Senior Project Manager (Associate Director) - Defence

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.

We are looking for a talented Senior Project Manager (Associate Director) to join our Defence team in Reading. This role plays a key part in overseeing, coordinating, and supporting the delivery of a complex commission on behalf of our client, working closely with internal teams, supply chain partners, and senior stakeholders.

You will provide day to day leadership across project and programme management activities, deputising for the Commission Lead where required, while helping to drive performance, continuous improvement, and successful outcomes against agreed objectives and KPIs.

You’ll Be Responsible For

Overseeing delivery planning, performance management, and internal and external reporting, highlighting risks, opportunities, issues, and mitigations. Tracking and supporting the delivery of commission activities in line with client and stakeholder expectations. Monitoring governance and assurance of deliverables, identifying lessons learned and embedding continuous improvement. Providing day to day leadership and subject matter expertise to support the success of the commission. Supporting the management of the Delivery Management team, working collaboratively with commercial, finance, people, and security smes. Producing schedules, trackers, and performance reports using appropriate tools (e.g. Microsoft Project and bespoke systems). Partnering closely with internal and external stakeholders, responding effectively to change and evolving requirements. Managing, influencing, and communicating with senior external stakeholders. Supporting the development of resourcing, requirements, and risk inputs for PIP contract renewals or extensions. Actively contribute to Mace’s net zero carbon objectives by identifying and managing carbon impacts within project delivery.

You’ll Need To Have

You will be a confident and collaborative project manager with strong organisational skills and the ability to work across complex stakeholder environments. You will bring: Experience delivering project or programme management services within a complex, multi‑stakeholder environment. Strong leadership skills, with the ability to coordinate and influence multi‑disciplinary teams. Experience in performance management, reporting, governance, and assurance processes. Confidence engaging with senior stakeholders, both internal and external. A proactive, solution‑focused mindset with a strong commitment to continuous improvement. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. Strong planning and scheduling capability, with experience using tools such as Microsoft Project. A commitment to safety, wellbeing, and high professional standards. An interest in sustainability and contributing to net zero carbon outcomes.

Our values

Safety first - Going home safe and well: We champion a safe, diverse and inclusive working environment, understanding the importance of wellbeing in every team.

Client focus - Deliver on our promise: We own the quality of deliverables, 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 fulfil 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 with-in the role.