At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic portfolio planning and assurance to drive success at the Bank of England.
- Company: Join the prestigious Bank of England, a leader in financial stability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, private medical insurance, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on governance and standards in a dynamic financial institution.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and strong analytical skills required.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and inclusion while enjoying excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 62000 - 77000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Portfolio Planning & Assurance Manager (Governance & Standards) role at Bank of England.
Position Overview
As a Portfolio Planning & Assurance Manager you will play a pivotal role in delivering strategic, data‑informed and independent portfolio planning and assurance services. You will be a trusted partner, enabling the Bank to achieve its strategic priorities by setting up projects and programmes for success. You will ensure the Portfolio Planning & Assurance team delivers effective portfolio management, ensuring all changes are traceable, accountable and deliver measurable benefits.
Responsibilities
- Deliver Portfolio Management Practices: Drive the development and implementation of robust portfolio management practices with a strong emphasis on governance and standards, ensuring these practices support strategic alignment, transparency and value delivery across the enterprise.
- Define Minimum Standards: Establish and maintain clear, enforceable standards for business case development, project governance and reporting, embedding these standards into the project lifecycle.
- Set Portfolio Governance: Design and implement governance frameworks, processes and tools that enable effective oversight and decision‑making, ensuring structures are scalable, transparent and aligned with organisational goals.
- Oversee Prioritisation: Manage the prioritisation process for portfolio initiatives, ensuring decisions are based on strategic value, resource availability and risk considerations and facilitate alignment between business units and executive leadership.
- Risk Management: Develop and maintain governance structures to proactively identify, assess and mitigate risks at the portfolio level and embed risk management across all stages of the portfolio lifecycle.
- Challenge Business Cases: Critically evaluate proposed business cases to ensure they are well‑structured, feasible and aligned with strategic priorities, providing constructive feedback and guidance to improve quality.
- Approval Process: Implement clear, fair and efficient decision‑making processes for project approval and support governance bodies with the information and frameworks needed to make informed go/no‑go decisions.
- Improving for the Future: Stay up to date with industry trends, emerging practices and technological advancements in portfolio management, continuously assessing and evolving governance practices to enhance maturity and effectiveness.
- Act as a Role Model and Ambassador: Embody the values and purpose of the Bank and foster a supportive, inclusive, high‑performing team culture that encourages collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement.
Role Requirements
Minimum Criteria
- Demonstrable experience in preparing high‑quality written materials for senior governance committees, including the ability to distil complex information into clear, concise and actionable papers or reports.
- Proven experience in project management, preferably within the banking or financial services sector, with the ability to think ahead and innovate to meet business needs.
- Proficiency in project management software and tools, and the ability to make informed decisions and solve complex problems, often with incomplete information.
- Sound understanding of governance frameworks in relation to projects and programmes.
Essential Criteria
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate complex and technical information effectively in written and oral form, adapting style to the audience.
- Ability to work collaboratively with cross‑functional teams and think holistically to solve business decisions.
- Resilience and the ability to demonstrate resilience when delivering difficult messages or when met with resistance.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience within a similar organisation supporting portfolio definition and executing successful delivery, understanding business priorities and managing business partnerships.
Our Approach to Inclusion
The Bank values diversity, equity and inclusion. We play a key role in maintaining monetary and financial stability, and we believe that a workforce reflecting the society we serve is essential for effective decision‑making. We encourage flexi‑work arrangements and support candidates and employees in the recruitment process as needed. We are a member of the Disability Confident Scheme and welcome applications under this scheme.
Salary and Benefits
Salary: Leeds circa £62,480 - £70,000; London circa £69,440 - £77,000. Current non‑contributory, career‑average pension; discretionary performance award; 8% benefits allowance; 26 days annual leave with option to buy additional days; private medical insurance and income protection.
National Security Vetting Process
Employment in this role will be subject to the National Security Vetting clearance process (typically 6‑12 weeks post‑offer) and additional Bank security checks. Further information will be provided to the successful applicant and detailed in the Bank’s Privacy Notice.
Application Process
The application process is anonymised. Please ensure you complete the ‘work history’ section and answer all the application questions. All candidate applications are anonymised to protect personal information during the screening stage. The assessment will comprise two interview stages.
Closing Date
This role closes on 11th Jan 2026.
Portfolio Planning & Assurance Manager (Governance & Standards) in Leeds employer: Bank of England
Contact Detail:
Bank of England Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Portfolio Planning & Assurance Manager (Governance & Standards) in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those at the Bank of England. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the Bank's governance frameworks and recent projects. Show us you’re not just a fit for the role but also passionate about what we do!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills. You’ll need to convey complex ideas clearly, so try explaining your past projects to friends or family to get comfortable.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Portfolio Planning & Assurance Manager (Governance & Standards) in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Portfolio Planning & Assurance Manager. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Writing Skills: Since this role requires high-quality written materials, include examples of your previous work that demonstrate your ability to distil complex information into clear and concise reports. We want to see your communication skills shine!
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out your application, keep your answers straightforward and to the point. Avoid jargon unless it's relevant, and make sure your key points stand out. We appreciate clarity just as much as you do!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures that your application is processed correctly and gives you the best chance of being considered for the role. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bank of England
✨Know Your Governance Frameworks
Make sure you brush up on governance frameworks related to project management. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented or improved these in past roles, as this will show your understanding of the standards expected in the Portfolio Planning & Assurance Manager position.
✨Prepare Clear, Concise Materials
Since you'll be preparing materials for senior governance committees, practice distilling complex information into clear and actionable reports. Bring examples of your previous work to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively, as this is a key requirement for the role.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be prepared to discuss specific instances where you've used your analytical and problem-solving skills to tackle challenges. Think of examples that highlight your ability to make informed decisions, especially when faced with incomplete information, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Spirit
The role requires working with cross-functional teams, so come ready to share experiences where you've successfully collaborated with others. Highlight how you fostered teamwork and innovation, as this aligns with the Bank's values and the culture they aim to promote.