Position status: This opportunity is for a secured role that is due to commence in January subject to approval. If you would like to be considered as we progress with this position, please click to apply.
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 consult business, we harness our unique combination of leading-edge practical expertise and project delivery consultancy to unlock the potential of 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 currently providing programme management and looking for high-calibre experienced professionals to lead integrated teams throughout each phase of the project.
The associate director of design will lead highly complex multi-disciplinary design projects.
The role will carry the overall responsibility for the successful project design execution and delivery, client interface, and leading the technical quality of all project-related design matters throughout the whole project lifecycle.
Responsible for ensuring that all project(s), or programme design management-related activities undertaken by the design management team, are in accordance with the requirements of the project execution plan, PMIS, or other governing framework as applicable, as well as responsible for overall DM strategy and leadership.
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:
- 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 compliance standards for the design resources you manage.
- You will possess advanced technical expertise in local health and safety rules and regulations relevant to the 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:
- Act as the day-to-day operational manager for any design managers or other design management resources deployed to projects.
- You will be responsible for leading the delivery of design management to deliver key strategic outcomes and sub-function KPIs, directly influencing strategic development.
- You will be the main point of contact for client design issues, ensuring relationships are managed and maintained.
- Actively support the alignment of work with the client’s strategic objectives and imperatives, and passionately promote the client’s mission and vision.
- Managing the client relationship and maintaining strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Collaborating with the lead design consultants (LDC) to maximise quality and value while minimising the risk profile for the project.
- Manage/oversee the consultant’s performance including, where appropriate, recommending performance improvement/corrective actions to ensure that delivery is achieved on time, within budget and to the required quality standards.
- Assess design submittals and provide recommendations regarding contractual/scope compliance, alignment with client's vision and objectives, client guidelines and project requirements, including design brief, project brief, scope of services, RIBA plan of work, etc.
- Prepare/support an overarching design programme for the projects assigned, including interface with the proponent, stakeholders, procurement, commercial and construction programmes.
- Monitor and support the technical design process through the relevant design stages - covering design works, technical services, surveys, studies, site investigations, reports, and statutory approvals.
- Provide project or programme-wide design management oversight and interaction/coordination with construction, commercial, programme, procurement, and control functions.
- Ensure the design risks process is managed effectively, identify potential risks early on, develop a risk management plan, and monitor risks throughout the project lifecycle.
- Responsible for the allocation of project resources effectively within the design team ensuring any potential allocation issues or resource requirements have been mitigated, roles and responsibilities of each team member, including job titles, job descriptions, and expectations for performance have been established from the project conception.
- Review and final comment upon the design for compliance with all required client requirements, design standards, specifications, sustainability requirements and standards.
- Communicate the design management strategy across the project, or programme, and PD approval thereof and provide direction whilst ensuring the understanding of strategy, priorities, and impact to the team.
- Ensure the completion of full design management and manage design teams in the development of design solutions to meet the client's expectations and commercial constraints.
- Overall responsible for the end-to-end design delivery - from design research to implementation and validation.
- Support the design through stage gates in line with the contract and brief from the client.
- Ensure systems are in place for comprehensive and consistent design management across the teams through all the different stages of a design process, whilst also ensuring that the team is working together effectively and efficiently.
- Ensuring ongoing knowledge and upskilling of the team. Directing and guiding junior members of staff to develop their careers within Mace.
- Ensure agreement of KPIs with the PD and the performance of the group in connection with them.
- Ensuring strategic delivery of the core function aligns with Mace's way and core values.
- Provide advice on consultant selection and appointment.
- Supporting SDMs in the evaluation of consultant variations and claims.
- Oversee and participate in key design and technical review workshops
- Identify and manage design-associated risks, mitigation strategies, and/or escalation.
- Identify opportunities for further staff deployment, or additional Mace specialist resources that can add value and increase Mace in the project.
Integrity - Always do the right thing:
- You will implement and execute the design management system, processes and protocols to meet statutory, legal, and contractual requirements.
- You will directly influence the 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 mentor, coach, and develop your project team and provide an environment to share knowledge and experience.
- You will actively network, innovate, and seek an understanding of best practices, utilising the full depth of knowledge of Mace group, the centres of excellence, Mace way control centre and knowledge hub.
- You will use your network to identify talent, lead recruitment, manage the development, retention and mobility of people, and support our people to achieve their highest potential.
You’ll need to have:
- A degree qualified or equivalent in architecture or another design-related discipline.
- Significant experience in managing design on multi-million projects (USD).
- MENA working experience.
- Experience in leading or senior roles on major construction projects.
- Experience in implementation of client’s design management policies and procedures.
You’ll also have:
- Membership in RIBA, MICE, CIBSE, CIOB, RICS, CIAT or equivalent demonstrable professional or personal development.
- Extensive experience in the successful delivery phase of projects and programmes in the consultancy sector.
- Deep construction and consultancy expertise.
- Knowledge of building safety legislation, building standards, construction contracts, professional appointments and health and safety legislation.
- Leadership and management experience of large, diverse teams.
- Experience in managing relationships with key senior stakeholders.
- Knowledge of how carbon and sustainability considerations will shape the outlook of the projects you are working on.
Please note: Obtaining a visa in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is subject to a criminal record check, qualifications and may encounter age restrictions.
Mace is an inclusive employer and welcomes interest from a diverse range of candidates.
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