Civil Rail Lead

Position status: This opportunity is for a secured role that is due to commence in December subject to approval. If you would like to be considered as we progress with this position, please click to apply.

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.

The project:

The M401 Civil Rail Lead shall be responsible for overseeing the delivery of the M401 Contract. The role holder is expected to be high calibre individual who is an ambassador for the M401 Contract, driving relationships, performance and morale within their team, with the project delivery partner and the M401 contractor. The M401 Civil Rail Lead will be responsible for the end-to-end oversight of all aspects of M400 delivery, providing leadership and direction in a fast-paced and collaborative team environment.

The role holder will be forward looking, identifying and managing risks, developing key stakeholder relationships and establishing robust and agile governance across the M401 delivery team (including the M401 contractor and the project delivery partner).

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:

• 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 possess advanced technical expertise in local health and safety rules and regulations relevant to project portfolio.
• 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 the relationship owner and primary contact for Mace executive team engagement, and responsible for ensuring efficient governance to achieve our strategic priorities.
• You will be responsible for key client relationship management, and converting the client's vision into a deliverable onsite plan.
• Act as the Authority's representative for the M401 Contract.
• Lead the co-ordination of the M401 Contract, working closely with the M401 delivery team, consultants and contractors.
• Be responsible for the M401 Contract budget, providing reporting and ensuring resources are well deployed and managed.
• Determine and track delivery milestones and key performance indicators.
• Work with key stakeholders across the M401 Contract, partners and the wider TII team, to understand the landscape/context and support the delivery of the M401 Contract and the project's objectives.
• Coordinate and draw support from the project's directorate functions to ensure delivery excellence and performance on the M401 Contract ensuring suitable processes and procedures are in place.
• Comply with governance process and ensure M401 milestones are met and delivered in a controlled and assured manner.
• Apply oversight, expertise and sound judgment – either themselves, or by seeking independent verification through the Assurance function.
• Escalation of risks/issues to the project director for mitigation/resolution.
• Work within the project governance structures and establish their consistent use throughout the M400 team, project delivery partner and M401 contractor.
• Keep the M401 contract aligned with the project's priorities and strategies.
• Identify and leverage opportunities for implementation of continuous improvement and lean techniques to reduce costs and release programme contingency.
• Discharge delegated authority for low & medium risk projects in line with the project governance.
• Deliver the programme outcomes specified in the functional briefs within the control baseline and associated tolerances.
• Effectively manage teams of project controls, design, and other support consultants to properly allocate resources and maximize efficiencies across the programme.
• Where appropriate, challenge forecasts and information produced by the M401 contractor and/or project delivery partner.
• Lead a safety culture and associated behaviours, to promote health and safety across the programme and wider organisation.
• Clarify stakeholder management responsibilities, and application of appropriate stakeholder communications policy for the M400 Contract that are aligned to the broader the project stakeholder management strategy.

Integrity - Always do the right thing:

• You will have full budgetary oversight and ensure operations are fiscally and ethically viable, and meet organisational and legislative compliance obligations.
• 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 provide expert technical advice and leadership support to Delivery Teams, creating a culture of ownership, promoting roles and responsibilities.

You'll need to have:

• 15+ years' experience in programme/project delivery across Infrastructure programmes of significant size and complexity, with at least 7 years of senior management experience (experience delivering rail PPP's preferable).
• Further demonstrated experience/knowledge of the following is required: Experience from inception to completion of complex high value metro and/or rail projects.
• Ability to successfully lead and manage a team on large and complex construction and/or rail projects.
• Ability to manage multiple technical requirements and teams within a construction environment.
• Ability to work effectively with multiple stakeholder.
• Ability to manage technical outputs to drive efficiency.
• Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written) and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to create a collaborative culture across the project team.
• Ability to govern and drive outcomes to ensure high quality service delivery.
• Ability to deal with and resolving unforeseen risks and issues.
• Excellent stakeholder negotiation and management skills.
• Strong team leadership skills with an ability to influence to drive effective design decision making.
• Motivated, driven, enthusiastic, hard-working.
• Ability to step back from the detail and take a holistic overview.
• Possesses a positive "can do" attitude and can work on several projects simultaneously.
• Ability to prioritise effectively, meet deadlines and deliver consistent service.
• Ability to manage client expectations and deliver within agreed parameters.
• Ability to work in a challenging environment both on their own initiative and as part of a team.

You'll also have:

• Minimum Level 8 degree (or equivalent) in relevant subject area e.g., engineering, construction, project management.
• Level 9 Masters in relevant field would be advantageous (or equivalent masters).
• Chartered member of a relevant professional body preferred e.g. Chartered Engineer (IEI or equivalent) Chartered Project Professional (APM or equivalent) or Programme Management Professional (PMI or equivalent).
• Membership of MCIOB/MAPM/MRICS/MICE or equivalent demonstrable professional or personal development.
• Deep construction management expertise.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen.
• Leadership and management experience of large, diverse teams.
• Experience of managing relationships with key senior stakeholders.
• Knowledge of how carbon and sustainability considerations will shape the outlook of the projects you are working on.

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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