Assistant Project Manager Review

At first, things were pretty slow, there wasn’t much work coming my way, and I didn’t feel like I was making much progress. But once I moved to a different team, everything changed. I’ve been learning loads, getting stuck into more projects, and really starting to find my rhythm.

Although my title is Project Management Assistant, my day-to-day responsibilities have gone beyond the typical support role. I’ve taken on a more hands-on project manager position, leading multiple smaller schemes independently. This includes managing timelines, coordinating with stakeholders, handling budgets, and making sure each project stays on track.
What I enjoy most is the ownership and variety, each scheme brings its own challenges and learning opportunities. I’ve had the chance to make real decisions, solve problems on the ground, and see the direct impact of my work. It’s been a great way to build confidence and develop my skills in a more dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Since stepping into a more active project management role, I’ve definitely felt like I’m contributing in a meaningful way. Managing multiple smaller schemes has given me real ownership and visibility, and I’ve been trusted to make decisions and drive things forward. That trust from the team has made a big difference, I feel like my input is genuinely valued, and I’m not just supporting from the sidelines. It’s rewarding to see how my work fits into the bigger picture and helps move projects along.

Overall, the compensation and benefits are reasonable, and I do appreciate the perks that come with the role. That said, I’ve noticed some differences in pay across the team that can feel a little disheartening at times, especially when the responsibilities are quite similar. I understand that there are many factors involved, but a bit more clarity or consistency would help reinforce a sense of fairness and recognition.

The role has definitely taught me some valuable life lessons — from managing responsibilities and working with different teams to navigating challenges and building confidence. It’s helped me grow both professionally and personally. That said, I’ve expressed interest in moving onto a live construction project rather than continuing in asset protection, but unfortunately that opportunity hasn’t been available so far. While I’ve made the most of my current role, I do feel that working on a construction site would better align with my long-term career goals and give me the hands-on experience I’m looking for.

I’ve had really solid support from my line manager and mentor — they’ve both been approachable, encouraging, and genuinely invested in my development. I’ve felt comfortable raising questions and challenges with them, and they’ve helped guide me through some key learning moments.
When I was unhappy in my original role, HR were sympathetic and listened to my concerns, which I appreciated. However, despite those conversations, a move to a different role wasn’t made available at the time, which was a bit disappointing. I think there’s room for improvement in how follow-up actions are handled after those kinds of discussions.

My work-life balance has been good overall. The typical working week gives me enough space to manage my personal time and look after my physical and mental wellbeing.

The culture at Mace is generally positive and welcoming. People are approachable, and there’s a good sense of collaboration across teams. I’ve found it to be inclusive, with a genuine effort to make everyone feel part of the wider business.
One thing I really appreciate is the hybrid working setup — it’s flexible and works well for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. It’s nice to have the option to work remotely when needed, while still staying connected with the team.

From what I’ve seen, Mace does make a genuine effort to promote equality, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The culture feels inclusive, and there’s a clear intention to create a welcoming environment for everyone.

Yes

I would recommend Mace to a friend. It’s a supportive environment with good opportunities to learn and grow, especially if you’re proactive. The culture is welcoming, the hybrid working setup is flexible, and I’ve had the chance to take on real responsibility early on, which has been great for my development.

The role didn’t fully match my expectations based on the recruitment process. I wasn’t told which project I’d be working on, and if I’d known it would be in asset protection, I probably would’ve thought twice before accepting the offer. While I’ve made the most of the experience and learned a lot, having more clarity upfront would’ve helped me make a more informed decision and better align my expectations with the reality of the role.