At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and oversee a dynamic digital portfolio, driving innovation and strategic improvements.
- Company: Join the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, shaping global diplomacy with technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, location allowance, Civil Service pension, and opportunities for personal development.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are valued; support for skill development is provided.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global affairs while working in a collaborative and innovative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing complex digital projects and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 69500 - 69500 £ per year.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office is seeking a Head of Digital Portfolio. The total package includes a salary of £69,500 plus location allowance of £5,000 (London), £1,750 (Milton Keynes), or £69,500 (East Kilbride). This is a full-time, permanent position with a requirement to work in line with hybrid working policies (minimum 60% in the office).
The Digital Technology and Security (DTaS) directorate is responsible for delivering the ambition to make the FCDO the world's most technologically integrated and innovative foreign ministry. This involves harnessing digital, data, technology, IT security, and information management to achieve diplomatic, development, and consular aims while ensuring safety from hostile actors.
Main purpose of the job: In this role, you will provide strategic oversight of the digital, data, and technology portfolio, leading a collaborative team of portfolio professionals and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and delivery excellence. You will shape and maintain a robust governance framework, ensuring effective prioritisation, resource allocation, and risk management across a complex, high-value portfolio of products, services, and programmes. You will work closely with senior stakeholders to maintain evidence-based investment decisions, ensuring benefits are clearly defined and the portfolio adapts to changing priorities. As a key advisor to senior leadership, you will provide clear, data-driven insights and recommendations to inform decision-making at the highest levels.
Responsibilities include:
- Identifying, categorising, and prioritising new demand for inclusion in service groups and the portfolio.
- Establishing a clear governance framework and reporting system.
- Coordinating reporting from service groups and analysing performance at the portfolio level.
Who we're looking for: To succeed in this position, you should have well-developed experience managing large-scale, complex digital and technology projects, using strategic portfolio management as a tool for organisational change. Proven knowledge of strategic risk management, agile planning cycles, and problem-solving is essential. Strong leadership skills are necessary to inspire cross-functional teams and engage, motivate, and coach on best practice processes. Candidates should ideally possess a Chartered Project Professional (ChPP), Managing Successful Programmes (MSP), or Management of Portfolios (MoP) certification, or demonstrate significant experience in managing complex programmes or portfolios.
You must adopt a proactive approach to your work, focusing on continuous improvement, and possess the communication skills to identify, analyse, and engage with stakeholders through various channels, ensuring that investment proposals align with transformation objectives. Please note that you must be a British Citizen at the time of application and will be required to attain Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance.
We value diversity and inclusion and actively encourage applications from all communities. We provide support for skill development and offer benefits that enhance life in and out of work, including a Civil Service pension.
Use your talent and experience to shape our nation's future and deliver tangible improvements to millions of lives, including your own. Apply before 11:55 pm on Monday 29th June 2026.
Head of Digital Portfolio in Cheltenham employer: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is an exceptional employer that offers a dynamic work environment in London, East Kilbride, or Milton Keynes, where you can play a pivotal role in shaping the UK's digital and technological landscape. With a strong commitment to employee development, a collaborative culture, and a focus on diversity and inclusion, FCDO provides comprehensive benefits including a Civil Service pension, ensuring that you can thrive both professionally and personally while making a meaningful impact on global diplomacy and development.
Contact Details:
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Digital Portfolio in Cheltenham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. We want you to show how your skills align with their goals, especially in digital and technology management.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You should be able to clearly explain your experience and how it relates to the role of Head of Digital Portfolio. Keep it concise and impactful.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Digital Portfolio in Cheltenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in managing large-scale digital projects. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at the FCDO!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We’re looking for someone who can inspire and lead teams. Use your application to share examples of how you've motivated cross-functional teams and driven successful outcomes in previous roles.
Be Data-Driven:Since this role involves providing clear, data-driven insights, include specific metrics or results from your past projects. This will help us see your impact and how you can contribute to our goals.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people and shows you’re serious about joining our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
✨Know Your Digital Portfolio Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of digital portfolio management. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in technology and data management that are relevant to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. This will not only show your passion for the role but also your commitment to staying ahead in a rapidly evolving field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading cross-functional teams and managing complex projects. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, ensuring you demonstrate how you've inspired collaboration and driven successful outcomes in previous roles.
✨Understand Their Governance Framework
Research the governance frameworks commonly used in strategic portfolio management. Be ready to discuss how you would establish and maintain a robust governance framework within the FCDO, ensuring effective prioritisation and risk management across their digital initiatives.
✨Engage with Stakeholders Effectively
Think about how you can demonstrate your communication skills during the interview. Prepare to discuss how you've successfully engaged with stakeholders in the past, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives. Highlight your ability to adapt your communication style to different audiences, which is crucial for this role.
