Associate Director - Baggage Handling System (Design to Delivery)

Job description / Role

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



The project:

This is an opportunity to work on a large new build airport, that will set a global benchmark for aviation experience and aims to attract 120 million passengers by 2030 in Saudi Arabia.

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:

You will be a leading advocate of Mace's value of safety first, and be accountable for leading and maintaining exceptional safety, quality, cost, programme, sustainability and project compliance standards.

You will possess advanced technical expertise in local health and safety rules and regulations relevant to project portfolio.

You will champion a diverse and inclusive working environment and understand the importance of the wellbeing of the people you manage.


Client focus – Deliver on our promise:

You will ensure the successful delivery of key assignments and defined business areas, providing strategic direction and monitoring delivery aligned with overall vision and objectives.

You will be responsible for implementing appropriate programme delivery environments, including People, Organisation, Process, Information and Technology

You will promote and influence quality and service excellence in all conversations and programme interactions.

Actively support and align work with the clients’ strategic objectives and imperatives, and passionately promote the client’s mission and vision.

Proven experience in leading the design management, procurement, selection and overseeing the delivery of complex airport baggage handling systems and related installations.

Maintaining strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders and effectively communicates with all stakeholders including airlines, airport authorities, and security agencies.

Detailed understanding of baggage handling system technology, planning, delivery, site logistics, commercial & legal / contract issues.

Support the client’s team at a strategic project delivery level in creating project briefs and RFI documentation based on the client’s needs and required results.

Experience in project delivery for major airport baggage handling systems, as well as in the managing of interfacing between building and system management.

Has awareness of key tools, systems, technologies and suppliers / systems available on the market in the complex airport baggage handling systems sector, along with related installations.

Working with the development teams ensure technical compliance with all international aviation standards & governance.

Performing a comprehensive design review function to ensure quality design and best practices are implemented.

Understands low-level control systems (PLC) and high-level control systems (HLC) to include SCADA.

Provide technical expertise and support other stakeholders.

Ensure the integration of BHS with other airport systems like the Airport Operational Database (AODB) and departure control system (DCS)

Provide direction on the optimisation on the baggage handling process to minimize operational impacts and potential delays.

To manage a team of engineers and inspectors to ensure proper quality control and that the work performed complies with all requirements of the contract documents, drawings, and specifications.

Working in collaboration with planning team prepare an overarching delivery & construction programme for the BHS projects assigned, including interface with proponent, stakeholders, procurement, commercial and design programmes.

Oversees establishment of the project execution plan, health and safety plan, QA/QC, and other documents as required.

Excellent attention to detail & able to assure reporting and performance activity.

Collaborating with the design teams & lead design consultants (LDC) to maximise quality and value while minimising the risk profile for the project.

Working with the construction delivery teams to develop, implement, and manage health and safety strategies to ensure a safe and healthy environment across the program.

Working collaboratively with the supply chain management & procurement teams manage and negotiate contracts with suppliers’ subcontractors and vendors. maintaining overall responsibility for construction contractor / subcontractor adherence to their respective contracts.

In collaboration with the commercial teams, ensure the submission of monthly invoice by the contractors develop and update the project cash flow forecast and preparing estimates for variations.

Plan and lead the delivery of a range of information gathering, analysis, and stakeholder consultation activities and specify, negotiate, and agree on project deliverables.

Providing leadership and direction to the project team through the proactive, engaging communication of project objectives, contract scope, terms and schedule

Provide status reporting regarding project milestones, deliverable, dependencies, risks and issues, communicating across the Senior leadership teams.

Initiate and lead the governance and delivery of a program or group of significant projects within a function, using an appropriate project management methodology to give assurance that intended outcomes are identified and achieved.

Lead by example working collaboratively and always in an inclusive manner.

Report & monitor project progress against the schedule and cost plan highlighting concerns providing recommendations and implementing any agreed mitigation measures.

Defining jointly with the project controls department, all project plan documents, including the scope and financial plans, schedule and risk management plans.

Responsible for the development and distribution of presentation, weekly, and monthly reporting on all aspects of the project.

Lead and supervise a team of professionals providing guidance mentoring and support.

Review supervision consultants’ recommendation for extension of time or recovery plans to include contractor claims.

Ensure resources are appropriate to meet current and future commitments and to maximise opportunities.


Integrity – Always do the right thing:

You will be responsible for project budgets and ensure operations are fiscally and ethically viable and meet organisational and legislative compliance obligations.

You will support the operations director and other senior stakeholders to directly influence long term development of strategy for a function or business unit (BU), creating a sustainable business future.

You will commit to making a positive impact for our people, our clients, and our planet, and take ownership for holding others to account who do not uphold the Mace values.



Create opportunity for our people to excel:

You will lead your team effectively and develop others to reach their full potential.

You will actively network, innovate, and seek understanding of best practice, utilising the full depth of knowledge of Mace group, the centres of excellence, mace way control centre and knowledge hub.

You will collaborate with multiple internal and external stakeholders, up to c-suite, to implement and manage our programmes.

Necessary visa criteria for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and have relevant work experience working on high valued projects/ programmes for a project management consultancy business, which are required for immigration and client approval.

Relevant bachelor’s degree (or equivalent).

Technically qualified to at least degree level, ideally with post-graduate qualification(s).

Member of a relevant professional body.


Please note: Obtaining a visa in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is subject to a criminal record check, qualifications and may encounter age restrictions.


Mace is an inclusive employer and welcomes interest from a diverse range of candidates.

About the Company

Mace is an international consultancy and construction company that has delivered world class projects since 1990. Today we employ over 6,000 people across five global hubs in Europe, Middle East North Africa and India, North America, Asia Pacific and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Four simple values guide our behaviour in our pursuit of a better way; Safety first - going home safe and well, Client focus - deliver on our promise, Create opportunity - for our people to excel, Integrity - always doing the right thing. We aim to attract the best and brightest people, whatever their background, to bring new perspectives to some of the most complex and inspiring projects around the world.

We support our people who are aiming to achieve an academic or professional qualification that will help them develop personally and deliver to the highest standard for our clients. At Mace you can deepen your knowledge, expand your skills and define your own path.