career development opportunities both in Ireland and globally
• Opportunity to work with a diverse group of talented and collaborative colleagues

Our people share our Purpose and Values. Turner & Townsend provides a great place to work, where everyone can make change happen and influence a better world.

We champion our people to succeed in both work and life. To support this we promote a healthy, productive, and flexible working environment that respects work-life balance. 

Turner & Townsend is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We actively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.

Please find out more about us at www.turnerandtownsend.com/

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It is strictly against Turner & Townsend policy for candidates to pay any fee in relation to our recruitment process. No recruitment agency working with Turner & Townsend will ask candidates to pay a fee at any time. 

Any unsolicited resumes/CVs submitted through our website or to Turner & Townsend personal e-mail accounts, are considered property of Turner & Townsend and are not subject to payment of agency fees. In order to be an authorised Recruitment Agency/Search Firm for Turner & Townsend, there must be a formal written agreement in place and the agency must be invited, by the Recruitment Team, to submit candidates for review.