UK&I Digital Project Delivery Lead in Manchester

The objective of this role is to define, lead and embed Digital Project Delivery (DPD) across the WSP UK&I business, establishing a consistent, scalable and competitive delivery capability that drives operational excellence, improves project outcomes and positions WSP as a leader in digitally-enabled project delivery. The role holder will own the UK&I DPD strategy, govern strategic vendor relationships, shape delivery methodology and implement the ways of working that translate WSP’s global digital strategy into reality on projects. Reporting to the UK & Ireland Digital Lead, you will be a standing member of the UK&I Digital Steering Group and engage directly with the UK&I Senior Leadership Team on DPD strategy, investment and performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Govern strategic DPD vendor relationships including Autodesk, Bentley and ESRI, ensuring deployments deliver measurable business value and alignment with the Microsoft alliance and WSP’s broader platform strategy.
• Own the DPD positioning for major programmes and strategic bids, making WSP’s digital delivery capability a decisive competitive differentiator in high-valued, complex pursuits.
• Establish and maintain DPD governance frameworks, KPIs and performance reporting, providing clear investment and prioritisation recommendations to the UK&I Digital Steering Group and Senior Leadership Team.
• Manage the UK&I DPD budget and investment portfolio, building the business cases that secure funding and demonstrating return on investment to leadership.
• Build a cross-business community of DPD practitioners and Digital Engineering Leads, driving adoption of standards and accelerating continuous improvement across UK&I.
• Own the DPD talent and capability strategy, defining the skills, accreditations and development pathways that build a workforce able to deliver to the highest digital standards.
• Engage with the global digital team as the UK&I voice in global DPD strategy, shaping global roadmaps and tooling decisions, and feeding global insights back into the UK&I plan.

About the Team

You will sit within the UK&I Digital Leadership team, reporting to the UK & Ireland Digital Lead. You will build and manage a central DPD team with direct reports responsible for methodology, standards, tooling and vendor management. As Chair of the UK&I Digital Project Delivery Working Group, you will coordinate DPD delivery across all Business Units, working with portfolio Managing Directors, operational leadership, project delivery functions and the global digital team. You will build a cross-business community of Digital Project Delivery Leads and Digital Engineering Leads, creating shared ownership of digital delivery standards across UK&I.

Qualifications

• A strong track record in digital project delivery leadership within AEC (Architecture, Engineering and Construction), infrastructure or professional services at national or regional scale within a complex, multi-BU organisation.
• Deep understanding of DPD frameworks, methodologies and platforms, including Autodesk, Bentley & ESRI, BIM and ISO 19650 compliance, and digital project management tooling.
• Proven experience governing strategic vendor relationships: contract negotiation, licence governance and technology performance management.
• Demonstrated success embedding digital change across large, multi-disciplinary organisations through people, process and technology.
• Experience shaping DPD strategy for major infrastructure programmes and complex bids, positioning digital delivery as a competitive differentiator.
• Demonstratable experience in embedding DPD workflows across projects in the secure and defence environments.
• People leadership experience, managing, developing and inspiring direct report teams in a high-performance environment.
• Commercial awareness, owning investment cases, managing budgets and demonstrating ROI on digital capability.
• Strong stakeholder management, confident engaging executive and senior-level audiences, technical and non-technical.
• Relevant professional accreditation(s), and 10+ years’ experience in digital delivery.
• Clear, confident communicator, able to present complex ideas persuasively across all levels of the business.

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. 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.