Associate Director - Project Controls

Position status: We are growing our pharma team. This position is a talent pool to build in country capability in Germany; if you’re interested, please make an application.

At Mace, our purpose is to redefine the boundaries of ambition. We believe in creating places that are responsible, bringing transformative impact to our people, communities, and societies across the globe. To learn more about our purpose, culture, and priorities, visit our strategy site.

Within our consult business, we harness our unique combination of leading-edge practical expertise and project delivery consultancy to unlock the potential in every project. You will lead the implementation and delivery of a comprehensive range of PMO and project controls services to support commissions and provide line management leadership and guidance for other disciplines within the PMO and planning centre of excellence and the wider business (e.g., other hubs, international business and other centres of excellence) as required.

Our Mace consultancy pharmaceutical and life sciences sector set out to make a difference in the industry. Established in 2013, the team has grown in size and scope with employees based in the UK, Europe, and America, with wider coverage throughout the globe.

We provide an end-to-end consultancy service for some of the most notable and innovative life science projects, including manufacturing facilities for several manufacturing market leaders. We leverage the latest innovation, regional expertise and global best practice to continuously improve and advance infrastructure delivery, advising on critical public services and works of cultural importance; driving growth and delivering some of the world’s most technically complex and inspiring programmes of work.

Our values shape the way we consult, and define the people we want to join us on our journey:

Safety first – Going home safe and well:

• You will be a leading advocate of Mace’s value of safety first, and be accountable for leading and maintaining exceptional safety, quality, cost, programme, sustainability, and project compliance standards.

• You will champion a diverse and inclusive working environment and understand the importance of the wellbeing of the people you manage.

Client focus – Deliver on our promise:

• You will lead the delivery of key assignments and defined business areas, providing strategic direction and monitoring delivery aligned with overall vision and objectives.

• You will be responsible for best-in-class service delivery and effective engagement with wider industry and professional bodies to promote Mace.

• You will be a recognised expert in PMO and project controls, with a strong internal and external network (e.g., clients, contractors, consultancies, and other stakeholders).

• Accountable for the PMO and project controls services performance on assigned commission/s.

• Creates/designs effective PMO and project controls framework/strategy/s.

• Manages and directs clients, consultants, contractors, project team on all PMO and project controls management matters.

• Is a trusted advisor to and builds strong professional relationships with client organisations.

• Acts as the PMO and project controls subject matter expert on assigned project/s,/programme/portfolio/s.

• Leads and directs the project team in the administration of the PMO and project controls process, particularly with respect to the cost, schedule, change, risk and reporting to achieve key objectives and the escalation of performance and management issues.

• Leads and directs periodic reporting and structured governance and performance meetings.

• Leads and directs the developing and managing the baseline (scope, time, cost, risk, assumptions) and the subsequent delivery performance, change and contingency monitoring including the delivery of quantitative risk analysis (cost and time).

• Ensures all activities/operations are carried out in line with Mace control centre, client requirements and prevailing legislation.

• Provides line management to more junior PMO and project controls resources and other project/programme staff as required.

• Utilises expertise to mentor and assist the personal and career development of junior members of the PMO and project control team.

• Innovates and aligns with industry best practice to ensure continued service excellence.

• Leads the delivery of a high performing PMO and project control team on the assigned commission.

• Supports the hub PMO and project control director with resourcing and recruitment for the assigned commission.

• Works collaboratively towards the common goal of net zero carbon transition, and share responsibility for the proactive identification and management of the associated carbon emissions and reductions during the delivery of work.

Integrity – Always do the right thing:

• You will lead and direct project teams in the administration of the PMO and project controls process, particularly with respect to the cost, schedule, change, risk, and reporting.

• You will directly influence long term development of strategy for a function or business unit (BU), creating a sustainable business future.

• You will commit to making a positive impact for our people, our clients, and our planet, and take ownership for holding others to account who do not uphold the Mace values.

Create opportunity for our people to excel:

• You will mentor, coach, and develop your project team and provide an environment to share knowledge and experience.

• You will actively network, innovate, and seek understanding of best practice, utilising the full depth of knowledge of Mace group, the centres of excellence, Mace way control centre, and knowledge hub.

• You will use your network to identify talent, lead recruitment, and manage the development, retention, and mobility of people, and support our people to achieve their highest potential.

You’ll need to have:

• Significant experience of effective PMO and project controls leadership on significant construction projects and management consultancy.

• Significant experience of setting up effective PMO and project controls management/assurance frameworks/strategies.

• Expert knowledge of PMO and project controls tools, techniques and software (e.g., MS office and Power BI, Aconex, Primavera P6 and Risk Hive).

• Ability to manage activities with significant uncertainty of solution or outcome.

• Comprehensive knowledge of tools, techniques and software that interfaces with the risk discipline (e.g. Primavera Risk Analyser, Active Risk Manager).

• Practical knowledge of Power BI and other reporting suite tools.

• Strong understanding of construction projects, dependencies and interfaces within the project lifecycle and management consultancy.

• Deep domain knowledge of providing PMO and project controls leadership in multiple sectors (e.g. rail, highways, nuclear, public sector, hospitals).

• Seeks opportunities for implementing improved working practices.

• Excellent communicator and relationship manager.

• Confident presenter and public speaker; ability to capture the audience and clearly transmit the position/message.

• Effective appraisal/analytical skills to support skilled negotiations, problem solving, or conflict resolution.

• Develops and maintains excellent professional working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including the relevant centre of excellence.

• Growth mindset that promotes curiosity, high quality contribution and team collaboration.

• Encourages sharing of best practice and lesson learnt between teams.

• Encourages awareness of colleagues from different technical, social and cultural backgrounds.

• Leads others effectively, gives clear direction, coaches, and supports others to reach their full potential.

• Mentors and develops the project team; provides a safe work environment to learn and mature.

• Adapts and reacts well to changing priorities and requirements.

• Demonstrates a better perspective and explores innovative approaches, in pursuit of a better way. Embraces new technology and helps others to adapt.

• Takes responsibility for their actions, leads by example and acts in an ethical, legal and responsible way.

• Understands personal strengths and seeks training/learning/ support where necessary.

• Recognises and actively pursues the collective power of diverse and inclusive teams.

• Champions and operates within an inclusivity environment.

• Excellent interpersonal skills to manage relationships with key stakeholders.

• PMO and project controls experience delivering a range of project management services on major construction programmes/portfolios.

• Chartered status (or equivalent) and/or membership of a relevant professional institution e.g. Association of Project Managers.

You’ll also have:

• Practical knowledge/application and understanding of the opportunities related to data analytics and intelligent reporting, Power BI and other reporting suite tools.

• Experience of working client side as well as consultancy.

• May mentor individuals, sharing knowledge and experience.

• Relevant university degree (e.g. construction, engineering) or equivalent.

• Chartered (or equivalent) membership of relevant professional institution(s) e.g. Association of Project Managers.

• Management successful programmes/P3O/P3M3 accreditation.

• Actively engages with peers out with Mace within professional bodies and other forums to maintain professional knowledge and work across industry to advance the profession.

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.

We are also open to discussing part-time, flexible, and hybrid working options if suitable within the role.

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