Operations Director - PMO / Project Controls Lead - Defence in Preston

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 to appoint an Operations Director - PMO / Project Controls Lead to join our Defence team in Preston, supporting the delivery of a major, long‑term programme operating within air system and Defence environments. Working in a secure and highly regulated setting, this role sits within an Integrated Client Team and will play a key role in establishing robust programme controls, providing clear performance insight and enabling assured delivery across complex technical workstreams. The role is due to commence in late autumn to early winter.

Note: Due to the security requirements of the role, candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain UK security clearance.

You’ll be responsible for:

• Managing the development, implementation and continuous improvement of project controls standards, processes and tools, including planning, cost, risk, change and reporting.
• Owning and assuring integrated baselines and forecasts across the programme, ensuring consistency, traceability and auditability.
• Driving programme performance reporting, including progress, milestones, schedule health, cost performance and earned value where applicable, providing clear insight and early warning of emerging risks or adverse trends.
• Managing programme‑level risk and opportunity management, ensuring robust governance, clear ownership and effective mitigation strategies are in place.
• Providing leadership to the Project Controls and PMO team, including coaching, development and effective resource allocation aligned to programme priorities.
• Supporting programme assurance activities, audits and gateway reviews, by providing high‑quality evidence, analysis and recommendations for corrective action.

You’ll need to have:

• A degree or equivalent qualification in project management, engineering, construction management, quantity surveying, commercial management or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Strong experience leading project controls or PMO functions within major programmes, ideally in regulated or high assurance environments such as defence, aviation, nuclear or major infrastructure.
• Proven capability across planning, cost control, risk management, change control and performance reporting.
• Experience implementing project controls governance, standards and toolsets across multi‑partner delivery environments.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with confidence operating and influencing at senior levels.
• Flexibility and willingness to work from the Preston or Lancashire area as required.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain UK security clearance.

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.
• 22 days annual leave + 2 Mace days + 3 days Christmas shutdown + 1 additional day leave for every 2 years of service + 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.