At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive strategic planning and governance for Global Security initiatives.
- Company: World leader in secure financial messaging services, based in Belgium.
- Benefits: Inclusive culture, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on innovation and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team shaping the future of global security in finance.
- Qualifications: 7-10 years in cybersecurity or technology strategy; strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
We’re the world’s leading provider of secure financial messaging services, headquartered in Belgium. We are the way the world moves value – across borders, through cities and overseas. No other organisation can address the scale, precision, pace and trust that this demands, and we’re proud to support the global economy. We’re unique too. We were established to find a better way for the global financial community to move value – a reliable, safe and secure approach that the community can trust, completely. We’re always striving to be better and are constantly evolving in an ever-changing landscape, without undermining that trust. Five decades on, our vibrant community reflects the complexity and diversity of the financial ecosystem. We innovate diligently, test exhaustively, then implement fast. In a connected and exciting era, our mission has never been more relevant. Swift now has a presence in 200+ countries and legal territories to serve a community of more than 12,000 banks and financial institutions.
The Portfolio & ZTS Manager supports the Head of Security Strategy in driving the strategic planning, governance, and orchestration of Global Security initiatives. This role manages the Global Security Roadmap, facilitates cross‑team coordination, integrates Zero Trust activities across GS and Swift, and prepares strategic materials for leadership decision‑making. It ensures all initiatives entering the roadmap are aligned to the GS Strategy, capability maturity needs, and Zero Trust principles. The role is strategic and coordination‑focused — not a delivery project manager — and is central to maintaining a mature, data‑driven, and prioritised security portfolio.
Education
- University degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field; or equivalent work experience.
Experience
- 7–10 years in cybersecurity, technology strategy, portfolio management, or programme governance.
- Demonstrated experience working in complex, multi‑stakeholder technical environments.
- Strong understanding of capability maturity models, cybersecurity domains, and technology planning.
- Experience coordinating cross‑functional programmes, ideally in security or enterprise technology.
Skills & Competencies
- Excellent strategic thinking and analytical ability.
- Strong coordination and governance capabilities.
- Ability to synthesise complex technical input into clear executive‑level insights.
- Skilled in roadmap design, dependency management, and portfolio structuring.
- Ability to navigate ambiguity, shape early‑stage ideas, and prepare initiatives for approval.
- Strong communication skills across both technical and business stakeholders.
- High level of independence, ownership, and organisational awareness.
Personal Attributes
- Structured, proactive, and able to see across the whole security landscape.
- Comfortable collaborating across teams without owning delivery.
- Able to challenge, question, and provide strategic insight.
- Detail‑oriented with strong clarity of thought.
- Resilient, diplomatic, and able to influence without direct authority.
Domains
- Information Security.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Portfolio & Roadmap Governance: Maintain and structure the GS Strategic Roadmap aligned to strategic priorities and capability maturity targets. Operate the GS portfolio governance rhythm, including planning cycles, review forums, and reporting. Consolidate progress, risks, KPIs, maturity insights, and decision points from delivery teams. Provide clear, executive‑ready updates and briefing materials for the CSO and senior leadership. Map dependencies and sequencing across initiatives to ensure cohesive and efficient execution.
- Zero Trust Program Integration: Coordinate and integrate Zero Trust activities across GS, TPSG, Core Operations, Product, Architecture, and Engineering. Monitor maturity evolution, progress, risks, and cross‑team impacts related to ZTS. Ensure ZTS principles are embedded into broader GS programmes. Maintain a single consolidated view of Zero Trust progress for senior leadership. Support preparation of Zero Trust initiative validation prior to CSO approval.
- Initiative Intake & Strategic Validation Support: Assess new initiatives for alignment with GS Strategy, capability maturity needs, and operational readiness. Conduct initial analysis and prepare initiative intake packs for Head of Strategy validation. Maintain the initiative pipeline, backlog, and planning artefacts. Ensure initiatives have clear scope, outcomes, and expected maturity impact before being considered for approval.
- Cross‑Functional Alignment & Coordination: Facilitate alignment across GS domains to ensure consistent direction and integrated planning. Act as a central coordination point during planning cycles, reviews, and roadmap adjustments. Support communication and alignment with Enterprise and Security Architecture where relevant.
Competency Profile
- Takes Accountability for Delivering Results – Makes choices and decisions based on established practices and precedents; delivers results by overcoming a range of obstacles and issues and where timing may be critical.
- Demonstrates Operational Excellence – Sets clear standards for quality of work; adheres to / encourages a continuous improvement mindset; implements procedures, standards and policies to ensure operational success in terms of security, availability, reliability and customer satisfaction.
- Expands knowledge – Expands own specialist knowledge and skills by taking ownership of own development; encourages colleagues to bring forward and share new ideas and alternative solutions; demonstrates openness to utilise new approaches.
- Business Understanding and Commercial Sense – Applies understanding of how different divisions contribute to meeting SWIFT's business objectives; understands market drivers of success and encourages changes to improve offerings while optimising commercial performance.
- Builds and reinforces customer relationships – Strengthens relationships by taking every opportunity to listen and respond to customers and adapt solutions to meet their needs; demonstrates and encourages customer focus in all relationships and activities.
- Leads with a team focus – Initiates effective co‑operation and team working with others; provides support to new team members; appreciates style and background differences; demonstrates commitment to SWIFT values.
- Communicates effectively – Communicates effectively across a range of practical and operational issues; adjusts personal communication style to fit intended audience; listens to and respects other people's points of view.
Accessibility & Inclusion
We are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation related to accessibility during your application or interview, please contact accessibility‑Sysgroup@swift.com or indicate this in your application. All requests are confidential and will not affect your candidacy.
Strategy and Portfolio Manager employer: Getswift Limited
At SWIFT, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the financial messaging sector, offering a dynamic work environment in Belgium that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our structured development programmes and inclusive culture, which encourages diverse perspectives and teamwork. With a focus on strategic initiatives and cutting-edge security practices, joining our team as a Strategy and Portfolio Manager means contributing to a mission that is vital to the global economy while enjoying a supportive workplace that values your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategy and Portfolio Manager
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Getswift Limited. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategy and Portfolio Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Getswift Limited.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Getswift Limited's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Getswift Limited
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Getswift Limited.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Getswift Limited will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Getswift Limited employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.