Head of Portfolio Management

About the role

The Head of Portfolio Management is a pivotal leadership role at the heart of Imperial’s ambitious, organisation wide transformation agenda. You will shape and lead portfolio management across a portfolio of transformation programmes which will reshape our campuses, services and technology in direct support of Imperial’s world leading academic mission.

Joining us at an exciting time of significant digital, organisational and infrastructure transformation, you will ensure our most high-profile programmes deliver meaningful business value and measurable benefits for the entire university community.

What you would be doing

In this role, you will lead the design, implementation and continuous improvement of enterprise portfolio management across a broad and complex set of transformation programmes. You will introduce and embed portfolio management approaches that strengthen governance, drive transparency, and ensure alignment with Imperial’s strategic priorities

Your responsibilities will include:

• Establishing and leading portfolio governance, performance evaluation, planning and risk and dependency management for the Portfolio
• Providing high‑quality insights and reporting to the Portfolio Board to enable strategic decision‑
• Working closely with Programme and Project Managers, PMO Managers, and the Change team to maintain alignment with organisational objectives and ensure benefits realisation
• Leading the uplift of portfolio management capability across Imperial by developing best‑practice standards, tools, and guidance
• Supporting assurance and peer review activities across the portfolio
• Playing a key leadership role within the Transformation Team, shaping culture, ways of working, and professional development.

What we are looking for

We are seeking an experienced and inspiring portfolio management leader who brings a blend of strategic thinking, technical expertise and exceptional stakeholder skills. You will bring:

Essential experience & skills

• Proven experience establishing and leading an enterprise level portfolio management function in a low maturity organisation
• Experience of delivering large scale/ organisation wide transformation programmes.
• Strong governance, risk, assurance and benefits management expertise across complex portfolios.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills, with confidence operating in a complex, federated environment.
• Ability to lead and motivate multi‑disciplinary teams, working collaboratively across organisational boundaries.
• Strong analytical skills with experience using performance and benefits data to drive insights.

Qualifications

• A recognised portfolio or programme management qualification (e.g., MoP, MSP, P3O
• Degree or equivalent professional experience

What we can offer you

• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to use science for humanity.
• Benefit from a sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days’ annual leave and generous pension schemes).
• Access to a range of workplace benefits including generous family leave packages, on-site leisure facilities and cycle-to-work scheme.
• Interest-free season ticket loan schemes for travel.
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

Further information

If you require any further details about the role, please contact: Hash Rai at hashvinder.rai@imperial.ac.uk

Advert information