At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and oversee a dynamic digital portfolio, driving innovation and collaboration.
- Company: Join the 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 management skills.
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 £69,500 plus a location allowance of £5,000 (London), £1,750 (Milton Keynes), or £69,500 (East Kilbride). This is a full-time, permanent position with a minimum of 60% in-office work required.
The Digital Technology and Security (DTaS) directorate aims 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 goals while ensuring safety from hostile actors.
Main purpose of the job: You will provide strategic oversight of the digital, data, and technology portfolio, leading a collaborative team and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and delivery excellence. Your responsibilities include:
- Shaping and maintaining a robust governance framework.
- Ensuring effective prioritisation, resource allocation, and risk management across a complex portfolio.
- Working closely with senior stakeholders to maintain evidence-based investment decisions.
- Providing clear, data-driven insights and recommendations for decision-making.
- Championing best practices in strategic portfolio management.
- Supporting the development of business cases and ensuring reporting mechanisms are in place.
- Identifying, categorising, and prioritising new demand for inclusion in service groups and the portfolio.
- Coordinating reporting from service groups and analysing performance at the portfolio level.
Who we're looking for: To succeed in this role, you should have:
- Experience managing large-scale, complex digital and technology projects.
- Knowledge of strategic risk management, agile planning cycles, and problem-solving.
- Strong leadership skills to inspire cross-functional teams.
- Chartered Project Professional (ChPP), Managing Successful Programmes (MSP), or Management of Portfolios (MoP) certification, or significant experience managing complex programmes.
- A proactive approach to work and a focus on continuous improvement.
- Excellent communication skills to engage with stakeholders.
Please note that you must be a British Citizen at the time of application and will need to attain Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance.
We value diversity and inclusion and encourage applications from all communities. We offer support for skill development and benefits to enhance life in and out of work, including a Civil Service pension.
Apply before 11:55 pm on Monday 29th June 2026.
Head of Digital Portfolio in Milton employer: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is an exceptional employer that offers a dynamic work environment focused on innovation and collaboration. With a commitment to employee growth, we provide extensive training opportunities and a supportive culture that values diversity and inclusion. Located in London, East Kilbride, or Milton Keynes, our offices foster a hybrid working model, ensuring a healthy work-life balance while empowering you to make a meaningful impact on global diplomatic and development efforts.
Contact Details:
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Digital Portfolio in Milton
✨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 to see you shine, so practice common interview questions and think about how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills through real-life examples. When discussing your experience, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to clearly demonstrate your impact and problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can keep you top of mind and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Digital Portfolio in Milton
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 the role of Head of Digital Portfolio, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:This role is all about inspiring teams and driving change. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership style and how you've successfully motivated cross-functional teams in the past. We love seeing examples of collaboration and continuous improvement!
Be Data-Driven:Since the job involves providing clear, data-driven insights, make sure to include any relevant metrics or outcomes from your previous roles. We’re keen to see how you’ve used data to inform decision-making and manage risks effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there!
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, especially those relevant to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. This will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership abilities, particularly in managing cross-functional teams and complex projects. Be ready to discuss how you've inspired collaboration and continuous improvement in past roles, as this is crucial for the Head of Digital Portfolio position.
✨Understand Their Governance Framework
Research the governance frameworks commonly used in strategic portfolio management. Be prepared to discuss how you would establish and maintain a robust governance structure 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 share strategies you've used to engage stakeholders and ensure alignment with organisational objectives. This will show that you can effectively manage relationships and drive investment proposals that support their transformation goals.
