Associate Director - Project Manager - Water

Mace; Peterborough; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options

Inclusive work environment

Job summary

A leading consultancy firm in the UK is seeking a Project Manager to oversee multiple water and water recycling projects. The ideal candidate will have at least 8 years of project management experience in complex infrastructure and a strong background in the water sector. Responsibilities include managing project teams, ensuring compliance with governance procedures, and maintaining stakeholder engagement. The role involves working primarily in the South-East UK and offers flexibility in working arrangements.

Qualifications

• At least 8+ years of project management experience in large complex infrastructure.
• Experience in the water sector or regulated industries is preferred.
• Ability to manage design and consulting teams effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead project teams and deliver multiple water projects.
• Ensure compliance with project governance, risk management, and quality systems.
• Manage project budgets and promote a safety-first culture.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Water sector knowledge

Health and Safety compliance

Team leadership

Contract administration

Financial acumen

Education

Membership of RICS, CIOB, APM, ICE or equivalent

Tools

Oracle

Primavera P6

Job description

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

Our client is the utilities provider in the South‑East geographic area. Their purpose is to deliver services in an environmentally sustainable, economically beneficial, and socially responsible manner and create sustainable long‑term value for all.

As the project manager, you will work within capital delivery, and you will lead project teams in a collaborative environment interacting positively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. You will be responsible for the simultaneous delivery of a number of water and water recycling projects and/or programmes within their AMP8 programme. The role will ensure our clients project governance procedures are followed including risk, cost and change control and will work collaboratively with other teams across the business to deliver projects.

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 promote Mace's value of safety first, exhibiting visible safety behaviours, sharing lessons learned and using safety moments and Mace's HSW framework to support the safety and wellbeing of all Mace staff.
• You will possess technical expertise in local Health and Safety rules and regulations relevant to project portfolio.
• You will promote a diverse and inclusive working environment, and understand the importance of the wellbeing of the people in your team.

Client Focus - Deliver On Our Promise

• You will ensure robust quality systems are in place, and suitably managed in line with service excellence.
• You will manage delivery from project inception/brief, through design development and planning, contractor procurement and construction phase in accordance with the overall delivery program and agreed project milestones.
• You will manage tasks and associated deliverables in support of the Associate Director and other senior leaders, alongside the wider project and client teams, to ensure the timely and accurate delivery of the project.
• Owning projects throughout the project life‑cycle from concept to handover and closeout.
• Preparing, updating and implementing the project management plan whilst proactively monitoring overall progress, the interdependency's and resolving issues/mitigating risks and initiating corrective action as appropriate.
• Driving the design development, initiating surveys and site visits as necessary in order to write the works information in line with the project business case.
• Undertaking the contract administration responsibilities and have a thorough understanding of the NEC3/4 suite of contracts.
• Ensuring projects are delivered to the right quality, in the time allocated and at, or below the approved budget.
• Writing specifications, tender and contract documents to include project risk registers, schedules and others with the assistance of procurement and production colleagues formally assess tenders in readiness for contract award.
• Ensuring compliance with the requirements of project environmental, CDM 2015, health and safety, water quality and environmental standards, WIMES, CESWI7 and statutory legislation.
• Undertaking regular reviews, inspections and audits.
• Managing contractors to ensure that the execution of projects is undertaken. Contract administration of numerous projects dealing with payments, EWN, NCE’s etc.
• Undertaking timely third‑party liaisons, e.g. planning applications, land/access, power supply negotiations etc. in line with the project programme.
• Understanding client requirements and have strong stakeholder engagement to deal with complex third‑party relations.

Integrity - Always Do The Right Thing

• You will manage project budgets and highlight any risks, challenges and mitigations.
• You will support the long term development of your 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 manage design and wider consultant teams in a collaborative manner to ensure effective completion of responsibilities.
• You will direct and manage the project team and relevant stakeholders to achieve strategic project key performance indicators (KPIs).
• You will actively network, innovate, and seek understanding of best practice, utilising the full depth of knowledge of Mace group, the centers of excellence, Mace way control center and knowledge hub.

You’ll Need To Have

• Water sector experience preferred or within a regulated industry with at least 8+ yrs project management experience managing large complex or multiple infrastructure/capital schemes.
• Digitally savvy and have familiarity in using a project, programme and financial management tools such as Oracle and Primavera P6, can build lasting client relationships and lead strong, motivated teams.
• To work seconded in the South‑East and travel to multiple sites.

You’ll Also Have

• Membership of RICS, CIOB, APM, ICE or equivalent demonstrable professional or personal development
• Experienced background in Water infrastructure is essential
• Commercial and financial acumen
• Experience of leading parts of projects within large, diverse teams
• Experience of developing and forming relationships with senior stakeholders
• Knowledge of how carbon and sustainability considerations will shape the outlook of the projects you are working on.
• Full UK driving license (essential).

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.