Project Manager - Education

The Opportunity

Mace has a significant track record in the Education sector, working with schools, colleges, local authorities, and central government to deliver ‘landmarks for learning’ nationally with a strength of vision and concept that are sustainable, inherently flexible and able to change to meet future needs. Mace is a leading consultant for the Department for Education (DfE) delivering across all their principal capital programmes, including the Schools Re-building Programme, Free Schools, Special Educational Needs, Further Education (Colleges) and Institutes of Technology.

We are seeking Project Managers looking to further their careers working in a high performing team on a wide portfolio of work covering new build, refurbishment, remodelling and carbon reduction schemes. Mace’s ability to provide the key multidisciplinary services of design, cost, information management, sustainability and health and safety in house means that clients benefit from an integrated end to end service with a single point of accountability.

This is a client-side secondment role, working closely with DfE colleagues, with responsibility for planning, coordination and control of DfE capital projects from inception to completion, aimed at meeting DfE’s requirements to produce a functionally viable and sustainable project that will be completed safely, on time, within authorised cost and to the defined quality standards.

Mace people share a common drive to succeed, enthusiasm for their work and a passion for providing exceptional service to our clients and communities. This is embodied within our purpose “To redefine the boundaries of ambition,” underpinned by our three distinct priorities; pursue a sustainable world, grow together, and deliver distinctive value.

Mace has an agile working approach with duties performed from home and Mace offices. Occasional travel will be required to project sites and Mace Hub offices. The roles are flexible and allow for full or part time working.

About you

You will have:

Experience of delivering capital projects, preferably in a consultancy environment

A familiarity with construction delivery processes including procurement, town planning and budget management

High quality communication, stakeholder management and problem solving skills

Proficiency in MS Office applications

Degree-level education

Ideally a member of a professional body institute such as RICS, CIOB, APM or equivalent.

We welcome applications from professionals currently interested in converting to project management from other technical disciplines.

Experience of the education sector would be preferable although demonstratable relevant experience alongside a desire to learn will suffice. If you have a passion for delivering excellent client service, then you will feel at home with Mace.

DfE PM secondment Role Key Responsibilities

You will have responsibilty for up to five projects, working closely with DfE Project Directors, with support from DfE Design, Planning, Legal, ICT, and Technical Advisers.

Stakeholder management is an integral part of the role. You will be confident in liaising and communicating with stakeholders on a regular basis.

Initial Scoping

Work with Property and Legal Teams to agree and finalise commercial terms for the site acquisition.

Develop an overall project programme that incorporates any commercial key dates agreed as part of the heads of terms for the property deal.

Pre-procurement

Review the site report provided by the property team to ensure the DfE project team is briefed on the terms of the site acquired for the school project, such as planning, long stop dates, financial commitments, licences to carry out works. Also ensure that the DfE project team understand the assumptions around the scope, procurement route and budget for the project.

Manage the External Technical Adviser to complete a feasibility study for submission to DfE for approval in accordance with DfE processes.

Procurement through to opening and completion of building works

Ensure the procurement process undertaken by the Technical Adviser is compliant with Government procurement assurance standards.

Manage DfE processes to seek approval for any change in scope, procurement and budget.

Ensure all programme dates, risks and issues are accurately reported

Liaise with Commercial Managers to ensure all legal agreements are in place to access the site to undertake and works.

Ensure all financial reporting is accurately forecasted

Oversee the handover strategy to be agreed by the Technical Adviser and Contractor

Ensure all statutory approvals and contract certifications

You have a degree qualification in a relevant discipline and a member of a professional body institute such as RICS, CIOB or APM. You have experience in contract administration and using various forms of contract, in particular, NEC will be preferable.

You have experience in managing complex projects with public sector clients and thrive on delivering positive outcomes. You are digitally savvy, can build lasting client relationships and work well as part of a team. You will have experience in delivering projects in a consultancy environment, keen to grow your career and enjoy the opportunities Mace has to offer.

Schedule: Full-time

Shift:

Travel: