Operations Director - Programme Management

At Mace, our purpose is to redefine the boundaries of ambition. We believe in creating places that are responsible, bringing transformative impact to our people, communities and societies across the globe. To learn more about our purpose, culture, and priorities, visit our strategy site.

Within our consult business, we harness our unique combination of leading-edge practical expertise and project delivery consultancy to unlock the potential in every project.

The project:
Leads the implementation and delivery of a comprehensive range of PMO and Project Controls Services to support commissions and provide line management leadership and guidance for others disciplines within the PMO and Planning Centre of Excellence and the wider business (e.g. other Hubs, international business and other Centres of Excellence) as required.

Our values shape the way we consult, and define the people we want to join us on our journey:

Safety first - Going home safe and well:

• You will be a leading advocate of Mace's value of Safety First, and be accountable for leading and maintaining exceptional safety, quality, cost, programme, sustainability and project compliance standards.


• You will possess advanced technical expertise in local Health and Safety rules and regulations relevant to project portfolio.


• You will champion a diverse and inclusive working environment, and understand the importance of the wellbeing of the people you manage.


Client focus - Deliver on our promise:

• You will lead the delivery of key assignments and defined business areas, providing strategic direction and monitoring delivery aligned with overall vision and objectives.


• You will be the relationship owner and primary contact for Mace executive team engagement, and responsible for ensuring efficient governance to achieve our strategic priorities.


• You will be responsible for key client relationship management, including generating live prospects and leads.


• Accountable for the PMO and Project Controls Services performance on assigned commission/s.


• Creates/designs effective PMO and Project Controls framework/strategy/s.


• Manages and directs Clients, consultants, contractors, project team on all PMO and Project Controls management matters.


• Is a trusted advisor to and builds strong professional relationships with Client organisations.


• Acts as the PMO and Project Controls Subject Matter Expert on assigned project/s,/programme/portfolio/s.


• Leads and directs the Project team in the administration of the PMO and Project Controls process, particularly with respect to the cost, schedule, change, risk and reporting to achieve key objectives and the escalation of performance and management issues.


• Leads and directs periodic reporting and structured governance and performance meetings.


• Leads and directs the developing and managing the Baseline (scope, time, cost, risk, assumptions) and the subsequent delivery performance, change and contingency monitoring including the delivery of Quantitative Risk Analysis (cost and time).


• Ensures all activities/operations are carried out in line with Mace Control Centre, Client requirements and prevailing legislation.


• Provides line management to more junior PMO and Project Controls resources and other Project/Programme staff as required.


• Utilises expertise to mentor and assist the personal and career development of junior members of the PMO and Project Control team.


• Innovates and aligns with industry best practice to ensure continued service excellence.


• Leads the delivery of a high performing PMO and Project Control team on the assigned commission.


• Supports the Hub PMO and Project Control Director with resourcing and recruitment for the assigned commission.


• Works collaboratively towards the common goal of net zero carbon transition, and share responsibility for the proactive identification and management of the associated carbon emissions and reductions during the delivery of work.


Integrity - Always do the right thing:

• You will have full budgetary oversight and ensure operations are fiscally and ethically viable, and meet organisational and legislative compliance obligations.


• You will directly influence long term development of strategy for a function or Business Unit (BU), creating a sustainable business future.


• You will commit to making a positive impact for our people, our clients, and our planet, and take ownership for holding others to account who do not uphold the Mace values.


Create opportunity for our people to excel:

• You will mentor, coach, and develop your project team and provide an environment to share knowledge and experience.


• You will actively network, innovate, and seek understanding of best practice, utilising the full depth of knowledge of Mace Group, the Centres of Excellence, Mace Way Control Centre and Knowledge Hub.


• You will use your network to identify talent, lead recruitment, and manage the development, retention and mobility of people, and support our people to achieve their highest potential., Leads others effectively, gives clear direction, coaches and supports others to reach their full potential.


• Mentors and develops the programme team and others in the business; provides a safe work environment to learn and mature, sharing knowledge and experience.


• Adapts and reacts well to changing priorities and requirements.


• Demonstrates a growth mindset and explores innovative approaches, in pursuit of a better way.


• Embraces new technology and helps others to adapt.


• Takes responsibility for their actions, leads by example and acts in an ethical, legal and responsible way.
  
  Proven experience and track-record for delivering major programmes.


• Advanced technical understanding of programme management practices, controls, programme governance and programme procedures.


• Full budgetary oversight (external programme budget and internal fee budget)


• Advanced risk & opportunity management/practitioner.


• Exceptional problem solving and analytical skills across estimating, scheduling, procurement, contract administration, financial controls and reporting, across the project lifecycle.


• Contract literate to a good standard.


• Performance management to ensure a high performance culture is maintained.Acting as the public face of the programme to external stakeholders.


• Advanced competency and understanding of current Health Safety Executive (HSE) (or local equivalent) regulations.


• Relevant and commensurate technical, leadership and management qualifications.


• Established and effective industry/sector wide network of clients, consultants and contractors.


• Advanced knowledge of consultancy/construction, infrastructure and property sectors.


• Proven innovator with a track-record of creating and implementing high-value innovations and better approaches / ways of working.


• Highly regarded across the relevant sector/market and operating at the highest level of compliance. Highly effective communicator/presenter and ability to interface with senior government officials and other senior stakeholders with significant gravitas.


• Ability to capture the audience and clearly transmit the position/message.


• Excellent interpersonal skills to manage relationships with key stakeholders.


• Effective appraisal/analytical skills to support skilled negotiations, problem solving, or conflict resolution.


• Develops and maintains excellent professional working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.


• Growth mindset that promotes curiosity, high quality contribution and team collaboration.


• Encourages sharing of best practice and lessons learnt between teams.


• Encourages awareness of colleagues from different technical, social and cultural backgrounds.


• Leads, inspires, motivates and encourages a high performing team environment., Competencies include: Accountability, Big Picture Thinking, Clarity in Communication, Influencing and negotiation skills, Customer Driven, Focus, Judgement, Interpersonal Ability, Analytical Thinking & Problem Solving, Decision Making.


• Celebrates the small wins and the major milestones - making colleagues feel proud and bolstering morale.


• Extensive sector and/or market -specific experience, knowledge and contacts.


• Extensive experience in successful delivery of major programmes, through all phases.


• Leadership and management experience and capability to lead a large team.


• Tertiary qualifications in related (project management and/or construction related discipline), non-related degree or equivalent professional experience / apprenticeship, combined with a demonstrable level of role knowledge, (or equivalent).


• Appropriate Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card (or global equivalent).


• MAPM/MRICS/MICE.


• Member Chartered Institute of Buildings.


• Membership of Association of Project Management.


• Member of Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.


• Member of Institute of Civil Engineers.


You'll also have:

• Industry body practitioner/contributor/mentor e.g. RICS, CIOB, ICE, APM, MSP.


• Contract literate to a good standard.


• Involves suppliers and key players in their business area, in improving core processes.


• Sets new standards of health, safety and wellbeing in their business area., Links personal and team development for the benefit of the business.


• Membership of RICS, CIOB, APM, ICE or equivalent demonstrable professional or personal development.


• Extensive experience in the successful delivery phase of projects and programmes in the xxx sector.


• Deep property or infrastructure project management expertise.


• Strong commercial and financial acumen.


• Leadership and management experience of large, diverse teams.


• Experience of managing relationships with key senior stakeholders.


• Knowledge of how carbon and sustainability considerations will shape the outlook of the projects you are working on.
  
  Mace is an inclusive employer and welcomes interest from a diverse range of candidates. Even if you feel you do not fulfil all of the criteria, please apply as you may still be the best candidate for this role or another role within our organisation.


We are also open to discussing part-time, flexible, and hybrid working options if suitable within the role.
#LI-Onsite


• Utilises personal and industry network competencies to promote, support and drive Construction to Production, Digital & Data and low carbon innovations.


• Has spent time in both a Consultancy and a Construction environment.


• Uses enthusiasm to focus team on achieving improved programme performance.


• Encourages sharing of best practice and lessons learnt between teams.


• Encourages awareness of colleagues from different technical, social and cultural backgrounds.


• Uses language and approach which appeals to a range of people.


• Builds enduring relationships with colleagues and clients within and outside of Mace.


• Regularly brings people together to resolve conflict and find a lasting solution.


• Coaches and mentors, a range of people across the business.