Head of Portfolio Governance & Assurance

Head of Portfolio/PMO Lead/Deputy PMO Director Governance & Assurance

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced professional to join our Enterprise Portfolio Management Office as the Head of Portfolio/PMO Lead/Deputy PMO Director. This pivotal role focuses on strategic-level Governance and Assurance, ensuring the effective management of our diverse portfolio of programmes and projects.

Salary: 70,000 - 82,000 plus benefits, 27% Civil Service pension employer contribution
Location: Hybrid, approx. 2 days per week in Central London
Annual Leave: 30 days per annum, increasing to 35 days after the first full leave year, plus Bank Holidays (pro rata for part-time staff)
Additional Benefits: Season ticket loans, cycle to work scheme, flexible working, Christmas advance pay, career development opportunities, health & wellbeing services

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Governance & Assurance: Define and implement what good looks like in governance and assurance practices, including Risk Potential Assessments and Gateway Reviews.
• IPA Gateway Review Experience: Conduct and oversee IPA Gateway Reviews to ensure project and programme success.
• C-Suite Stakeholder Engagement: Identify and engage with C-Suite stakeholders, maintaining strong relationships and ensuring alignment with organisational goals.
• SRO Appointment/Allocation: Manage the appointment and allocation of Senior Responsible Owners (SROs) to ensure accountability and effective oversight.
• Financial and Performance Management: Oversee financial, portfolio, and performance aspects, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
• Team Leadership: Lead and develop a small team, fostering a culture of high performance and professional growth.
• Collaborative Working: Build and maintain a wide network of relationships across organisational boundaries to support collaborative working and achieve effective outcomes.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Promote a culture of diversity and inclusion, supporting others in their roles.

Key Experience and Skills:

• Proven experience as a Head of Portfolio/PMO Lead/Deputy PMO Director, specialising in Governance and Assurance at a strategic level.
• Extensive experience with IPA Gateway Reviews and providing integrated assurance advice for large and diverse portfolios.
• Strong track record in C-Suite stakeholder identification and engagement.
• Experience in SRO appointment and allocation, ensuring effective project and programme oversight.
• In-depth knowledge of portfolio management and governance frameworks.
• Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to set strategic objectives and motivate teams.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.

If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for governance and assurance, and you meet the above criteria, we would love to hear from you!

- SmartSourcing are a Disability Confident Employer and we promote, celebrate and value diversity, we are committed to promoting equality and inclusion for all.