Head of Portfolio Delivery
Location: London
£71,000 - £78,000 | Full-time | Hybrid | Public Sector / Not-for-Profit
A major public sector organisation in London is seeking an exceptional Head of Portfolio Delivery to lead its central portfolio function and drive consistent, high-quality project delivery across a broad range of professional service areas.
The Role:
As Head of Portfolio Delivery, you will lead the organisation’s Portfolio Management Office, acting as the central point of expertise for project, programme and portfolio standards. You will oversee strategic reporting, governance frameworks, performance management and resource planning across multiple business units including Strategy, IT and estate-related functions.
Working as part of the senior leadership team, you will ensure that the organisation’s most critical programmes and projects are delivered consistently, efficiently and to the highest possible standard.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and develop a Portfolio/PMO Centre of Excellence, embedding consistent project and programme methodologies, standards and best practice.
- Deliver high-quality portfolio reporting to senior leadership, ensuring transparency of progress, risks, issues and benefits.
- Develop and implement governance frameworks, quality assurance processes and performance metrics across all project delivery teams.
- Oversee portfolio management, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities and supporting effective decision-making.
- Introduce automated reporting tools, KPI frameworks and project health dashboards to strengthen visibility and accountability.
- Manage capacity and resource planning across PMO and project teams to ensure efficient utilisation.
- Lead and mentor PMO professionals, providing support, guidance and development across multiple departments.
- Build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders, offering impartial advice, constructive challenge and delivery assurance.
- Support business case development, benefits realisation, risk management and assurance activities across the strategic portfolio.
- Oversee preparation for executive-level boards, ensuring accurate, timely and insightful papers, reporting and recommendations.
About You:
You will be an experienced PMO or portfolio leader within the public sector, with a strong track record of delivering project governance, performance oversight and portfolio leadership within large or complex organisations. You will bring:
- Demonstrable experience leading a central PMO, portfolio office or strategic project governance function.
- Strong knowledge of project, programme and portfolio management methodologies.
- Confidence working with senior executives, providing clear, accurate and influential reporting and advice.
- Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to operate at pace.
- Experience managing PMO or project teams within matrix environments.
- Strong analytical skills with the credibility to interpret, challenge and present complex information.
- A collaborative, proactive and improvement-focused leadership style.
- P3O Practitioner (essential).
- PRINCE2 Practitioner or equivalent qualification (desirable).
Apply via LinkedIn or message Claire Harrison directly at claire.harrison@dawsonjones.co.uk for a confidential chat.
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