At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a team to manage a complex digital portfolio for the UK’s foreign ministry.
- Company: Join the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, shaping global diplomacy through technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, location allowance, Civil Service pension, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with a focus on continuous improvement and career development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global diplomacy while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing large-scale 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 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.
- 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 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 in managing complex programmes or portfolios.
- 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 that 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 Northampton 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 Northampton
✨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 Northampton
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 helps us keep track of all applications.
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 leadership experience, especially in managing large-scale digital projects. Think about times when you inspired teams or navigated complex interdependencies. Be ready to discuss how you foster collaboration and continuous improvement within your teams.
✨Understand Stakeholder Engagement
Since this role involves working closely with senior stakeholders, brush up on your stakeholder engagement strategies. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully communicated and aligned investment proposals with organisational objectives in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to influence decision-making at high levels.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Think through potential challenges you might face in this role and how you would address them. This will help you articulate your approach to risk management and agile planning cycles effectively.
