Head of Project Services (EMEA and APAC) in Manchester

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs? At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

WSP is one of the world's leading engineering and environmental professional services firms providing technical consultancy to the built and natural environment. We believe that for societies to thrive, we must all hold ourselves accountable for tomorrow. For us, that means creating innovative solutions to the challenges the future will bring to the communities and environments where we live and work across the UK.

We are locally dedicated and propelled by international brainpower. We are technical experts and strategic advisors, including engineers, technicians, scientists, planners, surveyors, geo-science and environmental specialists, as well as other design, programme and construction management professionals. Our experts influence and design sustainable lasting solutions in the property & buildings, transportation & infrastructure, earth & environment, industry and power & energy sectors as well as project delivery and strategic consulting services.

A Little More About Your Role… Reporting to the Director of Corporate Real Estate (EMEA / APAC), the Head of Project Services (EMEA / APAC) is responsible for overseeing the effective delivery of all Workplace related projects across WSP’s EMEA and APAC regions. The role requires successful and efficient collaboration with internal CRE resources, external providers and WSP internal stakeholders.

The primary sub-regions within the EMEA and APAC territories comprise:

• UK & Ireland
• Africa
• Central Europe (including Nordics)
• Middle East
• Australia & New Zealand
• Asia

The EMEA and APAC regions represent one of three global primary hubs (alongside the Americas and India) comprising c.3m sq.ft. and 250 offices.

Key Accountabilities:

• To ensure all projects are delivered within a culture of ‘safety first’ and in accordance with all relevant and regional health, safety and statutory legislation.
• To ensure all CRE related project services (e.g. office fit-outs, refurbishments, reconfigurations, relocations, etc.) are successfully delivered across the EMEA region to agreed time and budget commitments and aligned to business objectives.
• To develop and implement management policies and processes as required to ensure all CRE projects are delivered to a high standard of operational efficiency.
• To assess and plan resource requirements and manage all projects using appropriate skillsets and in a cost-effective manner.
• To develop an effective supply chain to support the delivery of project related services (e.g. construction companies, project managers, quantity surveyors, legal advisors) as required across the various sub-regions.
• To work in partnership with the WSP UK Procurement team to ensure appropriate sourcing strategies are deployed to procure products and services at market competitive rates ensuring best value for the business.
• To ensure all services are procured using the appropriate industry contracts (e.g. NEC, JCT) where relevant for the region to mitigate unnecessary risk exposure to WSP and ensure provision for future warranty obligations.
• To collaborate effectively with the CRE management team members in the planning, co-ordination and delivery of project services.
• To serve as the primary, senior management contact for all CRE related project services across WSP’s EMEA region.
• To undertake feasibility studies and cost benefit analysis to support the strategic decision making.
• To actively contribute to the development of WSP’s workplace strategy, ensuring a working environment that retains and attracts the best talent in our industries whilst maintaining effective cost management and value to our business.
• To prepare financial forecasts and monthly project expenditure reports to accurately track project performance.
• To ensure safety is paramount across all CRE related activities with strict compliance to WSP H&S policies and regional legislation.
• To maintain a knowledge of trends and best practices within the corporate real estate industry.
• To undertake benchmarking exercises to establish performance against industry peers.
• To deputise for the Director of CRE as required.

What We Will Be Looking For You To Demonstrate…

• Degree qualified (preferably within a real estate related discipline).
• Highly customer centric with excellent communications skills.
• Previous strategic leadership of commercial office refurbishment projects across a large international portfolio.
• Experience of negotiating and working to widely adopted contract formats (NEC / JCT).
• Membership of a relevant professional industry body (e.g. MRICS, RIBA).
• Detailed knowledge of CRE management industry best practices / market trends.
• Analytical and financial skills necessary to develop and comprehend strategic plans and budgets.
• Ability to manage through ambiguity and build a strong internal network.
• Results-oriented with a desire to learn and support new technologies and processes.
• Effective organizational skills with ability to delegate, prioritise and manage multiple projects under pressure.
• Proficient with MS Word, MS Excel, MS Power Point, MS Project.
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all. Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world. 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.
• 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.
• 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.