Operations Director - Development Management in London

Operations Director - Development Management in London

London Full-Time 60750 - 74250 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Mace

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a major academic development project and oversee a diverse team of professionals.
  • Company: Mace, a dynamic construction and consultancy firm redefining ambition.
  • Benefits: Inclusive culture, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Join a company that values safety, integrity, and continuous improvement.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on significant regeneration projects while leading talented teams.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership in development management and strong commercial acumen required.

The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ 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 seeking an accomplished Operations Director (Development) to provide leadership of a major academic and multi-phase mixed use development project in Oxfordshire. This senior role will oversee a Development Management Office (DMO) model on behalf of our private sector Client and be responsible for the successful delivery of the project business plan. This is a strategic, client-facing leadership role, suited to a commercially astute development professional with a strong track record of leading major regeneration programmes of scale. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrable track record successfully managing large internal and external teams, delivering multi-phase mixed use developments and working on projects which contain major third-level academic components.

You’ll be responsible for:

  • Oversight, leadership and accountability for the performance of a large multi-disciplinary team (masterplan and project architects, civil and structural engineers, MEP, town planning, cost management, project management, transport planning, townscape and heritage etc).
  • Acting as the face and representative of Mace with the Client, key stakeholders and partners.
  • Ensuring adherence and delivery of the Project Business Plan - including successful budget and programme performance.
  • Working with the local planning authority/unitary authority, other public and statutory representatives to secure a successful planning outcome.
  • Providing executive-level assurance over development appraisals, investment cases, financial models and cashflow forecasts, ensuring robust recommendations for senior client stakeholders and governance boards.
  • Working with various prospective occupiers, third-party funders, property managers and prospective partners to unlock a thriving new development quarter.

You’ll need to have:

  • Significant senior leadership experience in client-side development management, working in complex and demanding multi-stakeholder environments, a track record of leading for multi-project and complex programmes.
  • Strong commercial leadership capability, including financial appraisal, business planning, commercial governance, account performance and confident engagement with senior stakeholders.
  • Deep UK development market knowledge, mixed-use and regeneration schemes, with the credibility to advise clients at strategic and operational levels.
  • A relevant degree and evidence of continuing professional development; professional qualification such as RICS or equivalent is desirable.
  • An ability to be based on site in Oxford for at least three (3 no.) days per week.
  • Confidence and credibility dealing with senior public sector and private sector leaders.

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 - Development Management in London employer: Mace

Mace Construct Limited is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong commitment to employee development, we provide ample opportunities for growth and advancement within our Public, Science & Technology Business Unit, ensuring that our team members are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their roles. Our culture prioritises safety, quality, and continuous improvement, making it a rewarding place for professionals seeking to make a meaningful impact in the hyperscale data centre sector.

Mace

Contact Details:

Mace Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Operations Director - Development Management in London

Join Construction Networks

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Show Off Your Skills on Site

If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.

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Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles

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We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director - Development Management in London

Leadership
Development Management
Project Business Planning
Stakeholder Engagement
Financial Appraisal
Commercial Governance
Multi-Project Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

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Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.

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How to prepare for a job interview at Mace

Brush Up on Technical Knowledge

For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.

Showcase Your Projects

Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.

Understand the Team Dynamics

Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.

Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving

Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!