Construction Operations Director

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 of every project.

The project:

A major London based infrastructure programme is being mobilised to deliver the capacity and capability required to meet growing demand, in line with a commitment to a long-term sustainable future. The objectives of the programme are to progress the delivery of additional capacity to accommodate long-term demand growth in line with decarbonisation goals, create resilient assets and optimise operations against the backdrop of a live operating asset. This is a significant infrastructure programme for a prestigious and ambitious client, offering significant potential for professional growth over the duration of the programme.

Responsible for the Construction delivery on a large single project or multiple smaller projects, providing strategic leadership to potentially multiple project Senior Leadership Teams (SLTs). Responsible for the teams delivering agreed safety, quality, programme and budget commitments. Accountable to Business Unit (BU) leadership/board for all project/s within their remit, delivering internal objectives and key performance indicators (KPI's) and commercial results.

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

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 and converting the client's vision into a deliverable onsite plan.
• Manages SLTs, driving the appropriate behaviours to achieve success and KPIs, including a continuous improvement culture.
• Sets the example for Leadership and Ownership to their direct reports, offering a route to Mentorship to those both within the Team and beyond.
• Responsible for site works meeting the Project delivery programme. Creates the long /mid/short terms plans (with Planning colleagues) required.
• Leads and establishes promotion of health, safety and wellbeing plan and culture onsite, both internally and externally.
• Provides expert technical advice and leadership support to Delivery Team, creates culture of ownership, promoting roles and responsibilities.
• Builds and maintains positive relationship with client/s.
• Partners with multiple internal and external stakeholders, working in collaboration to implement strategy and programmes.
• Provides expert knowledge of HSW standards, communicating these to delivery team and trade/subcontractors.
• Delivers continuous improvements in processes through application of best practices and lessons learned. Drives transformational change.
• Manages, influences & negotiates with key senior stakeholders (c-suite & board) on matters of strategic importance.
• Conversion of the client's vision into a deliverable plan that includes and exploits the full benefits of Construction to Production (C2P), net zero carbon, and digital & data innovation.
• Responsible for improving performance from bid baseline through optimisation of resources, monitors, reviews and evaluates activities, systems and methodologies.
• Relationship owner and primary contact for executive team engagement. Responsible for ensuring efficient governance to support project activities, gains organisational support and commitment, ensures the achievement of strategic priorities.
• Creates and nurtures a high-performing and inclusive team environment that encourages contribution and recognition.
• Engenders, promotes and influences quality and Service Excellence in all conversations and project interactions.
• Ensures operations are fiscally and ethically viable, influencing the achievement of business objectives and meeting organisational and legislative compliance obligations.
• 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 provide expert technical advice and leadership support to delivery teams, creating a culture of ownership, promoting roles and responsibilities.

You'll need to have:

• Detailed knowledge of Construction, and specific methods involved in Project, and relevant safety critical items.
• Detailed knowledge of digital platforms and leading voice in using them.
• Detailed knowledge of legislation, regulations, Standards and leads implementation of them.
• Proven experience in construction management, managing small to medium sized projects.
• Developed communication, presentation and project planning and development skills.
• Developed budgetary oversight expertise.
• Financial/Legal knowledge, specific to their remit.
• Sets the bar for site standards and building a culture to meet and exceed Mace and Contract standards.
• Open, approachable, with strong empathetic communication skills.
• Aware of industry technological advances and looks to implement for efficiencies
• Well regarded across the relevant sector/market and operating at the highest level of compliance.
• Offering a clear leadership perspective on all Site operations, looking to challenge existing working methods to find improvements.
• Owns the delivery team structure, ensuring each member of the team knows their role and responsibilities.
• Strong communication and presentation skills. Able to distil the message and proposal required.
• Develops and maintains excellent professional working. relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Including the relevant Centre of Excellence.
• Growth mindset that promotes curiosity, high quality contribution and team collaboration.
• Ability to manage Profit/Loss.
• Understands the Leadership role, their influence and responsibility onsite.
• Open and approachable, able to adapt
• Ability to lead under extreme pressure, clarifying what is critical and when, and delivering the plan required.
• Knows how to influence and get the best out of the whole team.
• Champions and operates within an inclusive environment.
• Adapts and reacts well to changing priorities and requirements.
• Recognises and activity pursues the collective power of diverse and inclusive teams. Champions inclusivity.
• Completed Apprenticeship (or equivalent).
• Relevant Degree, NVQ or HNC (or equivalent).
• Minimum 5 years' experience in a site-based Leadership role (or equivalent).
• SMSTS and Managerial/Professional CSCS card. (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) (Construction Skills Certification Scheme)

You'll also have:

• Excellent understanding of Safety, Quality, Programme (inc Critical Path thinking) and Commissioning Strategy.
• Detailed understanding of MEP systems, and their integration into the Build.
• Contract literate to a good standard.
• External, recognised accreditation (CIOB etc) Chartered Institute of Building (or equivalent).
• Has spent time in both a Consultancy and Construction environment (or equivalent).
• Understand and leads on BU, Engine and Corporate strategy at
• Project level.
• Excellent time management.
• Measures and improves BU performance.
• Looks to strategy and long-term BU/Group goals.
• Aware of own workstyle and commitment to ongoing development via professional feedback and seeks out external training/mentorship
• offers mentoring to others.
• CSCS Card.
• Recognised Construction Training/Qualification (or equivalent).
• MCIOB / MAPM / MRICS / MICE (or working towards) (or equivalent)
• Member Chartered Institute of Building (MCIOB).
• Membership Association for Project Management (MAPM).
• Member Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS).
• Member Institution of Civil Engineers (MICE).
• Membership of MCIOB / MAPM / MRICS / MICE or equivalent demonstrable professional or personal development.
• Extensive experience in the successful delivery phase of projects and programmes in the infrastructure sector.
• Deep construction 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.
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