General Foreman

About the role

Sisk is a family-owned international construction and engineering business delivering buildings and infrastructure that support how communities live, work and connect, now and for the years ahead. The organisation operates across Ireland, the UK and Europe in areas such as building, infrastructure, rail, energy and off-site manufacturing, offering long-term careers where people can develop, contribute meaningfully and help drive positive change.

The General Foreman reports to the Contracts Manager and works in close partnership with the Quantity Surveyor. This role carries responsibility for leading the on-site programme with a focus on delivery, workmanship and safety. It also involves ensuring that sufficient labour, plant, materials and subcontractor resources are in place to meet contract requirements and align with company policies.

Key responsibilities

• Plan, establish and track key project stage schedules.
• Set up the site and keep security arrangements in order, including site huts, hoardings and signboards so the location remains neat and professional.
• Take control of the site and organise the sequencing of trade activities.
• Arrange temporary utility and service connections as required.
• Read and interpret drawings and specifications, then pass clear instructions to site staff, subcontractors and suppliers.
• Make sure suitable method statements and risk assessments are completed for high-risk tasks.
• Follow up on missing information from the professional team and confirm all verbal directions in writing.
• Support the team in securing approvals needed to keep the project moving without risk, such as hoarding licences.
• Assess buildability and, where possible, identify construction methods that improve commercial or programme outcomes.
• Work with the Environmental Co-ordinator to apply environmental controls and support the objectives in the HSE plan for civils works.
• Attend site, subcontract and internal meetings, and maintain/distribute meeting notes and agreed action items.

Requirements

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage confidently and appropriately with colleagues, clients and third parties in both formal and informal settings.
• The ability to adapt communication style to suit different audiences.
• A proven background of at least ten years in a construction management environment with a similar national or regional contractor.
• Strong analytical capability.
• Excellent organisation, time management and proactive planning skills.
• First Aid at Work certification.
• IOSH training or an equivalent health and safety management qualification.
• Knowledge of temporary works and excavation safety.
• Understanding of permit requirements for live energy works, working alongside site and safety management.
• Competence in working at heights and scaffolding safety.
• Experience with lifting and crane operations.
• Any other HSEQS training required under the site HSE plan.

What we offer

• Competitive pay.
• 26 days of annual leave.
• Pension scheme.
• Health, wellbeing and lifestyle support.
• Career development opportunities.
• Additional benefits through the Total Rewards programme.

Recruitment, equality and compliance

All vacancies are handled directly by the internal recruitment team. Unsolicited CVs and speculative approaches from unapproved agencies are not accepted, and no fees will be paid.

The company is committed to equal opportunity and welcomes applicants from all qualified backgrounds, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion, family status or other protected characteristics. Reasonable adjustments can be provided throughout the hiring process.

Applicants are encouraged to apply even if they do not meet every requirement, as skills, experience and potential are valued highly.

Recruitment materials are prepared to meet or exceed relevant legal and regulatory standards, including the Irish and UK Equality Acts and the EU Pay Transparency Directive, to support fairness, transparency and equal access for all candidates.