Portfolio Director

About the Role

The portfolio comprises projects directly managed by the client team or delivered by leading third‑party developers under client leadership, covering new construction, master‑planning schemes and executive fit‑out works. This diverse mix requires strategic oversight and performance management across a complex programme environment. The Portfolio Director acts as the client’s senior representative, providing leadership, assurance and strategic direction to ensure delivery aligns with executive objectives, regulatory requirements and long‑term asset outcomes. Seconded into the client office, the role drives governance, risk and commercial frameworks to achieve sustainable value and operational excellence. Key responsibilities include shaping portfolio strategy, influencing delivery performance, strengthening stakeholder alignment and embedding robust governance across the portfolio. The role also champions Mace’s safety‑first culture, builds high‑performing teams and drives continuous improvement and value realisation. • Provide senior leadership and oversight to ensure safe, compliant, high‑quality delivery aligned with client priorities. • Lead portfolio strategy, governance and executive reporting. • Act as trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, influencing decisions through insight and assurance. • Ensure ethical, compliant, financially sound portfolio management with strong controls and transparency. • Strengthen client and stakeholder relationships, serving as portfolio ambassador. • Maintain exceptional safety, quality, risk, sustainability and compliance standards while optimizing performance. • Coordinate with Mace Consult Centre of Excellence to apply best‑in‑class tools and methodologies. • Build and manage high‑performing teams, secure specialist expertise and foster an inclusive knowledge‑sharing culture. • Champion Mace’s values, behaviours and safety‑first culture as part of the client’s executive team. • Drive continuous improvement, performance optimisation and value realisation across programmes and projects. • Intervene to get projects back on track when needed. • Safety first: ensure a safe, diverse, inclusive workplace.

Key Responsibilities

• ▸portfolio strategy
• ▸governance
• ▸executive reporting
• ▸safety compliance
• ▸performance optimisation
• ▸stakeholder advisory

What You Bring

Mace combines construction expertise with consultancy to unlock potential in every person or project and to redefine the boundaries of ambition. Our values shape the way we consult and define the people we want to join us on our journey. • Extensive senior portfolio or programme leadership experience in complex, high‑profile regulated environments. • Track record delivering large‑scale multi‑programme/project portfolios with strong governance and performance outcomes. • Experience delivering programmes from design through construction, handover and closeout. • Advanced commercial management, risk, assurance and executive decision‑support capabilities. • Strong C‑suite stakeholder management and influence skills. • Experience working with government or major public‑sector clients (preferred). • Robust contractor, consultant and third‑party developer management experience. • Relevant degree or professional accreditation (e.g., MAPM, MRICS, MICE, CIOB). • Knowledge of regional regulatory, compliance and governance frameworks in Abu Dhabi/UAE.

Requirements

• ▸program leadership
• ▸portfolio delivery
• ▸commercial management
• ▸stakeholder management
• ▸professional accreditation
• ▸regulatory knowledge

Benefits

Mace is an inclusive employer that welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds and offers flexible, part‑time and hybrid working options where suitable. We encourage applicants who may not meet every criterion to apply, as they could still be the ideal fit for this or another role.

Work Environment

Hybrid