Associate Director Planning

Job description / Role

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. https://strategy.macegroup.com/2026-business-strategy/p/1

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:

This is an opportunity to work on one of the largest programmes in Saudi Arabia. This unique project consists of major mixed-use development including sports facilities, entertainment, and arts along with all associated infrastructure.

Mace is one of the delivery partners requiring high-calibre and experienced professionals to lead integrated teams throughout each phase of the project.

Our values shape the way we consult, and define the people we want to join us on our journey, they are:

Safety first - Going home safe and well:

• You will be a leading advocate of Mace's value of Safety First, and be accountable for leading and maintaining exceptional safety, quality, cost, programme, sustainability, and project compliance standards.
• You will possess advanced technical expertise in local Health and Safety rules and regulations relevant to project portfolio.
• You will champion a diverse and inclusive working environment and understand the importance of the wellbeing of the people you manage.

Client focus - Deliver on our promise:

• You will ensure the successful delivery of key assignments and defined business areas, providing strategic direction and monitoring delivery aligned with overall vision and objectives.
• You will be responsible for implementing appropriate programme delivery environments, including People, Organisation, Process, Information and Technology
• You will promote and influence quality and Service Excellence in all conversations and programme interactions.

Integrity - Always do the right thing:

• You will be responsible for project budgets and ensure operations are fiscally and ethically viable, and meet organisational and legislative compliance obligations.
• You will support the Operations Director and other senior stakeholders to directly influence long term development of strategy for a 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 lead your team effectively and develop others to reach their full potential.
• You will actively network, innovate, and seek understanding of best practice, utilising the full depth of knowledge of Mace Group, the Centres of Excellence, Mace Way Control Centre and Knowledge Hub.
• You will collaborate with multiple internal and external stakeholders, up to C-Suite, to implement and manage our programmes.

You’ll be responsible for:

Managing the application of specific planning/scheduling methods, techniques, and tools.
• Working knowledge of planning/scheduling, EVM, and project control methodologies.
• Being able to advise on complex requirements and communicate analysis and corrective measures effectively.
• Being able to manage planning/scheduling delivery of medium/high complexity projects/programmes.
• Being able to play key role in multidisciplinary teams and take a lead role in creating plans or analysing trends using numerical and statistical techniques.
• Managing a team of professionals delivering planning/schedule management services and responsible for staff development.
• Setting up effective planning/schedule management systems and procedures.
• Managing resourcing, growing, and developing the team.
• Managing activities with significant uncertainty of solutions or outcomes.
• Supporting senior management in deal negotiations, contract development, due diligence, and other business development or alliance development projects.
• Creating and delivering persuasive and engaging presentations to a wide range of audiences in our industry.
• Spotting, developing, and coaching talented individuals.
• Selling the business and winning work.
• Managing through others – including delegating, coordinating, appraising, coaching
Competent to lead a small team in own discipline area.
• Persuading and influencing clients, consultants, suppliers, and colleagues.
• Takes responsibility for their actions, leads by example and acts in an ethical, legal, and responsible way.
• Is self-aware, makes the most of their talents, skills, and resourcefulness.
• Sets SMART objectives and efficiently manages resources and tasks.
• Collaborates well with internal and external stakeholders, building trusting and respectful relationships.
• Takes ownership to identify, solve and overcome challenges.
• Adapts and reacts well to changing priorities and requirements.
• Delivers results and exceeds clients’ expectations.

Requirements

You’ll need to have:

• Advising on Consultant Selection and Appointment.
• Evaluation of Consultant Variations and Claims in connection with design
Challenging and supporting the design teams to ensure design solutions are optimized.

You’ll also have:

• Ability to manage multiple works packages in parallel.
• Ability to maintain proper records and tracking.
• Accredited in Project Management Professional (PMP) is preferred.
• Having contractual knowledge according to FIDIC.
• Ability to interrogate programmes and critical path.
• Knowledge of construction technology knowledge (on-site experience).
• Good verbal and written communication.

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.

About the Company

Mace is an international consultancy and construction company that has delivered world class projects since 1990. Today we employ over 6,000 people across five global hubs in Europe, Middle East North Africa and India, North America, Asia Pacific and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Four simple values guide our behaviour in our pursuit of a better way; Safety first - going home safe and well, Client focus - deliver on our promise, Create opportunity - for our people to excel, Integrity - always doing the right thing. We aim to attract the best and brightest people, whatever their background, to bring new perspectives to some of the most complex and inspiring projects around the world.

We support our people who are aiming to achieve an academic or professional qualification that will help them develop personally and deliver to the highest standard for our clients. At Mace you can deepen your knowledge, expand your skills and define your own path.