Head of Projects and Transformation

WSETs purpose is to empower people through inspiring learning experiences all over the world. We offer a comprehensive suite of globally recognised qualifications covering wines spirits and sake.

We are the worlds leading provider of qualifications in wines spirits beer and sake delivering over 140000 exams each year to candidates in over 70 countries via our network of Approved Programme Providers (APPs).

WSET is a global organisation and we are proud to have people who work for us all over the world. We have people in Australia Canada China Hong Kong Singapore and the USA as well as the UK.

The successful applicant will contribute to a culture of integrity empowerment dynamism and inclusivity within WSET.

WSET fosters a welcoming empathetic and inspiring culture that empowers our global talent to innovate and thrive.

Are you inspired by the potential of digital transformation Do you thrive in agile environments enjoy solving complex challenges or have a passion for smart systems maybe even some programming on the side If you see change as an opportunity to innovate and lead then this could be your next big move.

Join WSET as we embark on an organisation-wide transformation journey. Were looking for a dynamic forward-thinking Head of Transformation to join our senior leadership team. This newly created role will be a key senior leader in business transformation playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of WSET.

As Head of Projects and Transformation you will lead from the front driving enterprise-level change delivering high-impact projects and embedding sustainable transformation. You will lead cross-functional teams oversee complex project lifecycles and implement initiatives that enhance efficiency effectiveness and innovation at every level of the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

Project Management

• Lead the planning execution and delivery of multiple high-priority projects or programmes ensuring they meet timelines budgets and quality standards.
• Develop detailed project plans outlining scope objectives schedules resource requirements budget forecasting and risk mitigation strategies.
• Collaborate with teams across the business to build robust business cases that deliver measurable benefits to WSET.
• Assign tasks coordinate cross-functional teams and ensure seamless communication and collaboration throughout project lifecycles.
• Monitor progress identify risks or issues and implement timely corrective actions to keep projects on track.

Transformation Initiatives

• Spearhead digital transformation efforts aligned with WSETs strategic goals including but not limited to CRM web/portal development and process digitisation.
• Contribute to strategic planning by maintaining a multi-year transformation portfolio that aligns programmes and projects to business priorities.
• Assess current systems processes and practices to uncover opportunities for innovation and optimisation.
• Develop and execute change management strategies to ensure staff engagement readiness and smooth adoption of new ways of working.
• Build strong partnerships with department heads project sponsors and key stakeholders to ensure alignment and support.
• Clearly communicate project goals milestones and outcomes to ensure stakeholder alignment and expectation management.

Resource Management

• Allocate and optimise resources including personnel technology and budgets to support the successful delivery of projects and initiatives.
• Identify resource gaps or constraints early and collaborate with stakeholders to resolve them.
• Drive productivity and ensure efficient resource utilisation across multiple concurrent projects.

Performance Measurement & Reporting

• Define KPIs and success metrics to track project performance and transformational outcomes.
• Establish structured reporting frameworks to monitor progress surface insights and drive accountability.
• Provide regular updates and data-driven recommendations to senior leadership drawing on lessons learned to shape future initiatives.

Leadership & Strategic Direction

• Provide clear leadership and direction for the Project Management function across WSET from large-scale programmes to smaller process improvements.
• Shape and articulate a compelling vision for digital transformation that aligns with WSETs long-term strategy and market positioning.
• Design and execute digital strategies that leverage emerging technologies platforms and data insights to elevate operations and customer experience.
• Lead large-scale IT and digital initiatives from planning through delivery ensuring they meet business needs stay on schedule and deliver value.
• Partner closely with teams across marketing operations finance and customer service to integrate digital transformation into broader business goals.
• Continually monitor and evaluate the impact of transformation efforts refining approaches and driving continuous improvement.

Person specification

• Pragmatic and adaptable able to blend Project Management theory to real world scenarios to improve organisational capability
• A diverse and robust skill set to navigate the complex landscape of organisational change and digital innovation effectively.
• Exceptional change management skills are paramount as they need to motivate and inspire teams to not only accept but actively embrace transformation fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability.
• Crafting and executing digital strategies that encompass emerging technologies data-driven insights and digital platforms is a core responsibility.
• Be proficient in optimising technology systems and processes ensuring they are not only efficient but also scalable agile and fortified with robust cybersecurity measures.

UK Benefits

Annual Leave - 27 days pa public holidays increases with service; ability to buy/sell 5 days

Pension (Generous options available after three months)

Health insurance (after three months):

Vitality scheme - post probation - Access to virtual GP appointments Rewards include Caffe Nero drinks Cinema Tickets Apple Watch Cash Back on Waitrose shopping 75% off at Champneys 6 month subscription with HeadSpace Discounted Weight Watchers membership and gyms Smoking Cessation day worth 300 and half price health screens

Eye voucher scheme

Food and drink in the office

Nespresso coffee makers and a range of other drinks fruit cereals soups

Season ticket & gym membership loan scheme

Group income protection scheme

EAP

24/7 confidential help and support from trained counsellors and advisors

Death in service

4x annual salary paid to nominees with associated bereavement support for family

Enhanced family friendly leave and pay

Celebration vouchers

Cycle2Work scheme

Discretionary bonus

Development - WSETs in-house training and qualifications in Wines Spirits Sake and Beer as well as other professional development opportunities

DISCLAIMER: This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities duties skills efforts requirements or working conditions associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned at any time.