Senior Construction Manager - Infrastructure, Civil and Build

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 are supporting the delivery of a major manufacturing investment programme at a leading pharmaceutical production facility in northern France.

The programme involves the construction of multiple new production lines and associated infrastructure upgrades to support the manufacture of critical healthcare products. Delivered within a live operational environment, the works include significant mechanical, electrical and process engineering scope, with a particular focus on highly specialised industrial ventilation, extraction and life-safety systems.

With approximately two years of construction activity remaining, this is a unique opportunity to join a large-scale capital project during a critical phase of delivery. Working alongside the client, contractors and site leadership teams, you will play a key role in ensuring construction activities are delivered safely, efficiently and in compliance with the stringent standards expected within a regulated pharmaceutical environment.

This role is site-based in northern France and will suit an experienced construction professional who enjoys being visible in the field, driving standards, influencing behaviours and leading by example.

You’ll be responsible for:

• Be a visible safety leader, championing Mace's Safety First culture across all construction activities.
• Managing the implementation and assurance of project health, safety and environmental requirements, ensuring full compliance with project, regulatory and site standards.
• Reviewing and challenge contractor construction methodologies, risk assessments, method statements and permit-to-work processes.
• Conducting regular site inspections, audits and safety tours to verify compliance and drive continuous improvement.
• Managing and overseeing high-risk activities including lifting operations, hot works, electrical isolation, excavations, confined spaces and work at height.
• Promoting a strong behavioural safety culture through proactive engagement, toolbox talks, coaching and visible leadership.
• Supporting incident investigations, root cause analysis and implementation of corrective and preventative actions.
• Working as part of the senior project delivery team, supporting the successful execution of a major capital investment programme.
• Coordinating construction activities within an active manufacturing environment, ensuring safe delivery while protecting operational continuity and product quality.
• Providing construction leadership and guidance to contractors and project teams throughout the execution phase.
• Supporting construction planning, phasing and constructability reviews to identify and mitigate delivery risks.
• Developing strong relationships with client representatives, contractors and key stakeholders to drive collaborative project delivery.
• Monitoring construction progress, quality and performance against programme objectives and key project milestones.
• Reporting on construction performance, risks and opportunities to project and site leadership teams.
• Ensuring construction activities are delivered in accordance with applicable health, safety, environmental and quality requirements.
• Supporting compliance with regulated pharmaceutical manufacturing standards and operational site procedures.
• Driving high standards of project governance, assurance and construction management practices.
• Challenging unsafe behaviours, poor performance or non-compliance where identified.
• Supporting the wider project team in identifying opportunities to improve delivery efficiency, safety and overall project outcomes.
• Taking ownership for delivering against commitments while maintaining the highest ethical and professional standards.
• Mentoring and support junior construction and project management professionals.
• Sharing knowledge and lessons learned across project teams and the wider organisation.
• Fostering a collaborative and inclusive working environment built on trust, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Utilising the full breadth of Mace's technical expertise, digital tools and Centres of Excellence to support successful project delivery.
• Encouraging innovation and the adoption of best practice construction management techniques.

You’ll need to have:

• Demonstrable experience delivering major construction projects within pharmaceutical, life sciences, manufacturing, chemical process, energy or similarly regulated industrial environments.
• Minimum 10 years' experience in construction delivery, construction management, site management or EHS leadership roles.
• Strong understanding of construction health and safety management and contractor assurance processes.
• Experience managing construction activities within live operational facilities.
• Ability to lead, influence and engage with contractors, project teams and senior stakeholders.
• Willingness to be site-based in northern France throughout the project lifecycle.
• Membership of a recognised professional institution (MCIOB, MAPM, MRICS, MICE or equivalent)
• Experience working on large capital projects valued in excess of €100m.
• Understanding of GMP-regulated environments and the interface between construction and operational pharmaceutical facilities.
• Experience undertaking construction assurance, audits, inspections and contractor performance reviews.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience managing complex MEP and industrial installation activities.
• Working knowledge of sustainability and carbon reduction considerations within construction projects.
• French language skills would be advantageous but are not essential.
• NEBOSH, IOSH or equivalent health and safety qualification desirable.

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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