Associate Project Director

Mace combines construction expertise with consultancy to unlock potential in every person or project and redefine the boundaries of ambition. Our values shape the way we consult and define the people we want to join us on our journey.

The project\: A great opportunity for an associate director to join our established Ministry of Justice sector within Mace, which is currently experiencing an exciting and sustained period of growth. The existing team has a proven track record of successfully delivering a wide variety of projects of the highest quality across the MoJ prison portfolio. You will be working on one the largest Mace programme of works with an alliance framework contractor and established professional team. The projects incorporate the latest modern methods of construction and standardised processes.

As an associate director, you will be responsible for leading high performing teams in the successful delivery of one of our largest projects. HMP Welland Oaks is a new-build prison providing approximately 1,700 prisoner places in Q4 2028. This client-facing role is accountable for leading the Mace team throughout project delivery.

This role will provide end to end project management across the project lifecycle to meet defined time, cost, technical performance and quality requirements. You will be highly motivated, understand developing a project plan, identify any specialist requirements and lead an existing professional team to drive forward the clients’ strategy. You will be responsible for management of necessary project governance and assurance tools to fulfil our obligations. As associate director you will be responsible for leading in all aspects of delivery by building strong working relationships with clients and colleagues and supply chain members.

Please Note\: The role entails hybrid working with attendance on site at least 3 days a week and working from home or the regional office as required.

You’ll be responsible for:

• Support in establishing effective project controls, governance, and processes to manage the project.
• Working with the client and key stakeholders to drive the master project schedule, holding the team to account on key deliverables, reporting upon risk and early warnings to advise the client of key decisions or items of escalation.
• Preparation of funding requirements/supporting business case development for client approval prior to execution of the works.
• Developing and managing effective communication and liaison with all relevant internal and external stakeholders to ensure that requirements are identified, assessed, and appropriately integrated into the project.
• Working with a team that strives for quality, safety, cost and schedule improvements at every opportunity with all delivery partners, challenging and seeking to improve the project deliverables.
• Coordinating, planning and managing internal and external meetings in relation to the project, facilitating information exchange and clarifications.
• Preparing various project health reports, ability to communicate both up and downstream presenting within project team, and client organisation.
• Effective change management, to manage scope and costs creep, reporting of early warning, and overall financial performance of a project for both Mace and the client.
• Providing input into client systems including health, safety and wellbeing, project risk assessment and management process to mitigate risk for safe working regimes.
• Monitoring key performance management techniques to drive value to the client, capturing knowledge, lessons learned and sharing within the Mace organisation.

You’ll need to have:

• Membership of RICS, CIOB, APM, ICE or equivalent demonstrable professional or personal development.
• Substantial experience in the successful delivery phase of projects and programmes in the public sector. Previous prison delivery experience is preferred.
• Property or infrastructure project management expertise.
• Commercial and financial acumen.
• Experience of leading parts of projects within large, diverse teams.
• Experience of developing and forming relationships with senior stakeholders.
• Knowledge of how carbon and sustainability considerations will shape the outlook of the projects you are working on.
• Experience in contract administration duties and have experience managing projects using various standard forms of contract including but not limited to\: NEC4.
• Passionate, client focused individual and can build lasting client relationships and work well as part of a team.
• Open to mobility within the UK as required.

Our values

Safety first - Going home safe and well\: We champion a safe, diverse and inclusive working environment, understanding the importance of wellbeing in every team.

Client focus - Deliver on our promise\: We own the quality of deliverables, strategic outcomes and build long term relationships with our clients.

Integrity - Always do the right thing\: We influence positive outcomes within our industry, while always aligning with our compliance obligations.

Create opportunity - For our people to excel\: We champion a continuous improvement culture throughout all activities, inspiring our people and teams to develop. 

Mace is an inclusive employer and welcomes interest from a diverse range of candidates. Even if you feel you do not fulfil all 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 with-in the role.

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