Head of Portfolio Management

Born in the 60s with a mindset of boldness, imagination and collaboration, the University of Warwick is a world-leading, research-intensive university with the highest academic and research standards. We’re one of the world’s top universities, ranked 68th in the world and 10th in the UK*, with 92% of our research assessed to be ‘world leading or internationally excellent’**. *QS World University Rankings 2027 ** Research Excellence Framework 2021

To support its long-term ambitions, the University has committed to delivering its biggest capital investment programme of more than £1 billion over the next decade. This programme will transform the University’s estate, creating a world-class campus that enhances teaching, research, collaboration and the student experience, while providing the foundations for future success.

As we reach pivotal moments in the Capital Programme and continue to strengthen our Capital Projects team, we are establishing a Portfolio Management Office (PMO). The PMO will provide strategic oversight of our diverse capital projects portfolio, ensuring it supports the institutions long term ambitions. To lead this new team, we are seeking an accomplished PMO, programme, or portfolio management professional with significant experience leading governance, assurance, and performance frameworks across complex project environments.

This role will work closely with senior leaders and stakeholders and will drive portfolio optimisation, risk management, and benefits realisation, ensuring capital expenditure delivers maximum value and aligns with the University’s strategic objectives. It will champion best practice, develop a PMO Centre of Excellence, and lead a high-performing team that supports the successful delivery of complex, multi-million-pound projects as well as equally important smaller value projects.

The Head of Project Management Office (PMO) will have a proven ability to influence senior stakeholders, provide strategic advice, and translate complex portfolio information into meaningful insights that support executive decision-making.

This is a unique opportunity to help lead and shape the PMO. We are seeking a strong leader who is passionate about developing people, driving continuous improvement, and embedding best-practice project and portfolio management methodologies. The postholder will bring expertise in risk management, resource planning, reporting, and portfolio controls, combined with excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills. They will be strategic, collaborative, and results-focused, motivated by the opportunity to shape a maturing PMO function and ensure the successful delivery of a once in a generation, transformative scale capital investment.

This role offers the opportunity to influence major investment decisions, strengthen organisational capability, and play a pivotal role in delivering the University’s 10-Year Estates Capital Plan.

For the full Job Description and Person Specification, please click here.

To find a complete outline of the role and wider context please click here.

How to apply

The University of Warwick has appointed SearchHigher as their recruitment partner for this campaign; apply by submitting a cover letter and CV in Word Document format via email to enquiries@searchhigher.com

Closing date for applications is 13th August 2026

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