Director of Corporate Real Estate (EMEA)

WSP is one of the world's leading engineering and environmental professional services firms providing technical consultancy to the built and natural environment. We believe that for societies to thrive, we must all hold ourselves accountable for tomorrow. For us, that means creating innovative solutions to the challenges the future will bring to the communities and environments where we live and work across the UK. 

We are locally dedicated and propelled by international brainpower. We are technical experts and strategic advisors, including engineers, technicians, scientists, planners, surveyors, geo-science and environmental specialists, as well as other design, programme and construction management professionals. Our experts influence and design sustainable lasting solutions in the property & buildings, transportation & infrastructure, earth & environment, industry and power & energy sectors as well as project delivery and strategic consulting services. 

Reporting the to the Director of Global Workplace, the Director of Corporate Real Estate (EMEA) is responsible for the strategic development and operation management of WSP’s real estate assets across the EMEA region and comprising the following sub-regions:

• Uk & Ireland

• Africa

• Central Europe

• Middle East

• Nordics (expected to be added during H2 2025 under current re-structuring proposals)

The EMEA region represents one of three global primary regions (alongside APAC and the Americas) and comprises c.2m sq.ft. and 187 offices.

• To continually measure and assess the safety performance of all CRE managed activities and ensure safety remains paramount in the planning and execution of CRE operations with strict adherence to WSP H&S policies & regional legislation. 
• To develop the regional / sub-regional real estate strategies for the WSP EMEA region ensuring alignment to global workplace objectives whilst serving the needs of the regional businesses.
• To form an integral part of the Global Workplace Team and actively contribute to the development of Global Workplace strategy, policies and operating procedures.
• To be accountable for the planning, forecasting and performance of operating and capital financial real estate budgets across the region.
• To actively engage and collaborate with the regional business leaders to establish their corporate business strategies and thereby helping to make informed commercial decisions pertinent to real estate.
• To develop collaborative working relationships with key internal business partners (finance, HR, IT, Marcoms, etc.) in the delivery if of CRE projects and operations.
• When required, to manage the commercial negotiations of real estate transactions (e.g. lease renewals, acquisitions, disposals, dilapidations).
• To develop and implement management policies and processes to ensure all CRE associated projects are delivered to a high standard. 
• To establish and closely monitor a roadmap of future real estate related projects ensuring effective financial planning and scheduling of resources to meet business demands.
• To develop and implement management policies and processes as required to ensure all CRE projects are delivered to a high standard of operational efficiency.
• To ensure all applications for capital funding are supporting by detailed cost-benefit analysis using WSP business case protocols.
• To appropriately engage WSP subject matter expertise as required to support CRE project requirements (Quantity Surveyors, MEP design services, Acoustic surveys, etc.). 
• To develop effective supply-chain strategies for the delivery of FM and Project Management  services across region.
• To develop and implement management policies and processes as required to ensure all FM services are delivered to a high standard of operational efficiency and compliance with national legislation.
• Establish and monitor a rolling 3-year capital investment programme including the anticipated life cycle requirements of plant and equipment.
• Undertake benchmarking exercises to establish performance against industry peers.
• To develop systems, reporting protocols and contractual relationships with WSP’s supply chain to effectively track all aspects of WSP’s statutory compliance and risk exposure.
• To assess the technical skills of all CRE employees relevant to the requirements of their roles and monitor any exposures or shortfalls in training.
• To work in partnership with the WSP UK Procurement team to ensure appropriate sourcing strategies are deployed to procure products and services at market competitive rates ensuring best value for the business.
• Ensure the CRE function is sufficiently prepared to respond to a crisis incidents supported by business continuity plans, policies and testing regimes.
• To deputise for the Director of Global Workplace as required.
• Degree qualified (preferably within a real estate related discipline)
• Membership of a relevant professional industry body (e.g. IWFM, MCIBSE)

Key Competencies And Experience

• Highly customer centric with excellent communications skills 
• Minimum 5 years experience leading the workplace strategy and delivery of real estate services across a European commercial office portfolio > 1m sq.ft..
• Membership of a relevant professional industry body (e.g. IWFM, MCIBSE)
• Preferably multi-lingual (English + additional European language)
• Detailed knowledge of the real estate / FM industry including best practices across Europe. 
• Analytical and financial skills necessary to develop and comprehend strategic plans and budgets. 
• Ability to manage through ambiguity and build a strong internal network. 
• Results-oriented with a desire to learn and support new technologies and processes. 
• Effective organizational skills with ability to delegate, prioritise and manage multiple projects under pressure.
• Proficient with MS Word, MS Excel, MS Power Point 
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral. 
• 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 70,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.

With us, you can.