Director of Corporate Real Estate (EMEA)

Join to apply for the Director of Corporate Real Estate (EMEA) role at WSP in the UK & Ireland.

WSP is a leading engineering and environmental professional services firm delivering technical consultancy across the built and natural environment. We work to create innovative solutions for tomorrow and support diverse perspectives and ideas. We have a global reach with opportunities to shape a career as unique as you.

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs? At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects, connect with the brightest minds in your field, and shape your career through opportunities across the property & buildings, transportation & infrastructure, earth & environment, industry, and power & energy sectors.

A Little More About Your Role…

• Reporting to the Director of Global Workplace, the Director of Corporate Real Estate (EMEA) is responsible for the strategic development and operation of WSP’s real estate assets across the EMEA region, including the following sub-regions: UK & Ireland, Africa, Central Europe, Middle East, Nordics (expected to be added during H2 2025).

The EMEA region represents one of three global primary regions and comprises approximately 2 million sq.ft. and 187 offices.

Key Accountabilities

• Measure and assess safety performance of CRE activities and ensure adherence to WSP Health & Safety policies and regional legislation.
• Develop regional/sub-regional real estate strategies aligned with global workplace objectives while serving regional business needs.
• Contribute to Global Workplace strategy, policies, and operating procedures as part of the Global Workplace Team.
• Forecast and manage operating and capital real estate budgets across the region.
• Engage with regional business leaders to align real estate decisions with corporate strategy.
• Develop collaborative relationships with internal partners (finance, HR, IT, Marcoms) for CRE projects and operations.
• Manage commercial negotiations of real estate transactions when required (lease renewals, acquisitions, disposals, dilapidations).
• Develop and implement management policies to deliver CRE projects to a high standard.
• Establish a roadmap of future real estate projects with financial planning and resource scheduling.
• Ensure CRE projects meet high standards of operational efficiency and comply with regulations.
• Support capital funding applications with detailed cost-benefit analyses using WSP protocols.
• Leverage WSP subject matter expertise (quantity surveyors, MEP design, acoustic surveys, etc.) as required.
• Develop supply-chain strategies for FM and Project Management services across the region.
• Ensure FM services meet high standards and comply with national legislation.
• Monitor a rolling 3-year capital investment programme and lifecycle requirements of plant and equipment.
• Conduct benchmarking against industry peers and maintain risk and compliance tracking with supply chain partners.
• Assess CRE staff skills and training needs; address any gaps.
• Coordinate with the UK Procurement team to secure competitive sourcing for products and services.
• Prepare CRE function to respond to crises with business continuity plans, policies, and testing regimes.
• Deputise for the Director of Global Workplace as required.

What We Will Be Looking For You To Demonstrate…

• Customer-centric with excellent communication skills.
• Significant experience leading workplace strategy and delivering real estate services across a European office portfolio greater than 1 million sq.ft.
• Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. IWFM, MCIBSE).
• Preferably multilingual (English plus an additional European language).
• In-depth knowledge of the real estate / FM industry and best practices across Europe.
• Analytical and financial skills to develop and understand strategic plans and budgets.
• Ability to manage ambiguity and build internal networks.
• Results-oriented with willingness to adopt new technologies and processes.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to delegate, prioritise, and manage multiple projects under pressure.
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Qualifications

• Degree qualified (preferably in a real estate-related discipline).
• Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. IWFM, MCIBSE).
• Valid driver’s license.

Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share a passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees committed to creating long-lasting impacts in communities worldwide.

Work-life balance and flexible working options are available, including hybrid working and opportunities to work from modern offices across the UK. We provide additional benefits and development opportunities through training, mentoring, and Chartered status support.

EEO statement: We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences and will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. Please let us know if you require workplace adjustments in support of your application.

About Us

We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms with a global footprint and a commitment to innovation, integrity, and inclusion. Our UK & Ireland presence includes over 9,000 professionals.

What’s in It for You?

• Work-life balance and hybrid-working options.
• Flexibility to take time for personal activities with options for part-time and flexible working arrangements.
• Development opportunities, mentoring, and potential Chartership support.

Seniority level

• Director

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Sales and Management
• Industries: Professional Services