Associate Director - Project Controls

Mace; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Mace is seeking a PMO and Project Controls leader to govern delivery across commissions, providing strategic guidance and governance. You will lead teams, drive KPIs, and act as trusted advisor to clients and project teams.

The role requires extensive experience on major construction projects and consultancy, with proficiency in PMO tools (Power BI, Primavera P6, Aconex) and risk interfaces; Chartered status or equivalent is preferred.

Qualifications

• Extensive PMO/Project Controls leadership on major construction projects and consultancy.
• Experience setting up PMO/Project Controls frameworks/strategies.

Responsibilities

• Champion safety, wellbeing, inclusivity and responsible delivery across projects.
• Deliver projects through clear planning, quality systems and strong stakeholder collaboration.
• Supervise change and commercial performance with integrity.
• Lead teams to achieve KPIs and share best practice.
• Lead PMO and project controls governance across commissions.
• Act as trusted advisor to clients, consultants and project teams.
• Direct cost, schedule, change, risk, reporting and baselining.
• Mentor and develop the project team; drive best practice and net zero outcomes.

Skills

PMO Leadership

Project Controls

Stakeholder Mgmt

Power BI

Primavera P6

Risk Management

Education

Chartered status / APM membership

Relevant construction/engineering degree

Tools

MS Office

Power BI

Aconex

Primavera P6

RiskHive

Job description

Job Description:

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.

The Project

Leads the delivery of PMO and project controls services, providing strategic guidance, line management and cross-discipline support. Works collaboratively across Centres of Excellence, hubs and international teams to drive consistency, strengthen performance and unlock potential across commissions and the wider business.

Your Responsibilities Will Include

• Champion safety, wellbeing, inclusivity and responsible delivery across every project.
• Deliver projects through clear planning, quality systems and strong stakeholder collaboration.
• Supervise change and commercial performance with integrity.
• Lead teams to achieve KPIs, share best practice and unlock potential across Mace.
• Lead PMO and project controls performance, strategy and governance across commissions.
• Act as trusted advisor to clients, consultants and project teams.
• Direct cost, schedule, change, risk, reporting and baseline management.
• Lead, mentor and resource high-performing teams, driving best practice, service excellence and net zero outcomes.

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 RiskHive).
• 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, decencies 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 activity 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.

• May mentor individuals, sharing knowledge and experience.
• 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 professional a relevant professional institution e.g. Association of Project Managers.
• 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 forum to maintain professional knowledge and work across industry to advance the profession.
• Experience of working client side as well as consultancy.

Our values

Safety first - Going home safe and well:

We champion a safe, diverse, and inclusive working environment, understanding the importance of well-being in every team.

Client focus - Deliver on our promise:

We own the quality of deliverables and 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 fulfill 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.

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