Operations Director - Life Sciences

About the role

In this pivotal Executive role, the Operations Director, Life Sciences is a senior professional who thrives in a seller-doer and market leadership position, centered on business development, client relationship management, and winning work, while providing strategic oversight of Life Science project delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead growth of Mace Consult’s Life Science business across the Americas
• Build trusted relationships with Life Science clients and strategic partners
• Develop Life Science market strategies aligned with regional priorities
• Build a strong pipeline of large, multidisciplinary Life Science opportunities
• Lead capture planning, proposals, interviews, and pursuit strategies for commissions exceeding $5M in fees
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated, client-focused solutions
• Cross-sell services and support Life Science pursuits nationally
• Represent Mace Consult as a recognized Life Science market leader
• Act as Project Director or Executive Sponsor on strategic Life Science projects
• Oversee project performance, client satisfaction, governance, and delivery outcomes
• Drive commercial performance through fee management, forecasting, and risk controls
• Maintain executive client relationships and identify follow-on opportunities
• Mentor leaders in client engagement, work winning, and commercial management
• Foster an inclusive, high-performing multidisciplinary team culture
• Strengthen Mace Consult’s reputation through thought leadership and industry engagement

Requirements

• 20+ years of professional experience, with a strong focus on Life Science projects in the US and/or globally
• Degree in Project Management, Construction Management, Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, or a related discipline (or equivalent professional experience)
• Demonstrated success in work winning, client relationship management, and growing Life Science business portfolios
• Proven leadership as a Project Manager or Project Director on medium to large-scale Life Science projects across the project lifecycle
• Strong commercial acumen, including contract negotiation, financial oversight, and risk management
• Excellent communication, influencing, and presentation skills with technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Advanced knowledge of program management, program controls, governance frameworks, and delivery procedures
• Full budget management experience, including program budgets and internal fee budgets
• Advanced expertise in risk and opportunity management
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills across estimating, scheduling, procurement, contract administration, financial controls, and reporting
• Sound understanding of construction contracts and commercial management principles
• Experience driving performance management and fostering high-performing teams
• Ability to represent programs and organizations with clients, public stakeholders, and industry partners
• Advanced knowledge of HSE regulations and health & safety best practices
• Strong leadership experience, including coaching, mentoring, and developing large multidisciplinary teams
• Demonstrated ability to drive innovation, continuous improvement, and best practice adoption
• Experience managing complex stakeholder environments and resolving conflicts effectively