At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic business improvement initiatives in a major nuclear construction programme.
- Company: Mace, a leader in construction and consultancy, redefining ambition.
- Benefits: Car allowance, medical cover, life insurance, pension scheme, and generous leave.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; we value diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on one of the UK's most significant infrastructure projects.
- Qualifications: Degree or equivalent experience in business improvement within regulated environments.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ 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 looking for a talented Senior Project Manager - Business Improvement to join the major nuclear construction programme (MNCP) at HMNB Devonport. You will play a key role in leading and delivering strategic business improvement initiatives within a complex and highly regulated environment, helping to drive operational efficiency, enhance programme performance and embed a culture of continuous improvement. Working closely with programme teams, senior leaders and key stakeholders, you will support the successful delivery of one of the UK's most significant infrastructure programmes.
Note: This is a 6 to 9 months Fixed term contract. Due to the nature of this Defence project, candidates must be eligible to obtain security clearance (SC). Existing SC clearance is highly desirable.
You’ll be responsible for:
- Managing the identification, development and delivery of strategic business improvement initiatives across the programme.
- Driving operational efficiency, productivity improvements and cost reduction through structured improvement methodologies.
- Managing business improvement projects from concept development through to implementation and benefits realisation.
- Developing and embedding KPIs, performance frameworks and reporting mechanisms to measure programme performance.
- Producing robust business cases and investment justifications to support funding and decision-making.
- Applying data analysis, root cause methodologies and industry best-practice tools to identify improvement opportunities.
- Embedding a culture of continuous improvement across multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders.
- Supporting governance arrangements, reporting frameworks and senior leadership engagement activities.
- Ensuring compliance with safety, quality, environmental and organisational standards.
- Supporting organisational change and stakeholder engagement to drive successful adoption of improvement initiatives.
You’ll need to have:
- Degree qualification or equivalent relevant experience.
- Significant experience delivering business improvement initiatives within complex or highly regulated environments, ideally supporting major infrastructure programmes.
- Strong analytical skills with experience using data-driven decision making, business case development and benefits realisation.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to influence and challenge at all levels.
- Experience managing improvement activities across multidisciplinary or cross-functional teams.
- Strong organisational, problem-solving and change management skills.
- Experience working within Defence, Nuclear, Infrastructure, Transportation or similarly regulated sectors (essential).
What’s on offer:
- Car allowance.
- Medical health cover.
- Life insurance.
- Income protection insurance.
- Pension scheme.
- Discretionary annual salary reviews.
- Family friendly policies.
- 22 + 2 Mace days + 3 days Xmas shutdown + 1 day every 2 years’ 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.
Senior Project Manager – Business Improvement 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Project Manager – Business Improvement
✨Tap into Consulting Networks
Get active in local management consulting networks and organisations. Attend meetups, workshops, or webinars specific to consulting where you can connect with professionals who may know of temporary roles opening up at places like Mace. Don’t underestimate word-of-mouth – it’s massive in our field!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Real-Time
As a temporary hire, you need to demonstrate your value quickly. Consider creating a mini-case study or analysis relevant to the industry and share it on platforms like LinkedIn or even during networking events. This can be an impressive way to showcase your analytical skills and problem-solving prowess – just what consulting firms are looking for!
✨Check for Temporary Roles on Niche Job Boards
Look for temporary roles on specialised job boards for consulting gigs rather than just generic platforms. Websites like Consultancy.uk or even the Careers pages of major firms could have short-term projects or roles that are perfect for you to jump in at Mace.
✨Leverage University and Alumni Resources
If you’re fresh out of uni or connected with a local institution, take advantage of their career services and alumni networks. Many universities have exclusive connections to consulting firms seeking temporary help. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other aspiring consultants who might share leads about opportunities at Mace.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Project Manager – Business Improvement
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In management consulting, employers love to see your problem-solving abilities right from the get-go. Be sure to highlight any relevant analytical projects you've worked on, particularly those that show how you tackled complex problems. If you’ve done any case studies or analysis during your studies, throw those in your CV!
Tailor Your Experience for the Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should reflect your adaptability and relevant experience quite clearly. Focus on showcasing experiences that demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running, like previous projects, internships, or freelance gigs in consulting or project management.
Craft a Targeted Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to sparkle! Use it to explain why you're interested in this temporary role at Mace and how your skills suit the specific project needs. Remember to mention how you can provide immediate value based on your past experiences.
Include Certifications or Relevant Training:If you've got any certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or even coursework that’s super relevant, make sure to list those in your application. Management consulting can be competitive, and these extra qualifications can help you stand out in the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mace
✨Prepare for Case Studies
In management consulting, case study interviews are a big deal. Expect to tackle real-world business problems on the spot. We should practise structuring our thoughts, developing hypotheses, and presenting our solutions clearly, as this is what firms like Mace will want to see.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
You’ll need to demonstrate strong analytical skills and logical reasoning. Brush up on frameworks like SWOT or Porter's Five Forces, as these can come in handy. Think of instances from your experience where you tackled a complex issue—this could set you apart when speaking to Mace.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, it's crucial we showcase our ability to hit the ground running. Have examples ready that illustrate how we've adapted quickly in past positions or projects. This shows that we can contribute effectively from day one at Mace.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Cultural Fit
Temporary roles often come with a focus on team dynamics. Prepare to discuss how we align with the values and culture at Mace. We want to highlight our teamwork experiences and how we can mesh with their consulting teams, making it clear that we're not just looking to fill a spot but to add value.