At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic project portfolio management and drive investment planning across the organisation.
- Company: Join the Financial Times, a globally recognised leader in journalism and information.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, medical cover, gym memberships, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Embrace innovation and enjoy a supportive, diverse workplace with growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while shaping the future of media.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in project portfolio management and strong executive stakeholder skills.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.
About Us
The Financial Times is one of the world's leading news organisations, globally recognised for its authority, integrity and accuracy, with a mission to deliver quality information and services worldwide. At the FT, curiosity thrives and ambitious thinking is rewarded. Here, you're given the chance to reach millions, create work that matters and deliver impartial journalism in a polarised world. In our warm, collaborative culture, you'll connect with a diverse community of experts who support your growth, career aspirations and wellbeing. Your future at the FT will be filled with opportunities that challenge and inspire you. With no fixed path, you'll discover new skills and forge a career that can take you anywhere. Build a newsworthy career at the FT.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
We believe in the power of unique perspectives and want all voices in our organisation to be heard, respected and valued. A supportive workplace is one where employees feel they can be themselves and operate to their full potential. We are committed to removing barriers for everyone, with a focus on addressing those faced by underrepresented groups.
The Role
As Project Portfolio Management Director, you will provide enterprise leadership for Product & Technology portfolio management, establishing and leading the governance, planning and investment processes that enable the FT to deliver its strategic ambitions. Partnering with executive leaders across Product, Technology, Editorial, Data, Commercial and Corporate functions, you will ensure organisational priorities, investment decisions, resources and delivery activities remain aligned to business objectives. You'll lead portfolio governance, business planning and investment forums while building a high-performing portfolio management capability that delivers transparency, operational excellence and measurable business value. This is a highly strategic leadership role requiring exceptional commercial judgement, executive influence and the ability to translate organisational strategy into effective portfolio management practices.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead enterprise-wide project portfolio management governance across the Product & Technology change portfolio.
- Drive long-term investment planning, strategic sequencing and prioritisation of initiatives.
- Own enterprise demand management, investment governance and portfolio intake processes.
- Facilitate executive governance forums, investment reviews and portfolio health discussions.
- Provide executive insight into portfolio performance, investment allocation, delivery risks, dependencies and capacity.
- Partner with Finance and senior business leaders on investment planning, forecasting, budget oversight and value realisation.
- Lead business planning, operating rhythms and organisational performance management across Product & Technology.
- Develop high-quality executive reporting and board materials that enable data-driven decision making.
- Build, lead and develop a high-performing Project Portfolio Management and Business Operations function.
- Champion portfolio management best practice, continuous improvement and organisational capability development.
Required Skills and Experience
- Significant senior leadership experience establishing and leading enterprise project portfolio management functions.
- Proven experience operating at executive level within complex, matrixed organisations.
- Strong commercial and financial acumen, with experience overseeing strategic investment portfolios.
- Demonstrated success leading enterprise governance, operational planning and portfolio prioritisation.
- Outstanding executive stakeholder management and influencing skills, including experience working with C-suite leaders.
- Strong analytical, strategic thinking and decision-making capabilities.
- Experience leading business transformation, operational effectiveness and organisational change.
- Ability to translate strategic priorities into enterprise governance frameworks, portfolio management practices and operating models.
- Formal qualification or equivalent experience in recognised portfolio management frameworks such as Management of Portfolios (MoP) or SAFe Lean Portfolio Management.
Desirable
- Experience within media, publishing, digital subscription or technology-led organisations.
- Experience working within Agile product and technology operating environments.
- Experience supporting organisational growth, scaling or large-scale transformation programmes.
What's in it for You?
Our benefits vary by location but we are committed to providing best-in-class perks across all our offices. These include generous annual leave, medical cover, inclusive parental leave packages, subsidised gym memberships and opportunities to give back to the community. Full details of our benefits are available here: https://aboutus.ft.com/careers/benefits.
We've embraced a 50% hybrid working model (averaging two to three days onsite) that fosters trust and remote adaptability while encouraging in-person camaraderie and peer learning. Additionally, we are open to accommodating specific flexible working pattern requests for all roles where feasible.
Accessibility
We are a disability confident employer and Valuable 500 signatory. Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments as part of the application process or interview. If you have any questions, please contact talent@ft.com.
Further Information
At the FT, we embrace innovation and the use of technology and appreciate that individuals may leverage AI tools as part of their job application process. Whilst we are happy for you to use AI to assist with your application, it is essential that all information provided is authentic and accurately represents your skills, experience, and qualifications. Candidates should be aware that the use of AI throughout the application process may be monitored to ensure a fair and transparent hiring process for all. Please beware of fraudulent job postings and offers claiming to be from the Financial Times. All legitimate opportunities will direct you to apply through the official Financial Times careers site, and the FT will never ask for financial information, payments, or referrals to third parties during the hiring process. If you have any concerns about the legitimacy of a job posting or suspect any scam activity, please contact talent@ft.com.
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Project Portfolio Management Director in London employer: Financial Times
The Financial Times is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where curiosity and ambition are celebrated. With opportunities for professional growth and a commitment to diversity, employees can thrive in a culture that values unique perspectives and fosters collaboration. The flexibility of remote or hybrid working arrangements from Belfast or London, combined with a comprehensive benefits package, makes the FT an attractive choice for those seeking meaningful and impactful careers in the legal field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Portfolio Management Director in London
✨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 Project Portfolio Management Director at Financial Times!
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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 Financial Times or be willing to refer you for that Project Portfolio Management Director 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 Financial Times who’s on the lookout for their next Project Portfolio Management Director 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 Project Portfolio Management Director role at Financial Times!
We think you need these skills to ace Project Portfolio Management Director in London
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 Financial Times. 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.
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How to prepare for a job interview at Financial Times
✨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!
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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!
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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 Financial Times. 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!
