Senior Project Controls Manager

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 

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:  

Our client has adopted an ambitious Business Plan to DRIVE LASTING CHANGE, with a huge upward shift of Capital Investment (CAPEX) in the next investment period. A major component of this, is a ‘ringfenced’ new Programme where MACE will be the delivery partner for this programme over 5 years and circa £1Bn. As part of the delivery partner model, a PMO / Project Controls function will be stood up to solely support the control and monitoring of the programme, helping support a great outcome by adopting best practice programme management office learnings from parent organisation and the client's supply chain, a fantastic opportunity to bring your skills to a long term placement.

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 an 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 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 create and design effective implementations of PMO and project controls frameworks and strategies on assigned commissions. 

You will support best in class service delivery and effective engagement with wider industry and professional bodies to promote Mace. 

You will be developing your expertise in PMO and project controls, with a growing internal and external network (e.g. clients, contractors, consultancies and other stakeholders) 

Delivers support in all areas of PMO and project controls performance on assigned commissions.

Effective implementation of PMO and project controls framework)/strategy on assigned commissions.

Day-to-day management on assigned commissions on all PMO and project controls matters.

Delivers the implementation and delivery of a range of PMO and project controls services to designated projects within the PMO and planning centre of excellence.

Building strong professional relationships with client/client representatives.

Provides sound technical advice and support to project team in the administration of the PMO and project controls process, particularly with respect to the cost, schedule, change and risk to achievement of key objectives and the escalation of performance and management issues.

Contributes to the periodic reporting and structured governance and performance meetings.

Guides the development and management of the baseline (scope, time, cost, risk, assumptions) and subsequent delivery performance, change and contingency monitoring.

Monitors the development of project quantitative risk analysis (cost and time).

Collaborates with PMO director and/or project manager to address actions, recognise opportunities and mitigate risks and issues.

Guides activities/operations to ensure that are carried out in line with Mace control centre, client requirements and prevailing legislation.

Supports junior PMO and project controls resources and other project staff as required.

Collaborates in the integration of project controls with PMO and planning disciplines.

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 manage project teams in the administration of the PMO and project controls process, particularly with respect to the cost, schedule, change, risk and reporting. 

You will support senior PMO stakeholders in influencing 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 support 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 support the HUB PMO and project controls director with resourcing and recruitment for the assigned commission. 

You’ll need to have:

Experience of working on complex construction projects and major consultancy commissions.

Experience of delivering effective PMO and project controls services/ assurance frameworks/strategies.

Working knowledge of PMO and project controls tools, techniques and software (e.g. MS office and Power BI, Aconex, Primavera P6 and RiskHive).

Effective communication and engagement skills.

Effective networking skills.

Creating and delivering persuasive and engaging presentations to client/s. 

Understanding of construction/delivery lifecycle.

Working knowledge of PMO and project controls service delivery in one or more sectors (e.g. rail, highways, nuclear, public sector, hospitals).

Good interpersonal skills and ability to form effective working relationships.

Ability to collaborate with and influence others.

Proven ability to articulate complex information and ideas for a non-technical audience.

Attention to detail.

Mace Behaviours (Curious, Collaborators, Contributors, Champions) - good compliance and maturing behaviours as required.

Exhibits some commercial acumen at times.

Good communication and engagement skills.

Effective networking skills.

Ability to support the establishment of high performing teams.

Ability to manage challenging behaviours, relationships and still secure a positive outcome.

Resilient/robust in the face of challenging situations, clients, personalities.

Flexible, pragmatic, and adaptable but also knows when to fight their corner.

Up to 5yrs experience or equivalent supporting the delivery of a range of PMO and project controls services within the construction sector and/or management consultancy.

APM Planning and Project Controls (PPC) Foundation and Practitioner

You’ll also have:

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 infrastructure / utility 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. 

General awareness and some practical knowledge and application of data analytics, Power BI and other reporting suite tools.

Basic knowledge of risk tools, software (e.g. Primavera Risk Analyser, @risk, Active Risk Manager). 

Creating and delivering persuasive and engaging presentations to clients. 

Relevant university degree (e.g. construction, engineering) or equivalent.

Progress towards achievement of Chartered status (or equivalent) and/or membership of professional a relevant professional institution e.g. Association of Project Managers.

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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