Programme Manager - Construction 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. 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 Consult business leverages deep technical expertise and project delivery capability to unlock the potential of complex, critical infrastructure. We are now seeking a Civils and Infrastructure Lead to join a high-profile programme in Plymouth, supporting the delivery of key infrastructure upgrades at the Devonport site.

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

• 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. Lead by example in promoting Mace’s safety culture across all civils and infrastructure works. Ensure compliance with Health & Safety regulations, particularly in relation to heavy civils, utilities, and temporary works. Monitor site practices and champion a culture of wellbeing and inclusion.
• Client focus - Deliver on our promise: You will ensure the successful delivery of key assignments and defined business areas, providing strategic direction and monitoring delivery aligned with overall vision and objectives. You will be responsible for implementing appropriate programme delivery environments, including People, Organisation, Process, Information and Technology. You will promote and influence quality and Service Excellence in all conversations and programme interactions. Lead the delivery of civils and infrastructure scope across a major programme, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives. Provide expert input on the design and construction of infrastructure assets, including site development, groundworks, utilities, and enabling works. Act as the technical point of contact for stakeholders on civil and structural engineering issues. Develop and oversee integration strategies between civils and other technical disciplines (MEP, structural, nuclear, etc.). Support programme-wide requirement capture, interface management and change control relating to infrastructure elements. Develop delivery strategies and oversee implementation of civil engineering solutions that align with environmental, sustainability, and carbon objectives. Lead on the management of design partners and contractors, ensuring consistent quality, cost, and programme performance. Establish and manage project governance processes including technical readiness reviews and gateway approvals. Facilitate knowledge transfer and drive innovation in civil infrastructure delivery.
• Integrity - Always do the right thing: You will be responsible for project budgets and ensure operations are fiscally and ethically viable, and meet organisational and legislative compliance obligations. You will support the Operations Director and other senior stakeholders to 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. Uphold ethical practices and compliance with all relevant regulations and industry standards. Provide strategic input into business unit growth and capability development in infrastructure delivery. Support financial planning and budget oversight for infrastructure scope. Act as a visible leader upholding Mace’s value of fairness, transparency, and respect.
• Create opportunity - For our people to excel: You will lead your team effectively and develop others to reach their full potential. 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 collaborate with multiple internal and external stakeholders, up to C-Suite, to implement and manage our programmes. Lead and mentor multidisciplinary project teams with a focus on developing infrastructure delivery capabilities. Build a high-performing civil engineering team, providing guidance, support, and direction. Drive collaboration across all workstreams, and proactively seek innovative, future-ready solutions.

You’ll need to have:

• A degree in Civil Engineering or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).
• Chartered membership with ICE or similar (or working towards).
• Substantial experience leading civil infrastructure design and construction within complex, secure environments (e.g. defence, nuclear, industrial).
• Deep understanding of infrastructure lifecycle: site development, utilities, ground remediation, and enabling works.
• Familiarity with systems thinking, interface management and digital construction tools.
• Ability to lead infrastructure integration and planning, managing dependencies between civil works and wider programme components.
• Strong understanding of carbon and sustainability drivers in civil infrastructure delivery.
• Active UK National status and ability to obtain DV (Developed Vetting) security clearance.

You’ll also have:

• Experience delivering projects in high-security or regulated environments such as defence or nuclear sectors.
• Knowledge of NEC or similar contract forms.
• Leadership of large, multidisciplinary teams in an infrastructure context.
• Familiarity with master planning, logistics coordination, and operational readiness strategies.
• Understanding of modern methods of construction (MMC), offsite solutions, and digital engineering.

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.