At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major projects and drive transformative change in health and life sciences.
- Company: Join WSP, a global leader in engineering and professional services.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, health support, and opportunities for personal development.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to making a positive impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of healthcare while collaborating with top professionals.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in project management and change leadership.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
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.
Shape the future of complex transformation and the growth of our advisory business. 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.
You will be responsible for building and leading Centres of Excellence in complex programme delivery and change management, setting standards and best practice that integrate analytical rigour with culture, leadership and behaviour. By developing high performing teams, applying outcomes led and people centred approaches, and contributing to thought leadership and business growth, the Director will help strengthen WSP’s advisory offer and reinforce its reputation as a trusted partner across the health and life sciences sector. Your role will be expected to closely collaborate with our infrastructure programme & project management teams to develop holistic approaches in best practice.
A Little More About Your Role…
- 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.
Change Management
- 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.
People Management
- 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.
Commercial And Business Development
- 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.
Thought Leadership
- 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.
What We Will Be Looking For You To Demonstrate…
- 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.
What Will Set You Apart…
- 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.)
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.
Director of Major Projects and Change (Health and Life Sciences) in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Wsp In The Uk & Ireland
At WSP, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that champions innovation and inclusivity. As the Director of Major Projects and Change in Health and Life Sciences, you will have the opportunity to lead transformative initiatives while benefiting from our commitment to employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a strong focus on health and wellbeing. Join our global team of over 72,800 passionate professionals dedicated to making a positive impact in communities worldwide.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Major Projects and Change (Health and Life Sciences) in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the health and life sciences sector. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy to reach out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Create a portfolio or a blog where you can share your insights on major projects and change management. This not only showcases your knowledge but also positions you as a thought leader in the field, making you more attractive to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! When you get the chance to meet with potential employers or during interviews, be ready to articulate your vision for leading complex transformations. Tailor your message to highlight how your experience aligns with their needs in health and life sciences.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals who can help shape the future of our advisory business. Your next big opportunity could be just a click away, so make sure to check out our latest openings!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Major Projects and Change (Health and Life Sciences) in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in health and life sciences. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Director of Major Projects and Change, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects you've led!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a potential leader, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to inspire and manage teams. Share examples of how you’ve developed high-performing teams and navigated complex change initiatives. We love seeing candidates who can motivate others!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the point while still conveying your passion for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wsp In The Uk & Ireland
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into WSP's projects in health and life sciences. Familiarise yourself with their recent initiatives and how they align with your experience. This will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Director, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams through complex changes or projects. Highlight your mentoring style and how you've developed high-performing teams in the past.
✨Be a Trusted Advisor
Think about how you can position yourself as a trusted advisor during the interview. Prepare to discuss how you've built credibility with senior stakeholders and navigated complex environments. Use specific examples to illustrate your approach to client relationships.
✨Embrace Change Management
Since change management is a key part of this role, be ready to discuss your experience with various change management frameworks like Prosci or Kotter. Share how you've applied these models to drive successful transformations in previous roles.