At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the delivery of client programmes, ensuring success and alignment with expectations.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at Dentsu, a leader in marketing and technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid work, and a tailored benefits package.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and innovation in a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving successful project delivery and client satisfaction.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in programme delivery with strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
The Delivery Portfolio Lead is responsible for overseeing the successful delivery and operational performance of a portfolio of client programmes and projects, ensuring alignment with client expectations, commercial objectives, and delivery commitments. The role provides strategic delivery leadership, governance, risk oversight, and delivery assurance while supporting account growth through delivery expertise and advisory support.
This role requires a highly experienced programme delivery professional from a consultancy or vendor background, capable of operating across both strategic oversight and operational delivery assurance.
- Portfolio Delivery Oversight: Own the successful delivery of programmes and projects across a defined portfolio of client accounts. Ensure delivery outcomes are achieved in line with agreed timelines, scope, quality, and financial expectations. Provide oversight of programme execution through Programme Managers and Delivery Leads, ensuring appropriate delegation and accountability. Monitor programme health through defined indicators, reporting, and engagement with delivery teams. Provide clear, evidence-based assessments on whether delivery will succeed based on performance, risks, and dependencies. Intervene where required to resolve critical issues, unblock delivery, or reset direction.
- Client & Stakeholder Management: Build strong, trusted relationships with clients and internal stakeholders at all levels. Act as a senior escalation point for delivery-related issues and risks. Work in close partnership with Client Leadership to align delivery execution with client expectations. Provide confidence and transparency through clear communication on delivery status and outlook.
- Pipeline, Demand & Risk Management: Proactively manage delivery pipeline, including demand forecasting, resource planning, and capacity management at account level. Identify and mitigate risks driven by client changes, resourcing challenges, or external factors. Balance proactive planning with reactive issue resolution in a fast‑paced environment. Ensure appropriate mitigation strategies are in place for risks impacting delivery outcomes.
- Commercial & Financial Management: Oversee financial performance at the account level, including budget tracking, forecasting, cost management, and margin awareness. Work with Programme Managers to ensure financial discipline across delivery. Support Client Leadership in maintaining account profitability through informed delivery decisions.
- Delivery Excellence & Process Improvements: Drive continuous improvement across delivery practices, governance, and ways of working. Ensure consistent application of delivery methodologies and standards. Identify opportunities to optimise efficiency, reduce cost, and improve delivery predictability. Promote best practices across delivery teams and programmes.
- Sales Support & Delivery Advisory: Support sales and growth efforts as a delivery advisor, not an account owner. Validate feasibility, timelines, effort, capacity and budget for new and existing opportunities. Contribute to proposals and Statements of Work (SOWs) to ensure deliverability. Attend client pitches where required, representing delivery and building confidence in capability.
Minimum Qualifications: Minimum 10 years' experience delivering complex programmes in consultancy, systems integrator, or agency environments. Strong programme management background with experience moving into portfolio oversight. Experience in marketing, digital, or technology delivery environments. Demonstrable experience in process improvement and cost management. Strong commercial acumen at account level. Experience leading delivery teams and managing programme managers. Strong stakeholder management and communication skills. Experience supporting pre‑sales and client growth initiatives in a delivery advisory capacity. Highly credible, confident communicator with strong executive presence. Pragmatic and outcome‑focused, with strong judgement. Proactive and forward‑looking, balanced with the ability to react quickly to issues. Resilient and calm under pressure. Able to build trust and credibility quickly across clients and internal teams. Strong sense of ownership and accountability for delivery outcomes.
Benefits: This is a permanent role. This is a hybrid working role with the expectation that you will be in 2 times a week. As well as a competitive salary, you'll enjoy a benefits package that you can tailor to your needs.
Inclusion and Diversity: At Dentsu, we embrace diversity and inclusion, valuing the unique perspectives and contributions of every individual. We believe that diversity fuels creativity and innovation, benefiting our employees, partners, and communities.
Delivery Portfolio Lead 12 Month FTC in City of Westminster employer: Dentsu
Dentsu is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and development, offering a dynamic work culture where innovation thrives. With a hybrid working model and a competitive benefits package tailored to individual needs, employees are empowered to achieve their best while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. The company's commitment to diversity and inclusion fosters a collaborative environment, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in programme delivery.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Delivery Portfolio Lead 12 Month FTC in City of Westminster
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Delivery Portfolio Lead 12 Month FTC at Dentsu!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Dentsu or be willing to refer you for that Delivery Portfolio Lead 12 Month FTC position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Dentsu who’s on the lookout for their next Delivery Portfolio Lead 12 Month FTC star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Delivery Portfolio Lead 12 Month FTC role at Dentsu!
We think you need these skills to ace Delivery Portfolio Lead 12 Month FTC in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Dentsu. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dentsu
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Dentsu. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
