Principal Strategic Advisor in Life Sciences (Health and Life Sciences) in London

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 a leading specialist consultancy, transforming environments for clients in health and life sciences. We are helping organisations to become more efficient and effective in the core sectors that we work in; whether improving patient pathways for the NHS, developing laboratories to facilitate world‑leading science, or rationalising educational campuses to attract the highest calibre students and research investment.

A little more about your role… WSP is further developing its strategic advisory capability in the life sciences sector. A key priority is to develop this capability by growing and developing our offering to new and existing clients, in both the public and private sectors, in the life sciences sector.

You will have a key role in:

• Supporting client delivery: contributing to strategic planning and consultancy services.
• Team contribution and development: supporting project teams and collaborating with colleagues.
• Professional excellence: producing high‑quality analysis, documentation and client outputs.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Building trusted client relationships, providing tailored strategic advice and embedding within client and multidisciplinary teams as required.
• Supporting the development and delivery of estate strategies, development control plans and business cases aligned to client objectives.
• Applying analytical thinking, research and scenario testing to evaluate strategic options and inform robust recommendations.
• Supporting the Director of Life Sciences Strategy in delivering high‑quality commissions, proposals and thought leadership, and mentoring junior team members where appropriate.
• Producing high‑quality reports, presentations and workshop materials, applying best‑practice methodologies and contributing to continuous improvement.

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate…

• Experience of delivering consultancy or strategic planning services within the life sciences, estates, research, or related environments.
• Evidence of positive client engagement and contribution to successful delivery.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills and political awareness.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear, high‑quality deliverables.
• Relevant experience supporting risk and change management in estates or technical environments.
• A chartership‑level qualification (or working towards) in a built‑environment discipline (architecture, engineering, FM, property) or equivalent experience.
• Relevant project‑management training or experience related to strategic planning in life sciences.
• Skills in the use of visual aids and graphics tools such as PowerPoint, InDesign, Illustrator.
• Good proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications.

Don’t quite meet all the criteria? Apply, and we can see how your experience aligns to this role and other opportunities within the team. 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.

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.

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.