Project Director / Associate Director - Rail PMCM in Belfast

As Associate at WSP in the PMCM Rail team you will be responsible for leading the delivery of a single large, complex rail project or a programme of smaller rail projects, of regional, national, and international significance. You will be accountable for the projects/ programme being delivered in a safe, high quality, timely and budget-compliant manner.

At WSP, our Associate Project Managers are individuals who think and act strategically, can make a difference, pro-actively manage requirements, budgets, schedules and risks, and influence others to deliver successfully together. They are able to “see the bigger picture” and communicate vision and purpose to their teams, have excellent problem solving abilities, and are willing to take on new challenges. We collaborate closely with external Clients and with multi-disciplinary project teams and, to deliver most effectively, we utilise WSP offices, Client offices and/or site locations to deliver programmes of strategic regional and national importance.

Our culture encourages and supports a successful work-life balance and we encourage all our people to embrace this approach. You will be based in one of our modern, vibrant offices, situated in great city centre locations across the UK. WSP actively supports flexible working with the expectation for you to be in an office environment a minimum of three days a week to support and integrate with your colleagues and Clients. You will, on occasion, visit sites.

With WSP you have the exceptional opportunity to take the next step in your career, build on your experience and qualifications and achieve your ambitions. We offer excellent support in personal development and growth as part of our local teams and across the wider WSP business, including, for example, the opportunity to gain formal project management qualifications through the APM pathway.

Your Team: We are a diverse, inclusive and enthusiastic team of Project, Commercial and Design Managers working in the Rail sector, focussed on the common goal of delivering solutions for our Clients. Our passion comes from creating and shaping the built environment through tailored project delivery as we strive to be the best in class.

A Little More About Your Role…

• Leading and delivering on a specific large complex project or programme of work.
• Implementing governance frameworks, controls, and reporting mechanisms to ensure effective project/ programme management.
• Ensuring the project/ programme of works is delivered, safely, on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
• Delivering the effective development and management of suppliers to meet complex project or programme requirements.
• Direct and lead the project teams, and enhance the teams’ effectiveness by ensuring that the appropriate development is carried out through training, coaching and mentoring.
• Acting as a principal point of contact for the Client, ensuring their needs and expectations are met throughout the lifecycle of the works.
• Developing and managing Client relationships, through effective listening and influencing skills.
• Engaging at a senior level with multiple internal and external stakeholders, including regulatory bodies and local authorities.
• Addressing stakeholder concerns and managing expectations effectively.
• Accountable for contracts being managed in line with contract rules of engagement (including NEC3/4).
• Accountable for the management of project/ programme budgets, tracking, and reporting.
• Optimising resource utilisation and ensuring financial performance aligns with project/ programme goals.
• Ensuring that potential key risks to project/ programme are identified and that suitable risk mitigation measures are actioned to suit.
• Being a safety leader, driving safety performance and compliance with Construction Design Management (CDM) regulations. Discharge CDM duties as required by the Client.
• Ensuring all activities are conducted in a safe and environmentally responsible manner, adhering to corporate governance and standards.
• Managing the project’s/ programme’s governance, planning, project controls and reporting arrangements according to appropriate requirements and quality.
• Facilitate reviews of the strategic plan and associated workstreams, monitoring progress, and formally assessing the programme’s continued alignment with its objectives, with any interventions identified.
• Driving innovative solutions and implement processes to enhance project/ programme efficiency and productivity. Evaluate and integrate new technologies and methodologies to improve overall performance.
• Accountability for driving continuous improvement in a structured manner including strategy, efficiency, industry influence and operational improvements with measured benefits.

What We Will Be Looking For You To Demonstrate…

• A degree in a relevant engineering or management discipline (such as project or construction management, engineering, science, or building).
• Experience in project/ programme management, including Technical and Project management, and Project Controls.
• Experience of working in a senior management role, on multiple significant projects, with demonstrated Client-side project/ programme delivery in a commercial environment.
• Experience in building successful project/ programme delivery teams.
• Team leader, strategic thinker, demonstrates curiosity, is solution-focused, and responsive to Client issues.
• Strong commercial focus, business acumen, strategic insight and financially astute.
• Effective leadership, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Working experience of managing NEC 3/4 contracts.

Beneficial Experience:

• APM / MSP / PMI / PRINCE2 / Six Sigma certifications are considered beneficial.
• Chartered membership of a relevant professional body, or nearing completion of this status would be advantageous.
• Experience working at a senior level with organisations such as Network Rail, HS2, TfGM, and other rail-related entities is seen as advantageous.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all. Work on landmark projects around the world and embrace opportunities to make an even bigger impact in the communities you care about. What if you could do the best work of your life and create a legacy for yourself? With us, you can. Apply today.

About Us: We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our 72,800 passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 9,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.

What’s in It For You?

• Work-life balance: At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community. Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.
• Inclusivity & Belonging: We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP. We have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote our culture of inclusivity.
• Health & Wellbeing: We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme. Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.
• Flex your time: To enhance work-life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day. We also provide part-time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.
• Your development: We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

#WeAreWSP: 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.