Operations Director - Programme Management

At Mace, we redefine the boundaries of ambition. We create responsible, transformational places that make a lasting impact on people, communities and societies. Within our Consult business, we combine leading‑edge expertise with project delivery excellence to unlock the potential in every project.

The Project Mace Consult is growing in Toronto, Canada, and we have an exciting opportunity for an Operations Director to join our team. This role will lead the strategic planning, implementation and stakeholder management for one of the largest transit infrastructure investments in Canadian history. You will be accountable for meeting programme objectives in line with regulatory frameworks, commercial best practice and operational performance.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the coordination, delivery and strategic direction of a major infrastructure programme.
• Define and implement the programme delivery environment across people, organisation, processes, information and technology.
• Build and lead high‑performing teams, appointing internal and external specialists where required.
• Drive performance improvement from the bid baseline through resource optimisation and continual review of systems and methodologies.
• Act as primary relationship owner for executive‑level engagement and ensure programme governance is effective and efficient.
• Lead client relationship management (CRM), communication and challenge.
• Act as the public face of the programme, including chairing executive steering groups and engaging with external stakeholders.
• Ensure excellence in safety, quality, cost, schedule, sustainability, governance and compliance.
• Oversee programme documentation including plans, procedures, reports, registers and lessons learned.
• Build an inclusive, high‑performing team culture with strong emphasis on service excellence.
• Ensure robust risk management with clear actions and treatments.
• Connect wider Mace strategy to programme delivery, promoting initiatives and best practice.
• Leverage Mace’s Centres of Excellence and knowledge networks to support programme outcomes.
• Ensure commercially and ethically sound operations, meeting compliance and supporting business objectives.
• Build and maintain strong client, contractor and consultancy relationships.
• Provide thought leadership in programme management and delivery.
• Promote Mace’s Safety First culture and support wellbeing across the team.
• Contribute to net‑zero ambitions by identifying and managing carbon impacts across delivery.

Qualifications & Experience

• Demonstrable experience delivering major programmes in the Rail sector.
• Advanced understanding of programme management, governance, controls and procedures.
• Full budgetary oversight experience (programme and fee budgets).
• Advanced risk and opportunity management capability.
• Strong analytical skills across estimating, scheduling, procurement, contracts and financial controls.
• Strong contract literacy and performance management capability.
• Experience representing major programmes to external stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of HSE or equivalent regulatory frameworks.
• Relevant technical, leadership or management qualifications.
• Established network across clients, consultants and contractors.
• Advanced knowledge of consultancy, construction, infrastructure and property sectors.
• Track record of innovation and improved delivery methodologies.
• Experience in both consultancy and construction environments.
• International working experience.
• Extensive rail sector knowledge and networks.
• Leadership experience managing large teams.
• Tertiary qualifications in project management, construction or related disciplines (or equivalent experience).
• Appropriate CSCS card or global equivalent.
• Professional memberships: MAPM, MRICS, MICE, CIOB, APM, RICS, ICE.

Mace is an inclusive employer and welcomes interest from a diverse range of candidates. Even if you feel you do not fulfil all of the criteria, please apply as you may still be the best candidate for this role or another role within our organization.