At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major Defence programmes, ensuring successful delivery and stakeholder engagement.
- Company: Mace, a leader in construction and consultancy with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, medical cover, life insurance, generous leave, and family-friendly policies.
- Other info: Join a diverse team that values safety, integrity, and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Drive operational excellence and make a real impact in the Defence sector.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and leading multidisciplinary teams is essential.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Mace combines construction expertise with consultancy to unlock potential in every person or project and redefine the boundaries of ambition. Our values shape the way we consult and define the people we want to join us on our journey.
We are looking for a Talented Operations Director - Project Management to join our Defence team in Cumbria, supporting a major long‑term programme operating within air system and Defence environments. This senior leadership position will drive operational excellence, business growth, stakeholder engagement and high-performing project delivery, ensuring outcomes align with client objectives, organisational priorities and industry-leading standards. This role requires SC Clearance or eligibility to get it.
You’ll be responsible for:
- Managing the delivery of a major Defence programme in Preston, providing strategic direction across multiple project teams and ensuring successful delivery against client objectives, programme milestones, budget, quality and performance targets.
- Acting as the senior point of contact for key client stakeholders, building trusted relationships across Defence, industry partners and programme leadership teams while ensuring effective governance and decision making.
- Driving operational excellence across a complex air systems environment, ensuring programmes are delivered safely, efficiently and in accordance with contractual, regulatory and security requirements.
- Managing multidisciplinary project management teams, developing organisational capability, succession planning and resource strategies to support current and future programme demands.
- Providing executive oversight of commercial performance, programme controls, risk management, financial performance and delivery assurance across the portfolio.
- Supporting business growth through account development, identifying new opportunities within the Defence sector and strengthening long-term strategic client relationships.
- Championing innovation, digital delivery, data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance programme performance and client outcomes.
- Working collaboratively with senior leaders across Mace and the wider client organisation to align programme delivery with strategic Defence priorities, operational requirements and long-term capability objectives.
You’ll need to have:
- Proven experience managing the successful delivery of major projects, programmes or client accounts within project management, construction, infrastructure or consultancy environments.
- Demonstrable experience managing large multidisciplinary teams and delivering complex projects with significant commercial, operational and reputational accountability.
- Strong commercial acumen, including experience with financial management, procurement strategies, contract administration, profit plans, fee structures and advanced risk and opportunity management.
- Exceptional stakeholder management, communication, negotiation and presentation skills, with the ability to influence executive-level clients, senior leadership teams and key project partners.
- Extensive experience developing strategic business relationships, supporting account growth, market development and securing successful project outcomes.
- Degree qualification (or equivalent professional experience) in Project Management, Construction, Engineering or a related discipline, supported by significant leadership and management experience.
- Professional membership with a recognised industry body such as MCIOB, MAPM, MRICS, MICE or equivalent, together with a strong understanding of consultancy and/or construction environments.
- Experience driving innovation, digital delivery, sustainability and net zero carbon initiatives across major projects, programmes or portfolios, ideally on large-scale projects exceeding 500m in value.
What’s on offer:
- Car allowance.
- Hybrid working.
- Medical health cover.
- Life insurance.
- Income protection insurance.
- Pension scheme.
- Discretionary annual salary reviews.
- Family friendly policies.
- 27 days annual leave + 2 Mace days + 3 days Christmas shutdown + Bank holidays.
Our values:
- Safety first - Going home safe and well: We champion a safe, diverse and inclusive working environment, understanding the importance of wellbeing in every team.
- Client focus - Deliver on our promise: We own the quality of deliverables, strategic outcomes and build long term relationships with our clients.
- Integrity - Always do the right thing: We influence positive outcomes within our industry, while always aligning with our compliance obligations.
- Create opportunity - For our people to excel: We champion a continuous improvement culture throughout all activities, inspiring our people and teams to develop.
Mace is an inclusive employer and welcomes interest from a diverse range of candidates. Even if you feel you do not fulfil all 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.
Operations Director - Project Management in Carlisle employer: Mace group
Mace is an exceptional employer that prioritises safety, integrity, and client focus, creating a supportive and inclusive work environment for its employees. As a Programme Integration Lead in Cumbria, you will benefit from hybrid working options, comprehensive health coverage, and generous leave policies, all while contributing to a high-profile Defence programme of national importance. With a strong emphasis on professional growth and continuous improvement, Mace empowers its team members to excel and make a meaningful impact in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director - Project Management in Carlisle
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Operations Director - Project Management at Mace group!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Mace group or be willing to refer you for that Operations Director - Project Management position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Mace group who’s on the lookout for their next Operations Director - Project Management star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Operations Director - Project Management role at Mace group!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director - Project Management in Carlisle
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Mace group. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mace group
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Mace group. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
