Senior Project 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 of every project. 

The project:

Mace has a significant track record in the education sector, working with schools, colleges, local authorities, and central government to deliver ‘landmarks for learning’ nationally with a strength of vision and concept that are sustainable, inherently flexible and able to change to meet future needs. Mace’s is the leading consultant for the Department for Education (DfE) and is delivering projects across all their principal capital programmes, including the schools re-building programme (SRP), free schools, special educational needs and further education (colleges).

We are seeking lead technical advisors/project manager looking to further their careers and lead high performing multidisciplinary teams on a wide portfolio of work covering new build, refurbishment, remodelling and carbon reduction schemes. Mace’s ability to provide the key multidisciplinary services of design, cost, information management, sustainability and health and safety in house means that clients benefit from an integrated end to end service with a single point of accountability.

These are client-facing roles involving developing the clients’ strategy, initial design, contractor appointment and contract management. In addition to supporting our client’s property objectives, our projects typically include BIM, off-site construction, soft landings, social value creation, and people and skills development. All projects typically require NZC in operation and sometimes in construction.

Mace people share a common drive to succeed, enthusiasm for their work and a passion for providing exceptional service to our clients and communities. This is embodied within our purpose “To redefine the boundaries of ambition,” underpinned by our three distinct priorities; pursue a sustainable world, grow together, and deliver distinctive value.

Mace has an agile working approach with duties performed from home and Mace offices. Occasional travel will be required to project sites and Mace Hub offices. The roles are flexible and allow for full or part time working.

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 promote Mace's value of safety first, exhibiting visible safety behaviours, sharing lessons learned and using safety moments and Mace's HSW framework to support the safety and wellbeing of all Mace staff. 

You will possess technical expertise in local health and safety rules and regulations relevant to project portfolio. 

You will promote a diverse and inclusive working environment and understand the importance of the wellbeing of the people in your team. 

Client focus - Deliver on our promise: 

You will ensure robust quality systems are in place, and suitably managed in line with service excellence. 

You will manage delivery from project inception/brief, through design development and planning, contractor procurement and construction phase in accordance with the overall delivery program and agreed project milestones. 

You will manage tasks and associated deliverables in support of the associate director and other senior leaders, alongside the wider project and client teams, to ensure the timely and accurate delivery of the project. 

Lead our in-house multi-disciplinary project delivery teams through all project delivery stages, co-ordinating, monitoring and reviewing work at each project stage to ensure effective delivery

Manage and develop the team to ensure objectives are met, workloads are sustainable and additional support/specialist expertise is deployed as required.

Demonstrating project viability. Producing a feasibility/RIBA Stage 2 design including procurement of surveys

Sustainability

Information management

Chair regular project progress meetings and report on project and commercial progress. Issue monthly progress reports to the client teams

Deliver concise communications and ensure regular liaison with all stakeholders

Work with client leads to develop the project brief and delivery strategy and lead on the feasibility, design management, procurement, and execution of the scheme.

Manage the procurement of framework contractors, evaluate tender responses, and consult with the client team to select the successful tenderer

Lead and support our technical teams to review and challenge contractors’ proposals.

Manage pre-contract design development and post-contract scope changes in an efficient manner.

Produce strategic project programmes and scrutinise and integrate programmes from consultants and contractors.

Risk management - work with our project teams to identify, schedule and establish mitigation strategy for project risks.

Monitor the performance of the contractors’ professional teams and prepare regular quality, cost, and programme reports.

Organise and chair site pre-start, progress, and completion meetings.

Managing quality on site – managing a clerk of works

Perform contract administration duties for duration of the building contract, assess any variations proposed by the contractor or the client and manage a robust change control process.

Assess any snagging issues prior to sectional or practical completion and issue to the contractor. 

Oversee handover by contractor to school for all operations and maintenance functions and documentation. Soft landings

Manage the contractor to make good all defects by the end of the making good defects liability period or sooner, once satisfied all issues are complete issue the making good defects liability certificate.

Preparing detailed project plans and providing financial reports on time (forecasts, budgets, income and fees)

Integrity - Always do the right thing: 

You will manage project budgets and highlight any risks, challenges and mitigations. 

You will support the long-term development of your 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 manage design and wider consultant teams in a collaborative manner to ensure effective completion of responsibilities. 

You will lead and manage the project team and relevant stakeholders to achieve strategic project key performance indicators (KPIs). 

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’ll need to have: 

Experience of delivering projects in a consultancy environment, keen to grow your career and enjoy the opportunities Mace has to offer. 

Experience of the education sector would be preferable although demonstratable relevant experience alongside a desire to learn will suffice. If you have a passion for delivering excellent client service, then you will feel at home with Mace.

Suitable qualification in a relevant discipline and ideally a member of a professional body institute such as RICS, CIOB, APM or equivalent. We welcome applications from professionals currently interested in converting to project management from other technical disciplines.

Excellent communications skills, emotional intelligence and want to build lasting relationships with clients and Mace team members.

You’ll also have:

Degree qualification in a relevant discipline and a member of a professional body institute such as RICS, CIOB or APM.

Experience in contract administration and using various forms of contract, in particular, NEC will be preferable.

Experience in managing complex projects with public sector clients and thrive on delivering positive outcomes. 

You are digitally savvy, can build lasting client relationships and work well as part of a team.

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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