"Half a Million - Or I'm Not Interested"
"Unless it's half a million, I'm not interested."
That's what a Commercial Director recently told me.
My immediate thought was, "They must be based overseas."
Not quite.
This candidate lives in Ireland and commutes to projects across Europe, earning over €300,000—roughly AUD $500,000.
Having recruited in Australia and New Zealand since 2016, It was rare to see salaries that high for operational professionals.
While such figures are more common in Executive roles, even then they're scarce.
I'd consider a Commercial Director comparable to a Preconstruction Manager, Project Director, or Program Director.
And while some Australian projects might offer this level of remuneration on major projects, it's exceptionally unusual.
That's why this conversation stopped me in my tracks.
Living in Wicklow, earning a fortune, jetting around Europe, enjoying café con leches, and pocketing €30,000 a month!
Schtoppp!!!
And this isn't an isolated case.
Just last month, I spoke with a Director of Estimating for a major contractor earning just shy of €400,000—that's over AUD $600,000! .
$600 bricks.
We’re starting to talk Championship
level footballer here.
Or maybe, mid level NRL Player!
In fact, according to SportsBoom
"The average NRL player salary was around $371,000 per year as of 2023. However, salaries vary widely based on factors like experience, skill, and market demand."
Similar to construction then....
Thousands of people move from Ireland to Australia every month.
But what many don't realize is that this talent drain creates incredible opportunities for those who stay in Ireland or return.
An analysis of the Irish construction market reveals a major trend: candidates with overseas experience are highly sought after, especially Irish or UK professionals with full working rights.
That international experience becomes the cherry on top for institutional clients like Amazon and Microsoft.
Ireland occupies a unique global position.
With a highly regarded workforce, major tax incentives for corporations, and plenty of work available, the opportunities are there for those shrewd enough to seize them.
Yes, the weather might be shite.
But the craic is gas.
And with such close proximity to Europe, big projects, and big salaries, is it something you could get over?
Mick Donaghy
Mick Donaghy is the Founder of GEDON Executive Recruitment, an International Search Firm for the PreControl Construction Sector. He writes about Recruitment, Entrepreneurship and Construction here and Presents a Podcast called "The Take Off".
To find out more visit https://www.gedonexecutive.com/.
