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

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

Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
WSP USA

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead strategic advisory projects in life sciences and support client delivery.
  • Company: Join WSP, a global leader in engineering and consultancy.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, health support, and professional development opportunities.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to innovation and community impact.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in health and life sciences while growing your career.
  • Qualifications: Experience in consultancy or strategic planning within life sciences is essential.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ 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.

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.

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.

Principal Strategic Advisor in Life Sciences (Health and Life Sciences) employer: WSP USA

At WSP, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that champions innovation and inclusivity. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through tailored development opportunities, flexible working arrangements, and a strong focus on health and wellbeing, ensuring that our team members can thrive both professionally and personally. Join us in our mission to make a positive impact in the health and life sciences sector while enjoying the benefits of a supportive community and a balanced work-life environment.

WSP USA

Contact Details:

WSP USA Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Strategic Advisor in Life Sciences (Health and Life Sciences)

Get Involved with Local Health Initiatives

Join local community health events or volunteer for organisations like public health agencies. This not only builds your experience but also helps you network with industry professionals who might know of openings at places like WSP USA.

Tap into Professional Associations

Check out associations like the Institute of Healthcare Management. They often have job boards, networking events, and conferences that are perfect for connecting with potential employers in health sciences administration.

Stay Updated with Industry Trends

Follow health policy news and trends—being knowledgeable about the current landscape will not only help you in interviews but also make you stand out as a candidate. You can discuss recent developments and their implications when chatting with folks at WSP USA.

Apply Through Our Website for Better Visibility

When you find roles that excite you, especially at places like WSP USA, don’t forget to apply through our website. This can sometimes give you an edge by showing the employer you’re savvy and committed to finding the right fit.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Strategic Advisor in Life Sciences (Health and Life Sciences)

Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Compassion
Flexibility
Organizational Skills
Teamwork
Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in health sciences administration, it's super important to spotlight any relevant experience you have in healthcare settings. Whether you've worked in a hospital, a clinic, or any related environment, make sure to detail those roles in your CV – focusing on your responsibilities and achievements that align with the job at WSP USA.

Showcase Your Administrative Skills:Administrative skills are key in this field, so don’t hold back! Make sure your CV reflects your proficiency in things like scheduling, data management, and compliance with health regulations. Mention specific software you’ve used, such as patient management systems, as this will demonstrate your hands-on abilities and readiness for the role at WSP USA.

Craft a Meaningful Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the health sciences field and your eagerness to contribute to WSP USA. Share a bit about why you’re drawn to this sector, any impactful situations or challenges you’ve encountered, and how they’ve shaped your desire to work in health sciences administration. This personal touch can really set you apart!

Tailor Your Documents to the Job:Don't use a one-size-fits-all approach! Make sure your CV and cover letter are specifically tailored for this role. Highlight any certifications you have relevant to health administration, and ensure you clearly connect your previous roles to the skills needed for the full-time position at WSP USA. This way, you're showing them you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in being a part of their team.

How to prepare for a job interview at WSP USA

Showcase Your Administrative Skills

In health sciences administration, being organised is key. Make sure you can demonstrate your skills in managing schedules, paperwork, and data accurately. Be ready to discuss specific tools you've used, like electronic health record systems or scheduling software, and how they improved efficiency in your past experiences.

Know Your Regulations

Familiarity with healthcare regulations and compliance is crucial. Brush up on HIPAA, GDPR, or other relevant policies before your interview. We recommend preparing examples of how you've ensured compliance or handled sensitive information in past roles—this will show you're not just knowledgeable but also responsible.

Prepare for Scenario Questions

Interviews for administrative roles often involve scenario-based questions to assess your problem-solving skills. Practice responses to common situations you might face, such as dealing with a challenging patient or managing a sudden schedule change. This will not only demonstrate your ability to think on your feet but also highlight your interpersonal skills.

Align Your Goals with the Organisation

As a full-time candidate, employers will want to know how your long-term career goals align with their mission. Take some time to research WSP USA’s values and be ready to tie your passion for health sciences administration into their objectives. Demonstrating enthusiasm and career alignment can be a game-changer in this competitive field!