Associate Project Director - DCO

Associate Project Director - DCO

Full-Time 60000 - 75000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Mace

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead exciting water and recycling projects while ensuring safety and sustainability.
  • Company: Mace, a forward-thinking construction and consultancy firm.
  • Benefits: Flexible working options, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Join a diverse team that values safety, integrity, and continuous improvement.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in infrastructure and contribute to sustainable development.
  • Qualifications: Experience in project management, especially in infrastructure and DCO projects.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ 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.

The project involves working with a utilities provider in the South‑East geographic area, delivering services in an environmentally sustainable, economically beneficial, and socially responsible manner while creating sustainable long‑term value for all. The role includes driving collaborative delivery of water and recycling projects across the AMP8 programme, overseeing governance, risk, cost, and change control. You will manage allocated reservoir assets to meet safety, schedule, budget, and regulatory milestones, supporting DCO approvals and future procurement for major reservoir infrastructure under nationally significant programmes.

You will be expected to work at least 3 days a week in‑person at one of our offices in Peterborough, London, or another office location and be available to support critical site activities when required.

You’ll Be Responsible For:

  • Supporting project delivery across asset classes.
  • Developing budgets, forecasts, and schedules.
  • Defining contract scopes and expected outcomes.
  • Monitoring supplier performance and key deliverables.
  • Managing change control and risks.
  • Driving continuous improvement.
  • Championing technical and commercial solutions.
  • Tracking benefits and requirements.
  • Coordinating multidisciplinary teams.
  • Supporting stakeholder engagement and regulatory compliance.
  • Maintaining governance and reporting standards.
  • Managing a proactive, safety‑focused culture.

You’ll Need To Have:

  • Significant project management experience within infrastructure projects across the full development lifecycle (feasibility, design, planning, construction, commissioning, and operation).
  • Major project and water sector experience.
  • Experience of managing teams and multiple stakeholder groups - internal and external to the organisation.
  • Experience of working on DCO projects.
  • APM‑PMQ or equivalent - practitioner level.
  • Health and safety qualifications (e.g. IOSH managing safely).
  • CDM and NEC experience.
  • Driving licence.
  • Town and country planning experience.

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.

Associate Project Director - DCO employer: Mace

Mace is an exceptional employer that prioritises safety, diversity, and continuous improvement, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking to make a meaningful impact in the infrastructure sector. With a strong focus on employee growth and a collaborative work culture, team members are encouraged to excel while working on significant projects that contribute to sustainable development in the South-East. The opportunity to engage with multidisciplinary teams and support critical site activities ensures that every day brings new challenges and rewards.

Mace

Contact Details:

Mace Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Associate Project Director - DCO

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching Mace and understanding their values. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their focus on safety, client relationships, and continuous improvement.

Tip Number 3

Showcase your project management skills! Bring examples of how you've successfully managed teams and projects, especially in the water sector or DCO projects. This will help you stand out as a strong candidate.

Tip Number 4

Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team at Mace.

We think you need these skills to ace Associate Project Director - DCO

Project Management
Budget Development
Forecasting
Contract Scope Definition
Supplier Performance Monitoring
Change Control Management
Risk Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Associate Project Director role. Highlight your project management experience, especially in infrastructure and DCO projects, to show us you’re the right fit.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about this role and how your values align with ours. Don’t forget to mention specific examples of your past successes in managing teams and projects.

Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on quantifiable achievements. Did you deliver a project under budget or ahead of schedule? Let us know! Numbers speak volumes and help us see the impact you’ve made in previous roles.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to join our journey at Mace!

How to prepare for a job interview at Mace

Know Your Project Management Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your project management experience, especially in infrastructure projects. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past roles that highlight your ability to manage budgets, schedules, and stakeholder engagement.

Understand DCO Projects

Since this role involves DCO projects, it’s crucial to familiarise yourself with the Development Consent Order process. Prepare to explain how your previous experience aligns with the requirements of managing DCO projects and how you can contribute to successful outcomes.

Showcase Your Safety Focus

Safety is a top priority for Mace, so be prepared to discuss how you've championed safety in your previous roles. Share specific instances where you implemented safety measures or improved safety culture within your teams.

Emphasise Collaboration Skills

This role requires coordinating multidisciplinary teams, so highlight your experience in managing diverse groups. Be ready to share examples of how you’ve successfully engaged stakeholders and driven collaborative delivery in past projects.