Associate Director - Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Associate Director - Design Manager Company: Mace Location: London, England, United Kingdom Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Design Management / Project Management (Construction Operations) Date Posted: 2025-08-07 Experience Level: 10+ Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design management for a significant new-build central London university project, a key initiative within the higher education sector.
• Manage and mentor design teams, fostering a culture of excellence and ensuring alignment with Mace's strategic objectives and project delivery frameworks.
• Drive continuous improvement in design management systems and processes by applying best practices and lessons learned from previous projects.
• Oversee the overall design portfolio programme, identifying opportunities, mitigating risks, and ensuring successful client engagement and project outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as an Associate Director, indicating a senior leadership responsibility requiring strategic input, team oversight, and significant project accountability, particularly within the specialized domain of higher education facilities. The focus on "redefining boundaries of ambition" and "transformative impact" suggests a company culture that values innovation and strategic growth, which will be reflected in the operations and project management expectations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the design leadership for a new-build central London university project, ensuring successful delivery from inception to completion.
• Manage and direct internal and external design teams, including design managers and consultants, to ensure project deliverables are met on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
• Oversee the discharge of building regulations principal designer duties on behalf of Mace, ensuring compliance with all local health and safety regulations and building standards.
• Develop and implement appropriate programme delivery environments, encompassing people, organization, processes, information, and technology to support design excellence.
• Engage proactively with client teams, senior stakeholders, and consultants to foster strong relationships, manage expectations, and ensure alignment on project vision and objectives.
• Contribute to the strategic development of design management systems and processes across Mace's portfolio, identifying opportunities for business improvement and driving transformational change.
• Champion safety first, ensuring exceptional safety, quality, cost, programme, and sustainability standards are maintained throughout the design and delivery phases.
• Support business development and work-winning activities by leveraging expertise and contributing to proposals and client presentations.
• Manage project budgets and ensure operations are fiscally and ethically viable, adhering to organizational and legislative compliance obligations.
• Act as the focal point for design issues, providing leadership and strategic direction for all design engineering activities and ensuring effective resolution of complex challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of strategic leadership, hands-on project oversight, and stakeholder management. The mention of "managing the discharge of building regulations principal designer duties" highlights a critical compliance and safety aspect integral to construction operations and design management. The role also involves significant financial accountability and a focus on continuous process improvement, typical of senior operations management in large-scale construction projects.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Membership in a relevant professional body such as RIBA, MICE, CIBSE, CIOB, RICS, CIAT, or an equivalent qualification demonstrating professional expertise and commitment to ongoing development.

Experience:

• Extensive experience in managing the delivery phase of projects and programmes within the education sector, with a specific focus on higher education facilities.
• Proven track record of working for a Tier 1 contractor on large-scale projects, ideally exceeding £200 million in value.
• Demonstrable experience in managing complex design processes, including the discharge of building regulations and principal designer duties.
• Significant experience in leadership and management of large, diverse teams, fostering collaboration and driving performance.
• Substantial experience in managing relationships with key senior stakeholders, including clients and consultants, up to C-suite level.
• Deep construction and consultancy expertise, with a thorough understanding of construction contracts, professional appointments, and health & safety legislation.

Required Skills:

• Design Management: Expertise in leading and managing the entire design process for complex construction projects.
• Project Delivery: Proven ability to successfully deliver large-scale projects on time, within budget, and to high-quality standards.
• Stakeholder Management: Skill in building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, consultants, and internal teams, including negotiation and influence.
• Higher Education Facilities: Specific experience and understanding of the unique requirements and challenges associated with designing and delivering university campuses and facilities.
• Health and Safety Compliance: Strong knowledge of local health and safety rules, regulations, and the ability to manage principal designer duties.
• Team Leadership: Ability to lead, mentor, and develop diverse teams, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Process Improvement: Experience in identifying and implementing best practices and lessons learned to enhance design management systems and workflows.
• Business Acumen: Understanding of project budgets, financial viability, and contractual obligations, alongside business development capabilities.

Preferred Skills:

• Sustainability & Carbon Management: Knowledge of how carbon reduction and sustainability considerations influence project design and delivery.
• Building Regulations & Standards: In-depth understanding of building safety legislation, building standards, and construction contracts.
• Client Engagement: Ability to effectively engage with clients, understand their needs, and ensure successful project outcomes.
• Strategic Planning: Capability to contribute to and influence long-term strategy development for design management functions.
• Networking: Proactive approach to building and leveraging professional networks for knowledge sharing and business development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required professional memberships indicate a need for a candidate with a recognized level of expertise and commitment to the construction and design industry. The emphasis on experience with Tier 1 contractors and large-scale projects suggests a need for operational robustness and an understanding of complex project execution environments. The specific mention of "managing the discharge of building regulations principal designer duties" points to a critical operational responsibility requiring deep knowledge of compliance and risk management.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrated examples of successfully managed design processes for higher education facilities, highlighting project scope, complexity, and outcomes.
• Case studies showcasing leadership in managing large, multi-disciplinary design teams and coordinating with various external stakeholders.
• Evidence of experience in overseeing projects exceeding £200 million, detailing budget management, schedule adherence, and quality control measures.
• Documentation illustrating proficiency in managing building regulations compliance and principal designer responsibilities on significant construction projects.
• Examples of strategic contributions to the development or improvement of design management systems and processes within previous organizations.

Process Documentation:

• Detailed workflow designs for managing the design lifecycle, from conceptualization through to construction-ready documentation, emphasizing efficiency and risk mitigation.
• Examples of implementation plans for design management systems, including the integration of people, processes, information, and technology.
• Metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) used to track and report on design team performance, project progress, and overall design quality.
• Documentation of how lessons learned and best practices were captured, analyzed, and integrated into subsequent project delivery processes to drive continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the senior nature of this role and the focus on strategic development of design management systems, a portfolio demonstrating not just project execution but also process ownership and improvement is crucial. Candidates should be prepared to showcase their ability to implement and refine operational frameworks that ensure quality, safety, and efficiency in design delivery.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for an Associate Director level Design Manager with 10+ years of experience in London's construction sector, the estimated salary range for this role is likely between £90,000 and £130,000 per annum. This estimate considers the seniority, specialized experience in higher education facilities, and the project's scale and location.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health and Wellbeing: Access to private medical insurance, mental health support, and wellness programs.
• Retirement Savings: Generous pension scheme with employer contributions.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, training, professional body memberships, and career advancement within Mace.
• Work-Life Balance: Potential for flexible working arrangements, including a hybrid model, and generous annual leave allowance.
• Financial Security: Life assurance, income protection, and potential for performance-related bonuses.
• Employee Assistance Program: Confidential support services for personal and professional challenges.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week. While the role is primarily on-site, Mace is open to discussing flexible working arrangements where feasible within the project's operational demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for similar senior roles in London's construction and project management sector. The benefits package reflects common offerings for professional roles at companies like Mace, emphasizing employee wellbeing and professional growth, which are key considerations for experienced operations professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction & Consultancy. Mace operates globally, delivering complex capital projects and offering strategic consulting services across various sectors, including infrastructure, real estate, and energy. Their purpose, "redefine the boundaries of ambition," underscores a commitment to innovation and impactful project delivery. Company Size: Mace is a large, established global company. This scale implies robust organizational structures, established processes, and significant opportunities for cross-functional collaboration and career development within a well-resourced environment. Larger organizations often have dedicated departments for operations, HR, and project support, providing a structured framework for managing large projects. Founded: Mace was founded in 1990. This history suggests a company with sustained growth and experience in the market, likely possessing a wealth of project knowledge and established methodologies.

Team Structure:

• The role operates within a project-specific team, likely comprising project managers, design coordinators, construction managers, and other specialists. This team will report into a wider project leadership structure.
• The Design Manager will lead a team of design professionals, potentially including other design managers or coordinators, depending on the project's scale and complexity.
• Cross-functional collaboration is expected with commercial, procurement, safety, and client teams to ensure integrated project delivery. The emphasis on "partnering with multiple internal and external stakeholders" highlights a collaborative operational approach.

Methodology:

• Mace emphasizes a data-driven approach to project delivery, utilizing project management systems and performance indicators to monitor progress and ensure quality.
• Workflow planning and optimization are core to their operations, driven by a commitment to continuous improvement and the application of "Mace way" principles.
• Automation and efficiency practices are likely integrated into project delivery, particularly through technology and process standardization.

Company Website: https://careers.macegroup.com/gb/en

📝 Enhancement Note: Mace's positioning as a global leader in construction and consultancy, with a strong emphasis on purpose and values, suggests a professional and structured work environment. The company's size and history indicate a stable yet dynamic organization where operational excellence and strategic thinking are highly valued. The mention of "Mace way control centre and knowledge hub" implies a strong emphasis on standardized processes and knowledge sharing.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at an Associate Director level, signifying a senior management position with significant responsibility for leading a critical function (design management) on a major project. It requires strategic oversight, team leadership, and direct contribution to project success and potentially the broader development of Mace's design management capabilities. Reporting Structure: The Associate Director - Design Manager will likely report to a Project Director or a senior executive responsible for the overall project portfolio or a specific business unit. They will, in turn, manage a team of design professionals. The role involves significant interaction with senior stakeholders, including clients and Mace leadership. Operations Impact: This role has a direct and substantial impact on the successful delivery of a flagship university project. Effective design management is crucial for controlling project costs, ensuring safety, meeting quality standards, and achieving client satisfaction. The role's influence extends to shaping the project's operational efficiency and its strategic alignment with Mace's business objectives and client expectations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to progress to Director-level roles or lead larger, more complex projects and programs within Mace's portfolio.
• Specialization & Expertise: Opportunity to deepen expertise in higher education facilities design and management, or to broaden experience into other sectors or specialized areas like sustainability or digital construction.
• Strategic Contribution: Ability to influence Mace's design management strategy, methodologies, and best practices, contributing to the company's overall growth and operational excellence.
• Mentorship and Training: Role in mentoring junior design managers and contributing to the development of Mace's talent pool in design management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Associate Director" title suggests a clear career path towards senior leadership within Mace's operational structure. The opportunity to work on a high-profile university project in central London provides significant exposure and experience that can accelerate career progression. The emphasis on continuous improvement and strategic contribution indicates a supportive environment for professional growth and skill development in operations management.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily on-site, indicating a dynamic and active work environment within a major construction project setting. This includes office-based work for planning, coordination, and stakeholder meetings, as well as site visits for direct oversight and progress monitoring. Office Location(s): The primary work location is central London, specifically associated with the new university project. Mace also has offices in London, which may serve as hubs for administrative, strategic, and collaborative activities. Workspace Context:

• The workspace will involve a mix of office-based collaboration with project teams and potentially client representatives, and active engagement on the construction site itself.
• Access to standard project management tools, communication platforms, and potentially specialized design software or BIM (Building Information Modeling) platforms will be available.
• Opportunities for direct interaction with a wide range of professionals, including architects, engineers, contractors, and client representatives, fostering a collaborative and knowledge-rich environment.

Work Schedule:

• The role is full-time, with a standard expectation of around 40 hours per week. However, project-driven roles often require flexibility to meet critical deadlines and project milestones. The company is open to discussing hybrid working options where feasible, but the core responsibilities necessitate a strong on-site presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role is typical for senior project management positions in construction, emphasizing hands-on involvement and direct oversight. The mention of Mace's openness to flexible working is a positive indicator for work-life balance, but candidates should understand that project demands will likely take precedence.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application by the recruitment team to assess suitability against the core requirements.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the hiring manager (likely a Director) to explore your experience, leadership style, and understanding of design management in large-scale projects. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your career.
• Technical/Case Study Interview: This stage may involve a presentation or a hypothetical scenario-based assessment to evaluate your problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and approach to managing design challenges, safety, and client relations. This is where showcasing your portfolio is key.
• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with key team members and potentially client representatives to assess cultural fit, collaboration skills, and ability to manage relationships.
• Final Interview/Offer: A final discussion with senior leadership, potentially followed by a formal offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Relevant Projects: Select 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your experience in higher education facilities, large-scale projects (£200m+), and managing design processes from a contractor's perspective.
• Highlight Key Responsibilities: For each project, clearly articulate your role, specific contributions to design management, leadership of teams, stakeholder engagement, and management of health & safety/building regulations.
• Showcase Process & Systems: Include examples of process improvements you've implemented, how you've managed design documentation, utilized project management tools, and tracked performance using KPIs.
• Quantify Achievements: Wherever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work – e.g., cost savings achieved through design optimization, reduction in design-related delays, improvements in safety incident rates.
• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project or by key skill area, with clear headings and concise descriptions. Be prepared to walk through specific case studies in detail.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate questions related to managing design interfaces, resolving complex design conflicts, ensuring compliance with evolving regulations, leading diverse teams under pressure, and managing client expectations on high-stakes projects.
• Prepare examples demonstrating your strategic approach to risk management, quality assurance, and continuous improvement in design operations.
• Practice articulating your leadership philosophy and how you foster a collaborative and safety-conscious environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and potential case studies suggests that Mace values practical, evidence-based demonstration of skills and experience. Candidates should prepare to articulate their operational methodologies and showcase tangible results that align with Mace's values and project requirements.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficient use of platforms like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar for project scheduling, resource allocation, and progress tracking.
• BIM (Building Information Modeling) Software: Familiarity with BIM tools and platforms (e.g., Autodesk Revit, Navisworks) for design coordination, clash detection, and visualization is highly beneficial.
• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication and project collaboration.
• Document Management Systems: Proficiency in using systems for organizing and managing project documentation, drawings, and specifications.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to interpret project data and KPIs using tools like Microsoft Excel for analysis and reporting.
• Reporting Software: Experience in generating project status reports, performance dashboards, and presentations using tools like PowerPoint or specialized reporting software.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly mentioned for this role, a general understanding of how CRM principles and workflow automation can support client engagement and project administration within a larger organization would be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific software isn't mandated beyond general project management tools, a strong understanding of BIM and digital construction technologies is increasingly critical in modern construction project management and design coordination. Candidates with experience in these areas will likely have a competitive edge.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A paramount commitment to ensuring the well-being of all personnel and stakeholders on project sites and in operations. This translates to rigorous adherence to safety protocols and a proactive safety culture.
• Client Focus (Deliver on our promise): A dedication to meeting and exceeding client expectations through efficient project delivery, quality service, and consistent communication.
• Integrity (Always do the right thing): Upholding ethical standards, transparency, and accountability in all business dealings and project operations.
• Create Opportunity (For our people to excel): Fostering an inclusive environment that supports employee growth, development, and the achievement of individual and team potential.

Collaboration Style:

• Mace promotes a collaborative approach, encouraging cross-functional teamwork and open communication between internal teams, clients, consultants, and supply chain partners.
• The culture likely emphasizes knowledge sharing, continuous learning, and a collective responsibility for project success, as indicated by the reference to "Mace way control centre and knowledge hub."
• Expect a professional, results-oriented environment where proactive problem-solving and a shared commitment to Mace's values are highly regarded.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Mace's core values provides clear insight into the expected behaviors and operational ethos. Candidates should align their responses and approach to demonstrating how they embody these values in their daily work and decision-making.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Balancing the requirements and expectations of various stakeholders, including university clients, regulatory bodies, and internal Mace teams, on a large, complex project.
• Navigating Complex Regulations: Ensuring strict adherence to building safety legislation, building regulations, and principal designer duties in a dynamic regulatory environment.
• Driving Continuous Improvement: Implementing and embedding process improvements within a large project structure and a potentially established team, requiring strong change management skills.
• Project Scale and Complexity: Effectively managing the intricate interdependencies and potential risks associated with a new-build university project in a dense urban environment like central London.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Project Management Skills: Opportunities to enhance skills in managing large-scale, high-value projects and complex design processes.
• Industry Best Practices: Exposure to Mace's proprietary methodologies and industry-leading practices in construction and design management.
• Leadership Development: Formal and informal training programs to develop leadership capabilities, strategic thinking, and team management skills.
• Sector Expertise: Deepening knowledge and experience within the higher education sector, a niche but crucial area of development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in major construction projects, offering significant opportunities for professional development and the application of advanced operations management skills.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operations Strategy: "How would you approach developing and implementing a design management strategy for a new-build university project, considering Mace's commitment to safety, quality, and sustainability?" Prepare to discuss your methodology, key phases, and critical success factors.
• Stakeholder Management: "Describe a time you had to manage conflicting stakeholder requirements on a major construction project. How did you achieve alignment and ensure project objectives were met?" Focus on your communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Problem-Solving: "Imagine a significant design issue arises late in the project timeline that impacts the budget and schedule. What steps would you take to resolve this, and how would you communicate the solution to senior leadership and the client?" Highlight your analytical approach and decision-making process.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Values Alignment: "How do Mace's values – Safety First, Client Focus, Integrity, Create Opportunity – resonate with your own professional principles, and how would you uphold them in your role?" Provide specific examples of how you've demonstrated these values in past roles.
• Team Dynamics: "How do you foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment, especially when managing diverse internal and external resources?" Discuss your leadership style and team-building strategies.
• Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of your design management operations, beyond just project delivery? What KPIs do you prioritize, and how do you ensure accountability?" Be ready to discuss metrics related to efficiency, quality, safety, and client satisfaction.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise Storytelling: For each portfolio example, clearly articulate the challenge, your approach (strategy and process), the actions you took, and the results achieved. Focus on your specific contributions.
• Data-Driven Evidence: Back up your claims with quantifiable data where possible (e.g., project value, cost savings, schedule adherence, safety metrics).
• Highlight Operational Processes: Clearly explain the design management processes you followed, how you ensured compliance, and any improvements you implemented.
• Engage and Interact: Be prepared to discuss your portfolio items in detail and answer follow-up questions. Treat it as a collaborative review, demonstrating your expertise and communication skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing specific examples that demonstrate strategic thinking, operational excellence, and alignment with Mace's values will be key to success. The interview process is likely designed to assess not only technical expertise but also leadership capabilities and cultural fit within a large, values-driven organization.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Mace careers website.
• Portfolio Customization: Curate your professional portfolio to prominently feature your experience with higher education facilities, large-scale projects (£200m+), and your role in managing design processes and principal designer duties. Select 2-3 impactful case studies that showcase your leadership, problem-solving abilities, and process improvements.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords and responsibilities mentioned in the job description, such as "Design Management," "Project Delivery," "Stakeholder Management," "Higher Education," "Principal Designer," and "Tier 1 Contractor experience." Quantify your achievements with specific metrics where possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions. Prepare detailed responses to anticipated strategy and culture-related questions, drawing from your portfolio and understanding of Mace's values. Rehearse your portfolio presentation for clarity and impact.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Mace's purpose, values, and recent projects, particularly in the education sector. Understand their approach to sustainability and digital transformation in construction operations. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.