Associate Director - Programme Management

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

To support the Head of Performance Assurance as the intelligence shareholder on behalf of the NDA and its obligation to perform assurance on behalf of the Accounting Officer. This role coordinates closely with NRS Dounreay and other NDA subsidiaries/functions to independently assure the performance and share learning to benefit the NDA Mission through routine progressive assurance and through the development and delivery of formal assurance reviews, as identified in the NDA Integrated Assurance Plan.

The role will support the NDA principle of “Safer, Faster, Cheaper” by specifying the Assurance reviews to look at the level of controls in place and provide assurance on proportionality and how this compares with similar activities in non-nuclear environments.

Our values shape the way we consult & construct, 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

You’ll need to have:

• Education to graduate level (or equivalent). Professional project management, engineering, business operations qualification preferred.
• Experience of working in a regulated environment essential. Experience in nuclear decommissioning or UK civil nuclear sector highly desirable.
• Experience on both client and contractor/consultant side preferred.
• Experience in successful ‘hands-on’ delivery and leadership of highly complex projects and programmes of work. Nuclear Decommissioning and assurance experience preferred.
• Experience of managing a complex grouping of contractors and suppliers, with different demands and priorities.
• Experience of the implementation of proportionate levels of control in delivery of Engineering projects.
• Knowledge of tools and techniques in project management, assurance and governance, and approaches used in a wide range of industries preferred.
• Ability to clearly articulate and present the status of programmes and projects in their strategic context to stakeholders.
• Ability to flex personal style to engage with and motivate others and communicate at all levels essential.
• High resilience and the diplomacy to deal with ambiguity and change essential.
• Qualified IPA reviewer/leader preferred.

You’ll also have:

• Membership of RICS, CIOB, APM, ICE or equivalent demonstrable professional or personal development.
• 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.

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.