Delivery Optimization Lead

Mace combines global delivery consultancy experience 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.

Job Description Role Purpose The Delivery Optimisation Lead is responsible for identifying, developing and implementing strategies that improve programme delivery performance, productivity, schedule certainty and value outcomes across complex infrastructure and capital projects.

Acting as a senior adviser to programme leadership, the role leads structured delivery reviews, develops optimisation strategies and works collaboratively with clients, consultants, contractors and delivery teams to improve delivery effectiveness throughout the project lifecycle.

The role combines strategic thinking with practical implementation, ensuring that recommendations translate into measurable improvements in programme performance.

Key Responsibilities Delivery Optimisation Strategy

• Lead programme and portfolio-level delivery optimisation reviews.
• Identify opportunities to improve delivery performance, productivity and programme outcomes.
• Develop optimisation strategies, implementation plans and performance frameworks.
• Support decision-making through robust analysis and evidence-based recommendations.
• Monitor implementation of optimisation initiatives and measure realised benefits.

Contracting and Delivery Models

• Review procurement, packaging and contracting approaches.
• Evaluate collaborative delivery models and market engagement strategies.
• Identify opportunities to improve risk allocation, performance incentives and delivery efficiency.
• Advise leadership teams on best-practice delivery approaches.

Supply Chain and Contractor Engagement

• Develop strategies to enhance supply chain performance and resilience.
• Facilitate engagement with contractors, consultants and industry stakeholders.
• Identify market constraints and opportunities to improve delivery capacity.
• Promote collaborative behaviours and best-for-programme outcomes.

Programme Planning and Performance

• Review programme schedules, interfaces, dependencies and critical activities.
• Identify opportunities for sequence optimisation and schedule improvement.
• Support implementation of performance monitoring and benchmarking frameworks.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across programme teams.

Logistics and Delivery Integration

• Assess programme logistics requirements and delivery constraints.
• Identify opportunities to optimise material flows, access arrangements and site coordination.
• Promote integrated planning approaches across multiple delivery teams.

Leadership and Governance

• Facilitate executive workshops and stakeholder forums.
• Provide strategic advice to senior leadership teams.
• Prepare reports, recommendations and business cases.
• Lead multidisciplinary optimisation teams and specialist advisers.

Candidate Profile Essential Experience

• Degree qualified in Engineering, Construction, Project Management or a related discipline.
• Minimum 15 years’ experience delivering major infrastructure, construction or capital programmes.
• Demonstrable experience in programme management, project controls or delivery assurance.
• Strong understanding of procurement and contract delivery models.
• Experience influencing senior stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent analytical, strategic and communication skills.

Desirable Experience

• NEC or equivalent contract experience.
• Programme transformation or performance improvement experience.
• Experience within programme management offices or delivery partner environments.
• Knowledge of digital delivery systems, BIM, PMIS and data analytics.

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 within the role.