Associate Director - Design Management

Position status: This opportunity is for a secured role that is due to commence in September subject to approval. If you would like to be considered as we progress with this position, please click to apply.

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.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Design Manager to join a major infrastructure programme in Iceland, supporting the delivery of a diverse portfolio of mobility and transportation projects.

This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the development and delivery of complex infrastructure schemes while working within a highly collaborative client environment.

As Design Manager, you will lead the Design Management function across a portfolio of infrastructure projects, ensuring the effective coordination, integration and flow of design information from project inception through delivery.

Working closely with the client, consultants and project teams, you will establish design management processes, oversee design gateway approvals, support information management and ensure consistency and quality across the programme.

You will play a key role in driving collaboration, managing risks and opportunities, and ensuring projects progress efficiently through planning, design and delivery stages.

You’ll be responsible for:

• Directing and coordinating the Design Management function across multiple infrastructure projects.
• Developing and implementing design governance processes, gateway approvals and design management protocols.
• Managing design programmes, deliverables and key project milestones.
• Directing design coordination meetings, chair workshops and manage actions and issue registers.
• Supporting project inception activities including brief development, planning, programming and cost estimating.
• Engaging with internal and external stakeholders to drive project success.
• Ensuring compliance with relevant codes, standards, regulations and client framework agreements.
• Identifying and escalating key risks, challenges and opportunities across the programme.
• Supporting procurement strategy and provide input into contractual and commercial considerations.
• Reviewing and guiding the production of strategic technical documentation.
• Promoting consistency, quality and best practice across the project portfolio.
• Collaborating closely with BIM, Sustainability, Technical Services, Project Controls and Facilities Management teams.
• Supporting the management of design information and drive improvements in project integration.
• Providing regular reporting, presentations and updates to senior stakeholders and client leadership teams.

You’ll need to have:

• We are looking for a proven Design Management professional with experience leading complex mobility, transportation or infrastructure projects within client, consultancy or contractor environments.
• Extensive experience in Design Management on major infrastructure programmes.
• Strong understanding of design risk management, design assurance and project governance.
• Expertise in developing design workflows, schedules and deliverables management processes.
• Excellent knowledge of multidisciplinary design coordination and information management.
• Strong understanding of construction contracts, professional appointments and procurement strategies.
• Knowledge of building regulations, health and safety legislation and industry standards.
• Exceptional stakeholder management, communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to challenge design proposals and provide technically robust guidance.
• Strong leadership capability with experience mentoring and developing teams.
• A collaborative, proactive and solutions-focused approach.
• The ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive successful project outcomes.
• Right to work in the UK or EU.
• Previous experience working on major transportation, mobility or infrastructure programmes.
• Strong client-facing and stakeholder management experience.

We offer:

• 3 weeks in Iceland/1 week out rotation.
• Accommodation provided.
• Vehicle provided.
• Per diem allowance.
• Opportunity to work on a landmark mobility programme.
• Collaborative, client-facing role with significant influence across multiple projects.

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.

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