Operations Director - Planning

About This Role

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.

The Project We’re looking for a dynamic Planning Leader to be based in Abu Dhabi, UAE to support our growth across the MEA region. The role is to be project based (fee earning), however the role includes additional duties to support regional CoE responsibilities, including bid support, recruitment and operational service excellence.

You’ll Be Responsible For

• Hold full accountability for the development and delivery of business plans, ensuring long-term planning success and alignment with company goals.
• Provide expert advice and oversight across complex projects, supporting service delivery and driving performance improvements.
• Build and maintain strong networks with senior stakeholders, championing Mace’s reputation and influence across the industry.
• Lead professional teams, delivering planning and schedule management services while driving technical excellence and continuous improvement.
• Shape organisational strategy by simplifying complex requirements, managing talent, and fostering trust through effective delegation and leadership.
• Collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders to achieve net zero carbon transition goals, proactively managing emissions and reductions during project delivery.
• Partnering with talent acquisition to secure top PMOP talent and ensure high-quality, behaviour-aligned hiring.
• Embed Mace Way standards across MEA to deliver consistent, world-class service.
• Strengthen planning capability across the region through targeted training, coaching, and knowledge transfer.
• Build and lead the MEA Planning Community, connecting with global CoEs to share insights and best practices.
• Support career development, succession planning, promotions, and appraisal moderation.
• Contribute to work winning by supporting the bid teams with Planning and Scheduling requirements.
• Represent Mace with professionalism, leveraging strong technical expertise, leadership capability, and commercial awareness.

You’ll Need To Have

• Professional membership (APM, RICS, CIOB, ICE, or equivalent).
• Extensive planning and project management expertise in property or infrastructure.
• Deep understanding of Mace procedures and standards across Planning and other service lines.
• Strong commercial, financial, and stakeholder management acumen.
• Proven leadership of large, diverse teams, driving performance and sustainability outcomes.
• Broad experience spanning multiple market sectors and/or geographical regions.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to assure service delivery and generate meaningful, actionable insights.
• Advanced problem-solving capability, with a structured and analytical approach.
• Current knowledge of leading tools and technologies that enhance service line delivery.
• Strong external networking, collaboration, and business development capability, with the potential to represent Mace on industry or professional committees and boards.
• Skilled at engaging, motivating, and coaching people at all levels, consistently role modelling inspirational and inclusive leadership.
• Proven ability to build, develop, and lead high-performing teams.
• Adept at navigating organisational politics and cultural nuances with sensitivity and professionalism.
• Demonstrates strong empathy and emotional intelligence in all interactions.
• Capable of managing competing demands and balancing multiple priorities with composure and sound judgement.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen.
• Leadership and management experience of large, diverse teams.
• Experience of managing relationships with key senior stakeholders.
• Knowledge of how carbon and sustainability considerations will shape the outlook of the projects you are working on.

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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