Operations Director – Planning (M5)

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 construct business, we harness our unique combination of leading-edge practical expertise and project delivery consultancy to unlock the potential of every project.

Our values shape the way we construct 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 hold full accountability for the long-term success of planning performance for specified engines/sectors/hubs, and the overall contribution to the broader company goals.
• You will be accountable for ensuring projects and tenders are effectively planned, scheduled, and monitored.
• Holds full accountability for the production of and implementation of the engine/hub /major sector business plan.
• Holds full accountability for the long-term success of planning performance of all service delivery for engine /hub/major sector and the overall contribution to the broader company goals.
• Provides expert advice and support to all projects within engine/hub/sector and additional support to other areas as/when required.
• Oversees complex projects across various industries and sectors.
• Maintains, cultivates and establishes a strong collaborative network, developing partnerships with key senior internal and external stakeholders.
• Influences on complex requirements and communicates analysis and corrective measures effectively.
• Leads teams of professionals providing planning/schedule management services on large projects or technical specialist recognised providing technical expertise.
• Leads the implementation of a systematic performance improvement cycle to continually improve the quality of (i.e. area).
• Champions the business in dealings with clients and the wider industry. Is a recognised expert in the market Planning Service, with a strong internal and external network (e.g. clients, contractors, consultancies and other stakeholders).
• Drives self and others (including other operations directors) to focus on bottom line outcomes in line with the group’s overall strategy; and without compromising safety.
• Aligns deliverables to the organisational strategy and leads by making the complex simple in pursuit of clear deliverables.
• Reviews and recognises team performance considering both what and how the goals have been achieved.
• Proactively identifies talent, leads recruitment, and manages the development, retention and mobility of people, supporting individuals to achieve their highest potential.
• Shares both responsibility and accountability (through delegation), with senior teams (which include other ODs), to build trust.
• Promotes and gains organisational support and commitment within the business, ensuring the achievement of strategic priorities.
• Understands the organisational strategy and focuses on the critical elements of paramount importance.
• Typically, a formal member of the hub/business unit leadership team.
• 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 use your network to identify talent, lead recruitment, and manage the development, retention and mobility of people, and support our people to achieve their highest potential.

You’ll need to have:

• Expert knowledge of schedule management tools & software.
• Mastery in setting up effective planning /schedule management systems & procedures.
• Significant experience of effective planning leadership on landmark/mega construction projects.
• Significant experience of leading the effective deployment of robust planning strategies/frameworks and integrated project controls methodologies.
• Exceptional problem solving and analytical skills across the full range of multi-discipline services.
• Capable of managing large and diverse teams across multiple locations.
• Strong commercial acumen, along with ability to set both business and project strategies.
• Bidding and business development.
• Budget development, tracking and proactive management.
• Able to manage activities with significant uncertainty of solution or outcome.
• Multi industry construction experience.
• Large Scale, complex and high value projects
• Compliance understanding of current health safety executive (HSE) regulations.
• Strong understanding of construction and related industry, trends, innovation and associated threats and opportunities.
• Deep domain knowledge of providing planning leadership in collaboration with external bodies, professional institutions and peers.
• Established and effective industry/sector wide network of clients, consultants and contractors.
• Advanced knowledge of consultancy/construction, infrastructure and property sectors.
• Proven innovator with a track-record of creating and implementing high-value innovations and better approaches/ways of working.
• Highly regarded across the relevant sector/market and operating at the highest level of compliance.

You’ll also have:

• Membership of APM, RICS, CIOB, ICE, AACE, IRM, IEMA or equivalent demonstrable professional or personal development.
• Extensive experience in the successful planning of projects and programmes in the construct 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.
• Excellent attention to detail & able to validate & check schedule management inputs, recording & reports produced, providing basic commentary & analysis.
• Large scale, high value projects.
• Sets new standards for planning services which are engine/hub/major sector relevant.
• Utilises personal and industry network competencies to promote, support and drive best practice – construction to production, digital & data and low carbon innovations.

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.

#LI-Onsite