Project Director

Mace; Charlottesville (VA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Mace is seeking a Programme Manager in Charlottesville, Virginia, responsible for directing the delivery of sub programmes and managing all aspects of a project. You will ensure successful outcomes by fostering strong internal and external relationships, overseeing safety, governance, and compliance standards.

The ideal candidate has proven experience in programme management, strong analytical skills, and a relevant degree. Mace promotes a diverse workplace and flexible working options.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a sub‑programme or small programme lead.
• Strong technical understanding of programme management practices.
• Experience managing external and internal budgets.

Responsibilities

• Direct the coordination and delivery of sub programmes.
• Implement strategies and monitor delivery performance.
• Manage Senior Managers, Managers, and Assistant Managers.

Skills

Programme management

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Budget management

Strong communication

Construction knowledge

Education

Degree in project management or construction

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.

The Project

Serves as Lilly’s single point of accountability for the entire Owner’s Representative engagement, directing all workstream leads, governing scope and schedule, managing the Lilly relationship, and owning overall delivery outcomes.

Our Values

• 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

• Direct the coordination and delivery of a sub programme (or smaller programme) and oversee the implementation of project strategies, providing direction and monitoring delivery in alignment with overall vision and objectives.
• Implement an appropriate programme delivery environment including People, Organisation, Process, Information and Technology.
• Improve performance from the bid baseline by optimizing resources and monitoring, reviewing and evaluating activities, systems and methodologies.
• Define relationship ownership and act as the primary contact for Mace BUD engagement.
• Direct and maintain exceptional safety, quality, cost, programme, sustainability, governance, risk, stakeholder management and programme compliance standards.
• Ensure the programme operates an effective risk management strategy with appropriate management actions and risk treatments established.
• Proactively convey and connect the wider business strategy to the programme team and promote associated initiatives.
• Network and utilise the full depth and knowledge of the Mace Group and Centres of Excellence to support programme delivery, actively promoting knowledge share with others.
• Ensure operations are commercially viable, influencing the achievement of business objectives (including debt collection) and meeting organisational and legislative compliance obligations.
• Build and maintain internal and external relationships (e.g., clients, contractors, consultancies and other stakeholders) to foster growth and increase networks, developing internal and external communication.
• Adopt the full benefits of Construction to Production (C2P), Net Zero Carbon, and Digital & Data innovation.
• Promote Mace's value of Safety First, exhibiting visible safety behaviours, sharing lessons learned and using safety moments and Mace's HSW framework. Support the safety and wellbeing of all Mace staff.
• Manage a number of Senior Managers, Managers and Assistant Managers.
• Work collaboratively towards the common goal of net zero carbon transition, sharing responsibility for proactive identification and management of associated carbon emissions and reductions during delivery of work.

You’ll need to have

• Proven experience as a sub‑programme or small programme lead, with a demonstrable track record.
• Strong technical understanding of programme management practices, controls, governance and procedures.
• Experience managing budgets, including both external programme budgets and internal fee budgets.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills across cost management, scheduling, procurement, contract administration, financial controls and reporting throughout the project lifecycle.
• Ability to support and drive initiatives related to Construction to Production, Digital & Data and low‑carbon innovations.
• Experience working in both consultancy and construction environments (or equivalent).
• Proven track record of successful programme delivery across both pre‑construction and construction phases.
• Degree in a relevant field (e.g., project management, construction) or equivalent professional experience or apprenticeship, with an intermediate level of role knowledge.
• Professional membership such as MAPM, MRICS, MICE or local equivalent.

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 organization.

We are also open to discussing part‑time, flexible and hybrid working options if suitable within the role.