At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative projects and streamline portfolio management in a dynamic media environment.
- Company: Prestigious media organisation with a forward-thinking approach.
- Benefits: Hybrid working model, competitive contract rate, and opportunity to influence change.
- Other info: Work closely with inspiring leaders and enjoy a collaborative, evolving workplace.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping the future of project management in a leading media company.
- Qualifications: Extensive senior leadership experience in complex organisations and proven project portfolio management skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
I am currently working with an exciting, forward-thinking Media Leader based in London who are looking for an Interim Director in Project & Portfolio Management to join the business and act as an extension of the VP of Portfolio Management as they go through a transition to standardise the internal Project & Portfolio process and define a new Operating Model. This means they will be responsible for transforming the ways of working, Portfolio Management and Governance. The company and senior leadership team are evolving so during this transitional phase as they grow they need someone who will be able to support this.
Key Responsibilities of the Director, Project & Portfolio Management:
- Translate strategic priorities into clear delivery plans, milestones, and actionable next steps.
- Provide a key link between technology, product, business, governance, and programme delivery teams.
- Keep major initiatives moving forward by maintaining focus, pace, and visibility across delivery activity.
- Change Management and helping the team and business evolve to the new operating model across Portfolios and Projects.
- Identify risks, blockers, or coordination gaps early and work with the relevant teams to address them.
- Support the flow of work across multiple teams, helping to remove obstacles and maintain momentum.
- Produce clear, concise progress updates for senior stakeholders in a timely manner.
- Attend and contribute to key meetings and governance forums on behalf of the VP where required.
- Act as an interim bridge between Governance, Project and Programme delivery leadership across Product and Technology teams.
The Director, Project & Portfolio Management will have the following experience:
- Extensive experience operating at senior leadership level within complex, matrix‐based organisations.
- Proven background in enterprise‐level project portfolio management across more than one organisation and implementing Governance for portfolios spanning Digital, Product, Tech and Engineering teams.
- Change and Transformational leadership across different frameworks including Waterfall, Agile etc.
- Strong understanding of commercial drivers, financial planning and tracking, strategic investment, and portfolio decision‐making.
- Successful track record of leading governance, business planning, prioritisation, and operational management functions.
- Highly developed stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, with significant exposure to C‐suite and executive‐level audiences as well as experience with Supplier Management.
- Proven experience operating at a senior technology leadership level within large, complex organisations ideally from a Media, Publishing or E‐Commerce would be ideal but not essential.
This multidimensional leadership role offers the opportunity to work closely with an inspiring leader and act as an extension of their office. The role will offer a hybrid working model with the offices based in London and is an inside IR35 contract role.
Director, Project & Portfolio Management in London employer: SixteenFifty
Join a prestigious media organisation that champions innovation and transformation, offering a dynamic work culture where your leadership in Project & Portfolio Management will directly influence the evolution of their operational model. With a hybrid working environment based in London, you will benefit from flexible working arrangements, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to collaborate with a visionary senior leadership team dedicated to fostering an inclusive and forward-thinking workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Project & Portfolio Management in London
✨Tap into Consulting Networks
Get active in local management consulting networks and organisations. Attend meetups, workshops, or webinars specific to consulting where you can connect with professionals who may know of temporary roles opening up at places like SixteenFifty. Don’t underestimate word-of-mouth – it’s massive in our field!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Real-Time
As a temporary hire, you need to demonstrate your value quickly. Consider creating a mini-case study or analysis relevant to the industry and share it on platforms like LinkedIn or even during networking events. This can be an impressive way to showcase your analytical skills and problem-solving prowess – just what consulting firms are looking for!
✨Check for Temporary Roles on Niche Job Boards
Look for temporary roles on specialised job boards for consulting gigs rather than just generic platforms. Websites like Consultancy.uk or even the Careers pages of major firms could have short-term projects or roles that are perfect for you to jump in at SixteenFifty.
✨Leverage University and Alumni Resources
If you’re fresh out of uni or connected with a local institution, take advantage of their career services and alumni networks. Many universities have exclusive connections to consulting firms seeking temporary help. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other aspiring consultants who might share leads about opportunities at SixteenFifty.
We think you need these skills to ace Director, Project & Portfolio Management in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In management consulting, employers love to see your problem-solving abilities right from the get-go. Be sure to highlight any relevant analytical projects you've worked on, particularly those that show how you tackled complex problems. If you’ve done any case studies or analysis during your studies, throw those in your CV!
Tailor Your Experience for the Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should reflect your adaptability and relevant experience quite clearly. Focus on showcasing experiences that demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running, like previous projects, internships, or freelance gigs in consulting or project management.
Craft a Targeted Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to sparkle! Use it to explain why you're interested in this temporary role at SixteenFifty and how your skills suit the specific project needs. Remember to mention how you can provide immediate value based on your past experiences.
Include Certifications or Relevant Training:If you've got any certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or even coursework that’s super relevant, make sure to list those in your application. Management consulting can be competitive, and these extra qualifications can help you stand out in the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at SixteenFifty
✨Prepare for Case Studies
In management consulting, case study interviews are a big deal. Expect to tackle real-world business problems on the spot. We should practise structuring our thoughts, developing hypotheses, and presenting our solutions clearly, as this is what firms like SixteenFifty will want to see.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
You’ll need to demonstrate strong analytical skills and logical reasoning. Brush up on frameworks like SWOT or Porter's Five Forces, as these can come in handy. Think of instances from your experience where you tackled a complex issue—this could set you apart when speaking to SixteenFifty.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, it's crucial we showcase our ability to hit the ground running. Have examples ready that illustrate how we've adapted quickly in past positions or projects. This shows that we can contribute effectively from day one at SixteenFifty.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Cultural Fit
Temporary roles often come with a focus on team dynamics. Prepare to discuss how we align with the values and culture at SixteenFifty. We want to highlight our teamwork experiences and how we can mesh with their consulting teams, making it clear that we're not just looking to fill a spot but to add value.
