Director of Major Projects and Change (Health and Life Sciences)

Role Overview

As Director you will sit at the forefront of WSP’s major projects, programmes and transformation advisory capability within Health and Life Sciences. Your role focuses on leading complex, system wide change across areas such as digital transformation, service and clinical redesign, workforce and operational development, and organisational development. Acting as a trusted advisor to senior client leaders, you will shape and lead programmes of change within highly regulated, ambiguous and mission critical environments. With accountability for both delivery excellence and commercial outcomes, the role combines strategic insight, deep advisory expertise and strong leadership to help clients realise measurable value from complex, people‑led transformation initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of a Centre of Excellence for complex project and programme management, establishing scalable, pragmatic standards, frameworks and best‑practice tailored to the needs of health and life sciences clients.
• Apply an outcomes‑led approach to major project and programme delivery, selecting and tailoring appropriate methodologies including Waterfall, Agile and Hybrid models, within regulated, clinical and operational environments to maximise client value and address complex challenges.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior client stakeholders, providing end‑to‑end guidance across complex projects and programmes, including set‑up, governance, delivery model design, PMO/Transformation Office design, risk and benefits management, recovery of at‑risk programmes and independent project and programme assurance.
• Lead the development of a Centre of Excellence for change management, setting standards, frameworks and best‑practice that shape culture, influence behaviour and build leadership capability, enabling sustainable, people‑led transformation across health and life science environments.
• Advise clients on people‑centred change, applying outcomes‑led approaches and recognised models such as Prosci (ADKAR), Kotter and transition‑based frameworks to support leaders, navigate emotional transition and embed lasting cultural and behavioural change.
• Provide leadership, mentoring and capability development to build and sustain a high‑performing, multi‑skilled team delivering complex projects and programmes and the people side of change.
• Lead and support the development of new business proposals and tenders within the health and life sciences sector, providing subject‑matter leadership to shape compelling bid strategies, written submissions and client presentations.
• Proactively identify, lead and influence opportunities to collaborate across WSP’s broader service lines, bringing together multidisciplinary expertise to shape and deliver high‑value solutions that address complex client needs and drive sustainable business growth.
• Monitor emerging trends and industry developments in health and life sciences, using insight to inform strategy, advisory offerings and market positioning.
• Develop and publish thought leadership to enhance WSP’s profile in Health and Life Sciences and represent the business at industry forums and events to strengthen market presence and client relationships.

Required Qualifications

• Strong track record delivering complex projects and programmes in health, life sciences and/or public sector, either in consulting or industry.
• Ability to thrive in environments with high levels of complexity, uncertainty and ambiguity, developing effective and innovative solutions at pace.
• Expert understanding and practical application of project, programme and portfolio management (P3M) and change management principles.
• Trusted advisor with the ability to build credibility with senior clients and align clinical, operational and regulatory stakeholders in complex health and life sciences settings.
• Experience in developing new opportunities and winning work through trusted client relationships and leading bids.
• A highly effective people leader with a proven ability to develop, inspire and motivate high‑performing teams.
• Embracing diversity of nationalities, cultures and perspectives. Demonstrates managerial courage. Provides actionable positive and constructive feedback to others in a respectful manner and encourages devolved, empowered leadership. Fosters a culture that generates long‑term learning, cooperation and development of capability. Guides, encourages and supports employees, peers and others in their development by providing feedback and encouragement so they can reach their full potential and achieve a higher level of performance.
• An understanding and appreciation for digital technologies and how they will continue to impact how WSP delivers its services and design for the built environment. An ability to translate digitalisation into new services and delivery methods advise on solutions for clients.

Desirable Attributes

• Experience ideally within a consultancy organisation leading major projects for a range of health and life sciences organisations.
• Professional certifications (APM PMQ/PPQ; MoP; MoR; MSP; PRINCE2, Agile, Change Management, Prosci etc.).

Benefits

• Work‑life balance: hybrid working policy, flexible hours, WSP My Hour, part‑time and flexible arrangements, additional leave options.
• Inclusivity & Belonging: culture of inclusion, employee resource groups, support for diverse backgrounds.
• Health & Wellbeing: Thrive programme, Virtual GP service, reasonable workplace adjustments, Gymflex scheme, menopause support package.
• Development: training, mentoring, Chartership opportunities.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.

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