Operations Director - Project Management (M5) in Oxford

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of key assignments and oversee the implementation of major project strategies, providing strategic direction and monitoring delivery aligned with overall vision and objectives.
• Promote the value of Safety First, exhibiting visible safety behaviours, sharing lessons learned and using safety moments, safety tours and the HSW framework.
• Support the safety and wellbeing of all staff.
• Determine and assemble project team resources, including required external specialist appointments and the recruitment of new staff.
• Improve performance from the bid baseline by optimizing multi‑disciplinary resources, monitors, reviews and evaluates activities, systems and methodologies as well as cross‑selling.
• Convert client vision into a deliverable plan that includes and exploits the full benefits of Construction to Production (C2P), Net Zero Carbon and Digital & Data innovation.
• Act as the relationship owner and primary contact for executive team engagement.
• Ensure efficient governance to support project activities within the business, garner organisational support and commitment, and achieve strategic priorities.
• Manage key client relationship interfaces and support communication.
• Maintain CRM across the account (including multiple geographies) with live prospects and leads.
• Accountable for leading and maintaining exceptional safety, quality, cost, programme, sustainability and project compliance standards.
• Accountable for full service excellence and service quality.
• Establish and influence the correct Build Strategy and C2P plan for procurement and execution.
• Create and nurture a high‑performing and inclusive team environment that encourages contribution, recognition and inclusion.
• Engender, promote and influence quality and service excellence in all conversations and project interactions.
• Ensure the project or programme operates an effective risk management strategy with appropriate management actions and risk treatments established.
• Convey and connect the wider business strategy to the project team and promote associated initiatives.
• Lead key internal and external project review/reporting meetings.
• Actively network and utilise the full depth and knowledge of the Mace Group and Centres of Excellence to support delivery.
• Actively promote knowledge share and resource share with others and support their teams in growing their network.
• Ensure operations are fiscally and ethically viable, influencing achievement of business objectives and meeting organisational and legislative compliance obligations.
• Build and maintain internal and external relationships (e.g. clients, contractors, consultancies and other stakeholders) to foster growth and increase networks.
• Work collaboratively towards the common goal of net zero carbon transition, and share responsibility for proactive identification and management of associated carbon emissions and reductions during delivery.
• Make decisions that have considerable financial, commercial or reputational risk.
• Serve as a formal member of the sector senior leadership team.

Qualifications

• Regionally recognised expert in a specialised stream, directly influencing long‑term development of strategy for a function or Business Unit, creating a sustainable business future.
• Proven experience and track‑record for procuring and delivering large or complicated projects and teams.
• Advanced technical understanding of project management practices, construction methodologies, sequencing and logic.
• Full budgetary oversight (profit plan and fee structure).
• Advanced risk and opportunity management practitioner.
• Exceptional problem‑solving and analytical skills across estimating, scheduling, procurement, contract administration, financial controls and reporting across the project lifecycle.
• Contract literate to a good standard.
• Performance management to ensure a high‑performance culture is maintained.
• Advanced competency and understanding of current HSE regulations (or local equivalent).
• Relevant and commensurate technical, leadership and management qualifications.
• Established and effective industry/sector‑wide network of clients, consultants and contractors.
• Proven innovator with a track‑record of creating and implementing high‑value innovations and better approaches/ways of working.
• Highly regarded across the relevant sector/market and operating at the highest level of compliance.
• Excellent communicator (verbal and written) and relationship manager.
• Confident presenter and public speaker; able to capture audience and clearly transmit the position/message.
• Effective appraisal and analytical skills to support skilled negotiations, problem solving or conflict resolution.
• Develops and maintains excellent professional working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Growth mindset that promotes curiosity, high quality contribution and team collaboration.
• Encourages awareness of colleagues from different technical, social and cultural backgrounds.
• Encourages sharing of best practice and lessons learned between teams.
• Manages upwards effectively and constructively challenges the Business Unit Director.
• Leads others effectively, gives clear direction, coaches and supports others to reach their full potential.
• Mentors and develops the project team and others in the business; provides a safe work environment to learn and mature, sharing knowledge and experience.
• Adapts and reacts well to changing priorities and requirements (both business and project).
• Demonstrates a growth mindset and explores innovative approaches in pursuit of a better way.
• Embraces new technology and helps others adapt.
• Takes responsibility for their actions, leads by example and acts in an ethical, legal and responsible way.
• Understands personal strengths and weaknesses and introduces the right selection of skills and competencies to balance.
• Recognises and actively pursues the collective power of diverse and inclusive teams.
• Champions inclusivity.
• Celebrates the small wins and the major milestones, making colleagues feel proud and bolstering morale.
• Extensive sector and/or market‑specific experience, knowledge and contacts.
• Extensive experience in successful delivery of major projects and programmes, through all project phases.
• Leadership and management experience and capability to lead a large team.
• Tertiary qualifications in a related project management and/or construction discipline, or a non‑related degree or equivalent professional experience/apprenticeship, combined with a demonstrable level of role knowledge.
• Appropriate Construction Skills Certification Scheme card or global equivalent (MCIOB, MAPM, MRICS, MICE or equivalent local certification).

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.