At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and oversee a dynamic digital portfolio, driving innovation and collaboration.
- Company: Join the UK's leading foreign ministry, committed to technological integration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, location allowance, Civil Service pension, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are valued; applications from all communities are encouraged.
- Why this job: Shape the future of digital diplomacy and make a real impact on global initiatives.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing complex digital projects and strong leadership skills required.
Please make sure you read the following details carefully before making any applications.
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’ll 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.
Your role with us:
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’ll 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’ll 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’ll 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’ll have a number of additional day-to-day responsibilities – these 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 portfolio level.
Who we’re looking for:
To be a success in this significant position you’ll 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 work or portfolios. Able to adopt a proactive approach to your work while focusing on the continuous improvement of yourself and the service, you’ll 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 Wendover employer: GOVERNMENT RECRUITMENT SERVICES
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, staff enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including a Civil Service pension, and the opportunity to work on impactful digital projects that shape the UK's diplomatic efforts globally. Located in vibrant cities like London, East Kilbride, and Milton Keynes, employees benefit from a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance while contributing to meaningful change.
Contact Details:
GOVERNMENT RECRUITMENT SERVICES Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Digital Portfolio in Wendover
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the FCDO on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the role and help us stand out when we apply.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the latest trends in digital technology and portfolio management. We want to show that we’re not just qualified, but also passionate about the field!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice our answers to common interview questions, especially around leadership and strategic decision-making. Let’s make sure we can articulate our experience clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can keep track of our application status easily.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Digital Portfolio in Wendover
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly:Before you start your application, make sure to read the job description carefully. It’s packed with details about what we’re looking for and can help you tailor your application to show us why you’re the perfect fit.
Showcase Your Experience:When writing your application, highlight your experience in managing large-scale digital and technology projects. We want to see how your skills align with our needs, so don’t hold back on sharing relevant examples!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our website. This helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at GOVERNMENT RECRUITMENT SERVICES
✨Know Your Digital Portfolio Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the digital portfolio and technology landscape of the organisation. Familiarise yourself with their current projects, challenges, and strategic goals. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Digital Portfolio, strong leadership is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led cross-functional teams and managed complex projects. Be ready to discuss your approach to inspiring collaboration and continuous improvement within your team.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Think about past experiences where you had to manage risks or adapt to changing priorities. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your communication skills by discussing how you've engaged with stakeholders in previous roles. Be prepared to explain how you ensure alignment between investment proposals and organisational objectives, as well as how you handle differing opinions and foster collaboration.
