Operations Director - Programme Management - Rail

• Lead the coordination, delivery and strategic direction of a major infrastructure programme.
• Define and implement the programme delivery environment across people, organisation, processes, information and technology.
• Build and lead high‑performing teams, appointing internal and external specialists where required.
• Drive performance improvement from the bid baseline through resource optimisation and continual review of systems and methodologies.
• Act as primary relationship owner for executive‑level engagement and ensure programme governance is effective and efficient.
• Lead client relationship management (CRM), communication and challenge.
• Act as the public face of the programme, including chairing executive steering groups and engaging with external stakeholders.
• Ensure excellence in safety, quality, cost, schedule, sustainability, governance and compliance.
• Oversee programme documentation including plans, procedures, reports, registers and lessons learned.
• Build an inclusive, high‑performing team culture with strong emphasis on service excellence.
• Ensure robust risk management with clear actions and treatments.
• Connect wider Mace strategy to programme delivery, promoting initiatives and best practice.
• Leverage Mace’s Centres of Excellence and knowledge networks to support programme outcomes.
• Ensure commercially and ethically sound operations, meeting compliance and supporting business objectives.
• Build and maintain strong client, contractor and consultancy relationships.
• Provide thought leadership in programme management and delivery.
• Promote Mace’s Safety First culture and support wellbeing across the team.
• Contribute to net‑zero ambitions by identifying and managing carbon impacts across delivery.

• Demonstrable experience delivering major programmes in the Rail sector.
• Advanced understanding of programme management, governance, controls and procedures.
• Full budgetary oversight experience (programme and fee budgets).
• Advanced risk and opportunity management capability.
• Strong analytical skills across estimating, scheduling, procurement, contracts and financial controls.
• Strong contract literacy and performance management capability.
• Experience representing major programmes to external stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of HSE or equivalent regulatory frameworks.
• Relevant technical, leadership or management qualifications.
• Established network across clients, consultants and contractors.
• Advanced knowledge of consultancy, construction, infrastructure and property sectors.
• Track record of innovation and improved delivery methodologies.
• Experience in both consultancy and construction environments.
• International working experience.
• Extensive rail sector knowledge and networks.
• Leadership experience managing large teams.
• Tertiary qualifications in project management, construction or related disciplines (or equivalent experience).
• Appropriate CSCS card or global equivalent.
• Professional memberships: MAPM, MRICS, MICE, CIOB, APM, RICS, ICE.

Mace Group