Overview

The Vacancy

Role: Head of Change

Location: Finsbury Park/ National (Hybrid Working)

Contract: Permanent ¦ Full-Time

Are you ready to lead transformation at scale? This is a brand-new, trailblazing opportunity to become the first Head of Change within our WPS business — a pivotal role designed to drive strategic change and shape the future of how we work.

As a senior leader within the WPS IT & Transformation team, you’ll be at the forefront of delivering high-impact business technology and infrastructure programmes, while embedding a culture of agility, innovation, and continuous improvement. You’ll work closely with senior stakeholders to align change initiatives with our business goals and transformation roadmap.

Please note: While the head office is based in Finsbury Park, this is a national role. You will be expected to travel to various business units across the UK as and when the business requires it.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead the WPS-wide change strategy and champion a culture of innovation.
• Deliver complex change programmes aligned with WPS transformation priorities.
• Drive governance, stakeholder engagement, and benefits realisation across all change initiatives.
• Manage a multi-disciplinary team of Programme Managers, Project Managers, and Business Analysts.
• Own a significant change budget and ensure financial transparency and ROI.
• Collaborate across the WPS business to shape future IT strategy and transformation efforts.

Who We’re Looking For

• A strategic thinker with a hands-on approach and a passion for delivery.
• Proven experience leading complex change programmes in large organisations.
• Skilled in portfolio, programme, and project management methodologies (Agile, Lean Six Sigma, PRINCE2, MSP).
• Strong stakeholder management skills — able to influence at all levels, including board level.
• Experience in IT infrastructure, cloud technologies, cybersecurity, and business integration projects.
• A people-first leader who builds collaborative, high-performing teams.

Why Join Us

• Be the first to shape this role and make it your own.
• Work in a hybrid environment that values flexibility and balance.
• Collaborate with passionate professionals across IT, transformation, and business units.
• Play a key role in delivering meaningful change that impacts our people, processes, and performance.

Other Information

• Bonus Points: Experience in the Property Services or Construction industry is highly desirable, but we welcome applications from all sectors.
• DBS checks: Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually, and we do not discriminate based on criminal record. Some roles may require additional pre-employment checks. National Security Vetting information is available to learn more.
• Work for Wates: Wates is one of the UK’s leading family-owned development, building and property maintenance companies with a long-standing legacy. We are committed to equality and are Gold Investors in People and Disability Confident.

Company

Wates Group is one of the largest family-owned private construction, development, and property services companies in the UK. We are building a place to work where everyone belongs, by one small act of inclusion at a time. We celebrate difference and welcome diversity.

Sustainability and Values

We are driven by our purpose, ‘reimagining places for people to thrive’ and our three promises: Thriving places, Thriving planet, Thriving people. We have environmental targets for 2025 and an ongoing commitment to reducing our industry’s environmental impact.