Programme Director - Defence

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 a Programme Director to join our Defence team in Reading. This is a senior leadership role, responsible for sharing and driving the successful delivery of major programmes, portfolios and strategic client accounts within complex and highly regulated environments. You will operate as a trusted senior partner to clients and internal stakeholders, accountable for performance across safety, quality, commercial outcomes, programme delivery and service excellence, while building and leading high‑performing, inclusive teams.

You’ll be responsible for:

• Managing the delivery of major programmes, portfolios or accounts, setting and executing clear strategic direction aligned to business objectives.
• Owning senior client relationships and acting as the primary interface with executive level stakeholders.
• Driving business growth, market positioning and account development.
• Ensuring excellence across safety, quality, cost, programme, sustainability and compliance standards.
• Translating client vision into deliverable strategies, embedding construction to production, net zero carbon and digital and data innovation.
• Establishing and influencing build strategies, procurement approaches and execution plans.
• Setting up and leading effective risk and opportunity management strategies across complex delivery environments.
• Building, leading and developing large, inclusive, high‑performing multi‑disciplinary teams.
• Optimising resources and performance against bid baselines, driving operational productivity and service excellence.
• Directing senior internal and external reviews, reporting forums and decision‑making meetings.

You’ll need to have:

• Proven experience leading and delivering large, complex projects or programmes within consultancy and/or construction environments.
• Advanced technical expertise in project management practices, construction methodologies, sequencing and delivery planning.
• Full commercial and budgetary accountability, including profit plans, fee structures and performance management.
• Strong contract literacy with advanced risk and opportunity management capability.
• Excellent communication, presentation and senior stakeholder management skills.
• A degree in project management, construction or a related discipline (or equivalent professional experience).
• Professional accreditation such as MCIOB, MAPM, MRICS, MICE (or equivalent), and an appropriate CSCS card or global equivalent.

What’s on offer:

• Car allowance.
• Medical health cover.
• Life insurance.
• Income protection insurance.
• Pension scheme.
• Discretionary annual salary reviews.
• Family‑friendly policies.
• Annual leave: 22 days + 2 Mace days, plus 3‑day Christmas shutdown, 1 additional day for every 2 years’ service, and 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.