Associate Director - Planning

About the role

Mace is combining its construction delivery strength with advisory expertise to help deliver ambitious outcomes for people and projects. This appointment sits within a major digital infrastructure programme in the region, supporting a leading data centre developer on a mission-critical scheme. The assignment demands close design coordination, fast-moving delivery, and strong governance, with the team applying established global standards in programme, project, and commercial management to help create resilient infrastructure for the future.

Key responsibilities

• Provide advice on intricate project needs, turn analysis into clear recommendations, and suggest practical corrective actions.
• Take ownership of planning and scheduling delivery across projects and programmes of medium to high complexity.
• Apply planning, scheduling, earned value management, and broader project controls practices to improve performance.
• Maintain strong communication with clients, project teams, and stakeholders to keep everyone aligned.
• Create dependable plans and use numerical and statistical analysis to identify trends and support decisions.
• Assist senior leadership with negotiations, contract drafting, due diligence, and business development efforts.
• Help drive the transition toward net zero carbon by proactively identifying, managing, and reducing carbon impacts during delivery.

Requirements

• A degree, or equivalent practical experience, in construction, programme management, project management, or commercial management.
• Progress toward chartered membership with a recognised professional body.
• Strong command of scheduling tools and planning software.
• Background in project controls and planning, ideally with prior client-side exposure and a solid understanding of the full development lifecycle.
• Prior experience in the United Arab Emirates is required for client approval.

Additional information

This opportunity is based in Abu Dhabi and is part of a large-scale digital infrastructure programme. Mace promotes a values-led culture centred on safety, client commitment, integrity, and continuous improvement. The company encourages applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds, including those who may not meet every requirement. Part-time, flexible, and hybrid working arrangements may be considered if they fit the needs of the role.

Our values

• Safety first: The organisation prioritises a safe and inclusive workplace where well-being matters.
• Client focus: Delivering quality outcomes and building lasting client relationships is a core expectation.
• Integrity: Decisions and actions are expected to stay aligned with compliance and doing the right thing.
• Create opportunity: Continuous improvement and development are actively encouraged for individuals and teams.