At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and oversee a dynamic digital portfolio, driving innovation and collaboration.
- Company: Join the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, shaping global diplomacy.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, location allowance, Civil Service pension, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global initiatives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing complex digital projects and strong strategic portfolio management skills.
The predicted salary is between 69500 - 69500 £ per year.
Make your application after reading the following skill and qualification requirements for this position.
Reference number: 458119
Total Package: £69,500 + location allowance of £5,000 (London) £69,500 + location allowance of £1,750 (Milton Keynes) £69,500 (East Kilbride)
Contract: Full time, permanent
Location: London, East Kilbride or Milton Keynes
Hours: Full time. You will be required to work in line with our policies on hybrid working (minimum 60% in the office).
We lead the UK’s diplomatic, development and consular work around the world. We employ around 17,000 staff in our global network of 281 offices worldwide. Our UK-based staff work in King Charles Street in London, Abercrombie House in East Kilbride and Hanslope Park in Milton Keynes.
The Digital Technology and Security (DTaS) directorate is responsible for delivering our ambition to make the FCDO the world’s most technologically integrated and innovative foreign ministry. This means harnessing digital, data, technology, IT security and information management to deliver our diplomatic, development and consular aims, all while keeping our people and information safe, especially from hostile actors.
Main purpose of the job:
When you join us in this important role, you will provide strategic oversight of our digital, data and technology portfolio as you lead a collaborative team of portfolio professionals, and inspire a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration and delivery excellence. Shaping and maintaining a robust governance framework, it will be your task to ensure effective prioritisation, resource allocation and risk management across a complex, high-value portfolio of products, services and programmes. Working closely with our senior stakeholders to maintain evidence-based investment decisions, we also expect you to ensure benefits are clearly defined, and the portfolio adapts to changing priorities.
Acting as a key advisor to your senior leadership colleagues, you will be committed to providing clear, data-driven insights and recommendations to inform decision-making at the highest levels of our organisation. Championing best practice in strategic portfolio management will be key to your success, as will supporting the development of business cases and ensuring reporting mechanisms are in place to track progress, manage interdependencies and deliver successful outcomes. You will have a number of additional day-to-day responsibilities including 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 portfolio level.
Who we’re looking for:
To be a success in this significant position you will have well-developed experience of managing large-scale, complex digital and technology projects, and of using strategic portfolio management as a tool for organisational change. With proven practical knowledge of strategic risk management, agile planning cycles, problem solving and the ability to administer multiple interdependencies, your strong leadership skills will see you inspiring cross-functional teams and engaging, motivating and coaching on best practice processes.
Candidates will ideally possess a Chartered Project Professional (ChPP), Managing Successful Programmes (MSP), or Management of Portfolios (MoP) certification, or demonstrate significant experience in successfully managing complex programmes or portfolios. Able to adopt a proactive approach to your work while focusing on the continuous improvement of yourself and the service, you will have the communication skills to identify, analyse and engage with stakeholders through a range of channels, ensuring that investment proposals align with our ambitious transformation objectives.
Please be aware that you must be a British Citizen at the time of application and be required to attain Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance.
We value diversity and inclusion and actively encourage and welcome applications from all communities. Everyone here gets the support to develop their skills and capabilities as well as benefits that help to make the most of 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 High Wycombe employer: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and development within a collaborative and innovative work culture. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, FCDO offers competitive benefits, including a Civil Service pension, and the opportunity to work on impactful digital projects that shape the future of the UK's diplomatic efforts. Located in vibrant cities like London, East Kilbride, and Milton Keynes, employees enjoy a dynamic environment that fosters continuous improvement and strategic leadership.
Contact Details:
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Digital Portfolio in High Wycombe
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field on LinkedIn or at industry 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. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in digital and technology management.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online platforms. The more comfortable you are speaking about your skills and experiences, the better you'll perform.
✨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 take that extra step!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Digital Portfolio in High Wycombe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your experience aligns with the specific requirements of the Head of Digital Portfolio role. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Use quantifiable results to demonstrate how you've managed large-scale digital projects or improved processes in previous roles. This will help us see the impact you've made.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key messages stand out. This will make it easier for us to understand your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure your application is received and considered. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
✨Know Your Digital Portfolio Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the digital portfolio you'll be overseeing. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in digital technology and how they can impact diplomatic work. This will help you speak confidently about how you can lead and innovate in this area.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in managing complex digital projects. Think of specific instances where you've inspired teams or driven change. This will demonstrate your ability to motivate and coach cross-functional teams effectively.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific challenges related to strategic portfolio management. Practice articulating your thought process for prioritising projects, managing risks, and ensuring stakeholder engagement. This will show your analytical skills and strategic thinking.
✨Align with Their Values
Research the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office's values and mission. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, particularly around diversity, inclusion, and continuous improvement. This will help you connect on a deeper level with the interviewers.
