Operations Director - Life Sciences

Mace; Richmond (VA); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

Mace is seeking an executive Operations Director, Life Sciences, to drive growth, client relationships, and delivery excellence across the Americas. This seller-doer role combines business development with strategic project oversight of Life Science delivery.

The candidate will lead multidisciplinary teams, manage risk and budgets, and strengthen Mace Consult’s leadership in the Life Science market. Flexible/hybrid working options are considered.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated success in work winning, client relationship management, and growing Life Science business portfolios.
• Proven leadership as Project Manager or Project Director on Life Science projects.
• Strong commercial acumen, including contract negotiation, financial oversight, and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Lead growth of Mace Consult’s Life Science business across the Americas.
• Build trusted relationships with Life Science clients and strategic partners.
• Develop Life Science market strategies aligned with regional priorities.
• Build a strong pipeline of large, multidisciplinary Life Science opportunities.
• Lead capture planning, proposals, interviews, and pursuit strategies for commissions exceeding $5M in fees.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated, client-focused solutions.
• Cross-sell services to support Life Science pursuits nationally.
• Represent Mace Consult as a Life Science market leader.
• Oversee project performance, client satisfaction, governance, and delivery outcomes.

Skills

Work winning

Client relationship

Life Science portfolios

Leadership

Program management

Financial oversight

Risk management

Communication

Education

Degree in Project Management/Engineering

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 business we harness our unique combination of leading-edge practical expertise and project deliveryconsultancy 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:

• 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

You’ll Be Responsible For

• In this pivotal Executive role, the Operations Director, Life Sciences is a senior professional who thrives in a seller-doer and market leadership position, centered on business development, client relationship management, and winning work, while providing strategic oversight of Life Science project delivery.
• Lead growth of Mace Consult’s Life Science business across the Americas
• Build trusted relationships with Life Science clients, and strategic partners
• Develop Life Science market strategies aligned with regional priorities
• Build a strong pipeline of large, multidisciplinary Life Science opportunities
• Lead capture planning, proposals, interviews, and pursuit strategies for commissions exceeding $5M in fees.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated, client-focused solutions.
• Cross-sell services and support Life Science pursuits nationally.
• Represent Mace Consult as a recognized Life Science market leader.
• Act as Project Director or Executive Sponsor on strategic Life Science projects.
• Oversee project performance, client satisfaction, governance, and delivery outcomes.
• Drive commercial performance through fee management, forecasting, and risk controls.
• Maintain executive client relationships and identify follow-on opportunities.
• Mentor leaders in client engagement, work winning, and commercial management.
• Foster an inclusive, high-performing multidisciplinary team culture.
• Strengthen Mace Consult’s reputation through thought leadership and industry engagement.

You’ll need to have

• 20+ years of professional experience, with a strong focus on Life Science projects in the US and/ or globally.
• Degree in Project Management, Construction Management, Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, or a related discipline (or equivalent professional experience).
• Demonstrated success in work winning, client relationship management, and growing Life Science business portfolios.
• Proven leadership as a Project Manager or Project Director on medium to large-scale Life Science projects across the project lifecycle.
• Strong commercial acumen, including contract negotiation, financial oversight, and risk management.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and presentation skills with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Advanced knowledge of program management, program controls, governance frameworks, and delivery procedures.
• Full budget management experience, including program budgets and internal fee budgets.
• Advanced expertise in risk and opportunity management.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills across estimating, scheduling, procurement, contract administration, financial controls, and reporting.
• Sound understanding of construction contracts and commercial management principles.
• Experience driving performance management and fostering high-performing teams.
• Ability to represent programs and organizations with clients, public stakeholders, and industry partners.
• Advanced knowledge of HSE regulations and health & safety best practices.
• Strong leadership experience, including coaching, mentoring, and developing large multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated ability to drive innovation, continuous improvement, and best practice adoption.
• Experience managing complex stakeholder environments and resolving conflicts effectively.

Mace is an inclusive employer and welcomes interest from a diverse range of candidates.

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