Overview

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 business we harness our unique combination of leading-edge practical expertise and project delivery to unlock the potential in every project. Our values shape the way we consult, and define the people we want to join us on our journey, they are:

• Safety first - Going home safe and well
• Client focus - Deliver on our promise
• Integrity - Always do the right thing
• Create opportunity - for our people to excel

Role

Client-side Project Director (Fixed Term Contract)

The purpose of the role is to act as the development Client for a large residential scheme in Southeast London.

The wider scheme consists of 386 units and was completed in two main phases in 2016 and 2020. Although parts of the scheme have been subject to snagging and re-cladding works to comply with updated Build Safety Act requirements, one block in the first phase comprising 37 maisonette units remains subject to a programme of major remedial works which requires residents to be relocated into temporary alternative homes. This remedial programme has been underway since 2022 and is expected to be completed in the second half of 2026. At completion, the development will be handed over to a management company controlled by private residential leaseholders and including representatives from a Housing Association for the affordable elements and the Borough Council.

The project director needs the experience, skill and resilience to balance a wide range of priorities, including empathetic and pragmatic engagement with residents and providing direction through the relevant community engagement/resident liaison channels. You will be a visible presence on site, including at resident briefings.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the client representative to ensure the successful and timely conclusion of remediation works in a live residential environment.
• Engage with on-site technical and construction teams to maintain positive, productive, collaborative relationships among client, contractor, other project parties and residents. Champion rational, evidence-based decision-making and problem-solving.
• Manage the project management and appointed communication teams in engagement, consultation and communication with leaseholders, renters and affordable housing providers and tenants.
• Lead the sourcing, leasing and occupation of temporary rehousing decant and recant options and programme, considering the contractor’s phased repair plan and potential property variations.
• Engage with in-house and external commercial and legal advisors to mitigate business, commercial, insurance and contractual risk.
• Work with in-house legal to prepare, negotiate, agree and execute settlement agreements with individual leaseholders.
• Oversee the identification and provisioning of project management, technical services and external resources required for the project on behalf of the client.
• Be an active champion of Mace's safety values. Exhibit visible safety behaviours and use the safety framework consistently.
• Own and shape the project programme, ensuring it is comprehensive, logical, up-to-date and understood by stakeholders. Identify and mitigate risks and formalise changes within agreed timeframes.
• Ensure contractor has robust quality systems and that operations are monitored in line with service excellence principles.
• Manage and track project changes, progressing and formalising changes within agreed timeframes.
• Ensure records are maintained and requisite approvals are obtained for the works.
• Ensure handover documentation is provided, reviewed and approved in a timely manner prior to practical completion.
• Work with the client’s estate management service provider to ensure local problems are resolved and communications with residents and commercial leaseholders are regular and effective.

Qualifications

• Substantial previous experience in a project management and estate asset management role on medium-sized or complex projects, or leading smaller projects.
• Experience in the construction delivery phase of projects.
• Appropriate CSCS card.
• Experience of working client-side for a residential developer/developer-contractor.
• Highly developed communication, presentation and project planning skills. Able to work positively and collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Successful track record of project management (including residential schemes with a construction value of £20-50m) and delivering to budgets with defined timescales and risk mitigation.
• Understanding of project and construction management methodologies and practices (including schedule management).
• Excellent management and negotiation skills.

You’ll also have

• Deep expertise in the residential development sector including client-side project or construction management experience. Proactive and autonomous.
• Comprehensive knowledge of health and safety rules and residential sector regulations relevant to the project (Building Safety Act 2022).
• High emotional intelligence.
• Experience collaborating with lawyers and insurers, including dispute resolution and cost recovery processes.
• Commitment to Mace’s values and behaviours. Inclusive approach.
• Ability to partner with others to achieve shared performance goals.
• Comfort with taking charge and providing guidance, direction and coordination as client.
• Empathy to influence and manage sensitive resident issues.
• Rational and evidence-based problem solving and analytical skills.
• Self-awareness and willingness to seek input and support where appropriate.

Mace is an inclusive employer and welcomes interest from a diverse range of candidates. Even if you feel you do not fulfil all 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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