Head of Project Services (EMEA and APAC)

Job Description

WSP is seeking a strategic and operationally excellent Head of Project Services (EMEA / APAC) to lead the delivery of workplace-related projects across a massive international footprint. Managing a portfolio of approximately 3 million sq. ft. across 250 offices, you will oversee everything from major office fit-outs and relocations to complex refurbishments in regions including the UK, Middle East, Asia, and Australia.

This is a high-impact leadership role reporting to the Director of Corporate Real Estate (CRE). You will be responsible for ensuring that WSP’s physical workspace reflects its status as a world-leading engineering firm—innovative, sustainable, and designed to attract top-tier global talent.

Key Accountabilities

• Regional Oversight: Direct all project services (refurbishments, reconfigurations, and relocations) across the EMEA and APAC primary hubs.

• Technical & Contractual Leadership: Deploy appropriate sourcing strategies using industry-standard contracts (e.g., NEC, JCT) to mitigate risk and ensure high-standard execution.

• Supply Chain Development: Build and manage an effective supply chain of construction companies, project managers, and legal advisors across diverse sub-regions.

• Strategic Financial Management: Undertake feasibility studies and cost-benefit analyses; prepare financial forecasts and monthly expenditure reports to track performance against budgets.

• Safety First Culture: Ensure strict compliance with regional health, safety, and statutory legislation, making safety paramount across all CRE activities.

• Workplace Strategy: Actively contribute to WSP’s global workplace strategy, benchmarking performance against industry peers to ensure a competitive and efficient office environment.

What We Are Looking For

• Qualifications: Degree-qualified in a real estate-related discipline with professional membership (e.g., MRICS, RIBA).

• Experience: Strategic leadership of commercial office projects across a large, international, multi-site portfolio.

• Negotiation Skills: Expert knowledge of negotiating and working within NEC and JCT contract formats.

• Analytical Prowess: Ability to develop and comprehend complex strategic plans, budgets, and financial forecasts.

• Network Building: A “customer-centric” communicator capable of building strong internal networks across global hubs.

Diversity, Inclusion & Workforce Statistics

WSP is a “Disability Confident Leader” and actively promotes a culture where employees can bring their authentic selves to work. In the UK engineering and professional services sector, tracking diversity is a key part of our commitment to representing the societies we serve.

UK Industry & WSP Contextual Benchmarks:

Note: Data derived from EngineeringUK and WSP’s 2024 Global ESG/Inclusion reports.

Why Join WSP?

• Global Scale, Local Impact: Work for a firm of over 72,000 people, including 9,000 in the UK and Ireland, dedicated to creating sustainable lasting solutions.

• Innovative Flexibility: Access “WSP My Hour” (one hour daily for personal use) and a hybrid working policy (2 days home/3 days office).

• Comprehensive Wellbeing: Benefit from the Thrive programme, Virtual GP access, Gymflex (up to 40% off), and a specialist menopause support package.

• Professional Growth: Heavy investment in your growth through mentoring and Chartership support.

• Inclusive Benefits: Option to purchase additional leave and flexibility to use bank holiday entitlements at your discretion.

The EMEA & APAC Primary Hubs

As the Head of Project Services, your influence will span six critical sub-regions:

1. UK & Ireland: Major corporate headquarters and regional hubs.

2. Middle East: Rapidly expanding infrastructure and high-spec office requirements.

3. Australia & New Zealand: Mature markets with high standards for sustainable workplace design.

4. Asia: Diverse territories requiring localized knowledge of construction and real estate law.

5. Central Europe & Nordics: Focusing on high-efficiency, innovative “green” building standards.

6. Africa: Developing real estate portfolios with a focus on operational efficiency.