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Associate Director of Major Projects and… at Architecture49 · United…
Job Description
Associate Director of Major Projects and Change (Health and Life Sciences)
Location: United Kingdom
Join WSP’s Health and Life Sciences team as an Associate Director, leading complex, people-centred transformation for clients across health, life sciences and the wider public sector.
We are looking for an Associate Director to join our growing Major Projects and Change Advisory capability within Health and Life Sciences. This is an opportunity to take a senior role in shaping, leading and delivering complex transformation programmes that improve services, strengthen organisations and create better outcomes for the people and communities our clients serve.
You will bring proven project, programme and change management experience, combined with the confidence to advise senior clients, lead multidisciplinary teams and operate effectively in complex, regulated and fast-moving environments. As an Associate Director, you will take ownership of significant workstreams and client relationships, contribute to the growth of our advisory offer, and play an active role in bids, propositions, thought leadership and team development.
A little more about your role…
Major projects and programmes
- Lead significant workstreams within complex projects, programmes and transformation initiatives, taking responsibility for mobilisation, governance, planning, delivery, assurance and benefits management.
- Apply and tailor robust project, programme and portfolio management approaches, including Waterfall, Agile and Hybrid methods, to meet the needs of health and life sciences clients.
- Help clients translate strategy into deliverable plans, managing risk, maintaining momentum and driving measurable outcomes in complex operating environments.
- Build trusted relationships with senior client teams and stakeholders, providing clear, evidence-based advice and bringing confidence, judgement and structure to complex challenges.
Change management
- Lead the design and delivery of sustainable, people-centred change approaches, including change plans, stakeholder engagement, communications, training and adoption activity.
- Apply recognised change models and methods, such as Prosci ADKAR, Kotter and transition-based frameworks, in a way that is pragmatic, proportionate and relevant to each client context.
- Work with leaders, teams and stakeholders to build commitment, support adoption and embed new ways of working, with a focus on lasting impact for patients, staff, organisations and communities.
People and team contribution
- Lead, coach and develop junior colleagues, building confidence and capability across project, programme and change delivery.
- Contribute to a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing team culture, sharing
knowledge, setting high standards and helping others deliver excellent work.
Growth and market contribution
- Lead and contribute to bids, proposals and client presentations, bringing clear subject matter expertise, commercial awareness and strong written input.
- Identify opportunities to bring together WSP’s multidisciplinary expertise, helping to shape solutions that respond to client challenges and support business growth.
- Maintain a strong understanding of health and life sciences trends, using market insight to inform client work, propositions and thought leadership.
Thought leadership
- Contribute to thought leadership, case studies and market-facing materials that strengthen WSP’s profile in Health and Life Sciences and showcase the value of major projects and change advisory.
- Proven experience leading or delivering complex projects, programmes and/or change initiatives in health, life sciences, public sector or similarly regulated environments.
- Strong project, programme and change management capability, with the ability to bring structure, pace and pragmatism to complex client challenges.
- Confidence working in uncertain and fast-moving environments, developing practical solutions, making sound judgements and helping teams maintain momentum.
- Credibility with senior clients and stakeholders, with the ability to build trust, communicate clearly and support alignment across clinical, operational, commercial and regulatory contexts.
- Experience contributing to, shaping or leading proposals, bids, client development activity or new opportunities.
- Ability to lead, support and develop others, providing constructive feedback, coaching and guidance to junior colleagues.
- A collaborative and inclusive working style, embracing diversity of experience, background and perspective and contributing to a culture of learning and continuous improvement.
- An interest in digital technologies and how they can enable transformation, improve services and create new advisory opportunities for clients.
What will set you apart…
- Consultancy experience leading major projects, programmes or transformation initiatives for health and life sciences organisations.
- Professional certifications or training such as APM PMQ, MSP, PRINCE2, Agile, MoR, MoP, Change Management or Prosci.
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.
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.
We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our 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 11,000 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. We have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote a culture of inclusivity.
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.