Senior Design Manager (M3)

Overview

The Project

Role Purpose

You’ll Be Responsible For

• Act as the primary interface with FIFA, the World Cup Authority and the client by leading all engagements, reviews, workshops, submissions, and providing clear positions on acceptability, derogations, and risks.
• Own and manage all FIFA requirements and translate them into clear actions for design, construction, overlay, operations, safety, security, broadcast, media, hospitality, and fan experience.
• Define and deliver the FIFA compliance strategy and roadmap, including preparation and QA of all compliance reports, reviews, dashboards, and submission packs.
• Provide programme‑wide assurance on FIFA compliance status, key risks, mitigation, and required trade‑offs between permanent works and temporary/overlay solutions.
• Oversee technical integration by coordinating with design, engineering, overlay, safety/security, commercial, and procurement teams; review and challenge proposals to ensure FIFA alignment and value.
• Advise client leadership and senior stakeholders on FIFA strategy, decision‑making, approvals, and legacy considerations, ensuring compliance without unnecessary long‑term cost.

You’ll Need To Have

• Degree in Architecture, Engineering, Sports Venue Design, Project Management, or related discipline (professional accreditation/FIFA‑related credentials desirable).
• Extensive hands‑on experience with FIFA World Cup stadiums or major event venues across design, delivery, or operations.
• Proven engagement with FIFA, Local Organising Committees, or World Cup authorities, with strong understanding of FIFA stadium standards and approval processes.
• Programme-level experience managing multiple stadiums/venues, balancing compliance, risk, cost, and legacy outcomes.
• Strong technical knowledge across stadium design, construction, overlay, safety, security, broadcast, media, and operations, with ability to interpret complex regulations.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, credible under pressure, commercially aware, collaborative, and confident to challenge.
• Our values
• Safety first - Going home safe and well:
• You will champion a safe, diverse and inclusive working environment, understanding the importance of wellbeing in your team and local health and safety rules or regulations of the work you’re involved with.
• Client focus - Deliver on our promise:
• You will lead on the cost management services including estimating, procurement and cost planning, owning the quality of deliverables, strategic outcomes and building long term relationships with your clients.
• Integrity - Always do the right thing:
• You will lead operations that are fiscally and ethically viable, influencing the achievement of business objectives that align with business and legislative compliance obligations.
• Create opportunity - For our people to excel:
• You will mentor, coach, and develop teams, demonstrating effective leadership to ensure excellence in delivery against plans, championing a continuous improvement culture throughout all activities.
• 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.
• site