At Mace, our purpose is to redefine the boundaries of ambition. We believe in creating places that are responsible, bringing transformative impact to our people, communities and societies across the globe. To learn more about our purpose, culture, and priorities, visit our strategy site. 

Within our business we harness our unique combination of leading-edge practical expertise and project delivery to unlock the potential in every project.

The project: The retail and leisure sub-sector lead role, involves leading and developing a world-class multi-disciplinary consultancy business across the UK and Europe, building upon a strong and established reputation in this sector and benefiting from the successful Mace brand.

The sub-sector lead will report into the Business Unit Director for the commercial sector, in the consult engine.

Our values shape the way we consult, and define the people we want to join us on our journey, they are:

• Safety first - Going home safe and well
• Client focus - Deliver on our promise
• Integrity - Always do the right thing
• Create opportunity - For our people to excel

Mace’s Retail and Leisure business is a growing part of the company’s commercial sector consultancy offer. Since its inception it has expanded embryonically over the past few years and is now regarded as a key growth area for Mace and forms an important element of the 2026 business plan.

You’ll be responsible for:

• Providing leadership and strategic direction to the retail and leisure sector sub-sector in Mace.
• Working with the other sub-sector leads - sharing best practice/intelligence/customer relationships etc.
• Working with regional leads and practice leads to deliver on business plan.
• Recruiting, motivating and developing quality people to support Mace’s growth in the retail and leisure sector.
• Promoting effective communications within the business and with retail and leisure sector clients
• Managing and liaising with other directors of the business.
• Ensuring the capacity and capability of the resource made available to clients.
• Obtaining the right training and development for people within the business.
• Supporting and sustaining the Mace values, behaviours and culture within the business unit.
• Developing and sustaining strong working relationships with senior client representatives.
• Preparing a realistic and deliverable marketing/BD strategy for the sector in Mace.
• Maintaining effective client relationship/account management with the Retail and Leisure sector clients.
• Being the face of the company in dealings with clients and the wider industry.
• Working with marketing and communications teams in Mace to raise profile of the sector.
• Establishing appropriate strategies for delivering relevant projects and programmes.
• Developing realistic resource plans and budgets for project work.

You’ll need to have:

• Mace is seeking a respected leader who is capable of providing excellent management and teambuilding skills, a capacity to think strategically and innovatively, and the extensive market knowledge and client relationship management skills that will be needed to maintain our market position. Candidates will need to be able to demonstrate a track record of work winning with the ability to translate business plan objectives into deliverable strategies, leading to profitable and sustainable business for Mace.
• Leadership and motivational skills are essential, recognising that Mace’s team is likely to be based at numerous locations globally at any given time. The role will require a full-time senior director who can work with a high degree of autonomy and can create a collaborative team culture.
• The candidate will also need to play a part in the wider activities of Mace’s consultancy business in particular working with the other commercial sector sub-sector leads, centres of excellence and regional leads across the UK and globally. They will be an excellent communicator who is visible to both colleagues and the industry through the role that they play.
• The sub-sector lead will be comfortable in dealing with people at all levels within the industry and will be confident in discussing current issues affecting projects or programmes with executives as well as with executive leadership of tier one contractors and consultants. Contributing with fresh ideas on strategy, business planning, and service delivery that will challenge normal practice.

Please Note: Closing date for applications is Friday 24th February.

If you would like to make a confidential enquiry, please contact Joanne Clapp in the recruitment team.

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 organisation.

We are also open to discussing part time, flexible, and hybrid working options if suitable within the role.

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