Senior Project Controls Manager in London

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.

Manages and/or leads the implementation and delivery of a range of PMO and project controls to support commissions. Leads and guides team members within the PMO and planning centre of excellence and assigned hub as required.

Our values shape the way we consult:

• Safety first - Going home safe and well: You will be an 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 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 create and design effective implementations of PMO and project controls frameworks and strategies on assigned commissions. You will support best in class service delivery and effective engagement with wider industry and professional bodies to promote Mace. You will be developing your expertise in PMO and project controls, with a growing internal and external network (e.g. clients, contractors, consultancies and other stakeholders). Manages PMO and project controls performance on their assigned commissions. Creates and designs effective implementation of PMO and project controls framework/strategy on assigned commissions. Manages and directs clients, consultants, contractors, project team on assigned commissions on all PMO and Project Controls matters. Partners with clients to meet expectations and build strong professional relationships. Provides expert advice to the project team in the administration of the PMO and project controls process, with focus on cost, schedule, change, risk and reporting, to achieve key objectives and the escalation of performance and management issues. Facilitates and drives periodic reporting and structured governance and performance meetings. Accountable for developing and managing baseline (scope, time, cost, risk, assumptions) and subsequent delivery performance, change and contingency monitoring. Contributes to the development of quantitively analysis (cost and time). Works alongside the PMO director and/or project manager to recognise actions, recognise opportunities and mitigate risks and issues. Coordinates activities/operations to ensure they are carried out in line with Mace control centre, client requirements and prevailing legislation. Responsible for line management a team of PMO and project controls team members to deliver on assigned commissions. Provides comprehensive technical expertise to mentor and assist the personal and career development of team members of the PMO and project controls team. Manages the integration of project controls with PMO and planning disciplines. Supports the HUB PMO and project controls director with resourcing and recruitment for the assigned commission. 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 manage project teams in the administration of the PMO and project controls process, particularly with respect to the cost, schedule, change, risk and reporting. You will support senior PMO stakeholders in influencing 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 support the HUB PMO and project controls director with resourcing and recruitment for the assigned commission.

You’ll need to have:

• Experience of effective PMO and project controls leadership on complex construction projects.
• Experience of setting up effective PMO and project controls services/audit and assurance frameworks/strategies.
• Comprehensive knowledge of risk tools, techniques and software (e.g. MS office and Power BI, Aconex, Primavera P6 and RiskHive).
• Ability to manage activities with significant uncertainty of solution or outcome.
• Good understanding of construction projects, decencies and interfaces within the project lifecycle and management consultancy.
• Deep domain knowledge of providing PMO and project controls leadership in one or more sectors (e.g. rail, highways, nuclear, public sector, hospitals).
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to form effective working relationships.
• Ability to collaborate with and influence others.
• Proven ability to articulate complex information and ideas for a non-technical audience.
• Ability to work in a highly pressurised environment, managing multiple priorities.
• Manages, influences and negotiates with senior stakeholders.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to ‘deep dive’ into topics.
• Mace Behaviours (Curious, Collaborators, Contributors, Champions) - leads by example.
• Exhibits some commercial acumen and assists with business development and bids/winning work as required.
• Effective communication and engagement skills and is able to persuade/influence colleagues and stakeholders.
• Effective networking skills.
• Ability to contribute to the establishment of high performing teams.
• Can lead and influence others.
• Ability to manage challenging behaviours, relationships and still secure a positive outcome.
• Resilient/robust in the face of challenging situations, clients, personalities.
• Flexible, pragmatic and adaptable but also knows when to fight their corner.

You’ll also have:

• Practical knowledge/application, and understanding of the opportunities related to data analytics, Power BI and other reporting suite tools.
• Basic knowledge of tools, techniques and software that interfaces with the risk discipline (e.g. Primavera Risk Analyser, @risk, Active Risk Manager).
• Experience of working client side as well as consultancy.
• Creating and delivering persuasive and engaging presentations to wide range of audiences in our industry.
• Relevant university degree (e.g. construction, engineering) or equivalent.
• Progress towards management successful programmes/P3O/P3M3 accreditation.
• 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.

The role will be based in London 2-3 days per week and will require BPSS security clearance. 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.