Why not work in… Dublin?
Tim Cook, Managing Director of Hays Construction & Property, reports on the latest employment trends in Dublin.
What’s going on?
The majority of work currently being undertaken in Dublin is in the Docklands area of the city. There are a number of multi-million mixed-use developments under construction, with many of them commencing around two years ago and costing in excess of £100 million each.
Projects are numerous and include Longboat Quay, Gallery Quay, the Steel Works and Crosbie’s Yard. Crosbie’s Yard, designed by Scott Tallon Walker, is the latest mixed-use canal side development beside the multi-million Spencer Dock residential development.
We have supplied a substantial number of candidates for these projects, including hundreds of construction operatives through our specialist Trades & Labour division and are currently looking for an experienced project manager to look after an €80 million hotel and apartment development in the city.
Government spending across Ireland continues to promote growth in the civil engineering sector. Plus, there are no signs of housing development throughout the city slowing down.
Top three roles in the area
Quantity Surveyors at all levels are in huge demand due to the lack of graduates entering the market every year. QS graduates in Dublin tend to go onto further education, travel or work in the UK. For example, last year’s graduate class from a respected construction college meant only 4 more graduates on the market, from a possible 40!
Contracts Managers are highly sought after. There is a significant gap in employees with experience and employers are beginning to realise that they need to readdress this. They are increasingly looking to retrain site managers to take on a contract management role and it is now not unusual for a contracts manager coming from project management / PQS firms to cross over to the main contractor field and visa versa.
Project Managers are in demand due to the skills shortage and contractors are always looking for suitably experienced employees with exceptional communication skills. Again, employers are addressing the shortage by fast-tracking the career of established site managers and senior engineers.
How much would I get paid?
Recent appointments have included:
- A senior contracts manager with at least 15 years' experience. The chosen candidate had both UK and Irish experience working with well-established main contractors and possessed a qualification in construction management. Salary: €100,000 plus bonus, healthcare, pension and company car
- A senior quantity surveyor with over 10 years' experience. The chosen candidate was degree qualified and chartered and was returning to work after travelling.Salary: €90,000 plus bonus, healthcare, pension and company car
How far would my salary go?
- Pint of Guinness in Temple Bar: €5.20 (£3.54)
- Ticket for All Ireland senior hurling final at Croke Park: €60 (£41)
- Ticket to a play at the Abbey theatre (founded by WB Yeats): €15-30 (£10-20)
Contact
For further information on employment opportunities in Dublin, contact Allan Daly, National Sales Manager of Hays Construction & Property, on 00353 1 6787658.
