Apex PDS / AMS Transformation Director (2 years FTC)

Arup; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 100,000

Job description

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Apex PDS / AMS Transformation Director (2 years FTC)

Arup is a multi-disciplinary firm of designers, planners, engineers, consultants, and technical specialists, working across every aspect of today's-built environment. Together we help our clients solve their most complex challenges - turning exciting ideas into tangible reality as we strive to find a better way and shape a better world.

Arup is a unique organisation that is trust-owned for our employees, which means that our people are at the heart of everything we do. As a people-centric organisation, we are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive work environment where everyone can thrive and achieve their full potential. Our employees are empowered to make decisions and take ownership of their work, which fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration. At Arup, we value diversity and strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve. As a result, we attract and retain some of the brightest and most talented professionals in the industry.

The Opportunity

The Apex PDS AMS Programme will transform the tools, systems and processes that project delivery teams use, bringing together circa 9 separate tools and five regional management systems which has evolved organically as the firm has grown. The programme will create alignment and provide wider and integrated project management system capability, to be universally adopted.

There are three main principles elements to the Apex PDS AMS Programme:

1. Harmonisation and modernisation of the Arup quality management system (AMS). To integrate five existing regional AMS into a single globally aligned and digitally enabled AMS. This requires alignment of requirements, processes and procedures within a single AMS which will only differ where jurisdictional regulation requires a local variance.
2. Implementation of project delivery solution (PDS) to replace nine plus existing project products and services with a comprehensive project management system SaaS solution. PDS will incorporate AMS procedures and processes. PDS will incorporate existing project data which will migrate across.
3. Transformation to improved, aligned and consistent ways of working, outputs and controls through the effective utilization of the breadth of the capability of PDS. Related behavioural and cultural change.

This role is central to ensuring that the programme requires changes to how members work both in terms of the procedures to be followed and the systems and tools available to support them.

You will work in close partnership with the Group Commercial Director (Programme Director) to provide the specialist capability, strategic direction and positive leadership to drive and deliver the transformation of quality management processes and systems and project management systems that support the successful completion of client project work.

Collaborate with relevant stakeholders and internal and external SMEs to develop and implement the system transformation roadmap and solutions for project teams.

You will act as a key leader in improving project team user experience, achieving alignment and consistency, identifying efficiency and productivity savings, enhancing culture, and improving performance through innovation, technology and transformational solutions.

Key responsibilities for this role will include:

• Successfully realise the programme, ensuring that the operational and cultural shifts are realised, and the change is successfully adopted across the firm. Providing ownership, leadership and transformational expertise to the programme, ensuring that the high-level outcomes and benefits for the programme are realised within the expected time.
• Supporting the Programme Director and Group HSEQ Director to drive operational excellence through innovation and efficiency, that will deliver continuous improvement in service delivery and performance and lead to better outcomes for clients, members and other stakeholders, specifically:
  • Taking responsibility for guiding the strategic direction, delivery and coordination of the three workstreams of Transformation, Process and Systems, including conclusion of the procurement process with the chosen vendor.
  • Responsibility for successful adoption of the harmonized AMS and PDS through the Change Management activity (may involve leading the development of the change management team to support the services transformation program).
  • Ensure delivery of a robust stakeholder engagement strategy and communication plan, building partnerships and working relationships with key stakeholders. This will be essential to underpin delivery of PDS, replacing a complex environment of legacy systems, and a phased programme of retirement of each.
  • Establish a benefits realisation plan overseeing the delivery of activities so that value is delivered.
  • Manage the project plan, resources and budgets, providing regular reports to the Programme Board.
  • Working with Programme Director to identify, manage and mitigate the risks associated with Programme delivery.
  • Creating change capacity (tools, process and people) across the organisation, regionally and at programme-level, that enables the introduction of the new processes and technologies.
  • Oversight to ensure there is effective governance and decision making, budgetary control, gate reviews and programme performance reporting.
• The role will support the Programme Director with budgetary oversight of the budget (£10m). They will use evidence-based business cases including sound financial analysis and resource implications.

Is this role right for you?

We are looking for people who:

• Have a strong track record in delivering strategic digital transformation programmes and change leadership, resulting in transformational change and improved business outcomes.
• Experience of change and engagement leadership and programme management delivering large, cross-organisation programmes that have resulted in transformational change and improved business outcomes.
• Successful leadership, programme management and delivery of large digital/technology programmes in a complex, global Professional Services environment, preferably with experience of adhering to relevant industry standards (e.g. ISO 9001, 14001, 45001 and 27001).
• In-depth knowledge of change management methodologies, tools and techniques (e.g. Prosci, Kotter) and their appropriate use.

Arup offers a flexible working environment.

Hybrid working environment with a mix of office and home working. There is a need to work from London 3-4 days a month.

As part of a global team, this role has the potential requirement to attend early morning/evening meetings and travel both within the UK and internationally.

What we offer you

At Arup, we care about each member's success, so we can grow together.

Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognises the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. As well as competitive, fair and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all of our members can belong, grow and thrive - through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do.

We are owned in trust on behalf of our members, giving us the freedom, with personal responsibility, to set our own direction and choose work that aligns with our purpose and adds to Arup's legacy. Our members collaborate on ambitious projects to deliver remarkable outcomes for our clients and communities. Profit Share is a key part of our reward, enabling members to share in the results of our collective efforts.

We also provide Private medical insurance, Life assurance, Accident insurance and Income protection cover. In addition, you'll have access to flexible benefits to help you look after all aspects of your wellbeing and give you the freedom and flexibility to find the best solutions for you, your family, and your individual needs.

Different people, shared values

Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you're pregnant or on family leave. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas - this drives our excellence.

Guided by our values and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we create and contribute to equitable spaces and systems, while cultivating a sense of belonging for all. Our internal employee networks support our inclusive culture: from race, ethnicity and cross-cultural working to gender equity and LGBTQ+ and disability inclusion - we aim to create a space for you to express yourself and make a positive difference. Discover more about life at Arup at

We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible to all candidates. Please contact Sarah Graham at to let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your application or interview process, and/or to perform the essential functions of the role. We will do everything we can to support you.