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:

Working with the Ministry of Justice to deliver major projects for HMPPS across the UK; this is an exciting opportunity to develop the prison estate helping to improve conditions and positively impact rehabilitation for prisoners while delivering transformational change to reduce re-offending and therefore reduce future victims of crime.

We are looking for an ambitious and forward-thinking senior project manager to join our established and growing team working with our key client the Ministry of Justice in support of their target to deliver additional prisoner places across the country. This role is within a fast-paced programme which is of key importance to central government.

As part of the wider government strategy to address the increased need for prison spaces, the Ministry of Justice are to expand prison numbers across their portfolio.
The expansion project will provide an additional houseblocks/cell place and the relevant ancillary buildings to facilitate their use, prioritising fast delivery, use of sustainable construction and in some cases including offsite manufacture.

We require a project manager to lead this exciting opportunity across varying phases of the programme which is currently both in pre-construction and construction stages as well as supporting the sub programme lead and an existing and knowledgeable PM team.

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 champion 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 quality systems are suitably managed in line with service excellence.

You will deliver and manage project plans 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 senior project managers and other leaders, alongside the wider project and client teams, to ensure the timely and accurate delivery of the project.

Establish and maintain positive working relationships with the client, main contractor and stakeholders.

This is a client facing role; collaboratively managing the delivery of projects from inception to completion, through all RIBA stages.

Management of the NEC contract, undertaking all duties of the project manager in the capacity of client representative as well as coordination of a team of supervisors, technical assessors and commercial consultants.

Leading an established project management team to successfully complete the project on time, within budget and safely.

Embedding within the existing project team, including relationship building with the contractor, client and prison operator/HMPPS.

Interfacing with key senior stakeholders including HMPPS and operational staff including the mobilising and interface with operations.

Ensuring the overall works are delivered in accordance with developed and defined integrated processes, procedures, strategies, and tools. 

Client first point of contact; responsible for client reporting and addressing ad hoc queries and issues arising.

Point of escalation for team members and client. Proactive conflict resolution and contractor management.

Effective communication and liaison with all relevant internal and external stakeholders to ensure that requirements are identified, assessed, and appropriately integrated into the project.

Develop and review client’s brief, project strategy and ensure project delivery.

Understanding of the design process throughout all stages of the project lifecycle and able to support junior team members manage outputs and technical aspects as they arise. 

Producing strategic project programmes and can scrutinise and integrate programmes from consultants and contractors.

Risk management and able to lead project teams to identify, prioritise, schedule, and establish mitigation strategy for project risks.

Leading contract administration for modular and LGSF building contracts.

Leading management of contract suppliers under the NEC4 suite of contract, from design and manufacture to delivery and final account. 

Management of budgets, estimates and ability to review and challenge contractors’ proposals.

Providing input into client system safety and project risk assessment and management process.

Managing interfaces across multiple projects within the delivery programme to deliver optimum programme efficiencies and site completion.

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

Maintain regular, accurate reporting across a range of platforms.

Manage change in an efficient manner and in accordance with the NEC contract and client governance process.

Coordinate, plan and manage internal and external meetings about the project.

Monitor site progress, leading regular strategic programme reviews and providing feedback to the contractor, client and SRO.

Contribute to risk management and work with project team to identify, schedule, and establish mitigation strategies for project risks.

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

You will actively network 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. 

You are digitally savvy, can build lasting client relationships and lead strong, motivated teams. 

You will be used to working in a construction environment and leading teams to deliver build solutions.

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

Note: Applicants should note travel to site will be required on a regular but flexible basis, therefore a full driving license and means or transport are preferred. Please note successful applicants will be required to undergo a BPSS security check.

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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