At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformation portfolio, establish PMO governance, and drive performance across multiple programmes.
- Company: Join a dynamic team focused on delivering impactful transformation across operations.
- Benefits: Salary up to £78,000, 24 days holiday increasing to 28, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Travel required to operational sites 2–3 times per week.
- Why this job: Shape and implement new frameworks in a high-impact leadership role.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in senior PMO leadership, strong analytical mindset, and excellent stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 78000 - 78000 £ per year.
Working hours: 36 hours per week, Monday–Friday
Travel: Required to operational sites 2–3 times per week
What you’ll be doing
We have an exciting opportunity for a Transformation Portfolio Manager to join us in a brand-new role, shaping how we deliver transformation across our operations. This is a high‑impact leadership role at the heart of our transformation agenda. You’ll take ownership of our Strategic Operations & Transformation portfolio, building and embedding a consistent approach to PMO governance, reporting, and delivery across multiple programmes. As a hands‑on and innovative leader, you’ll design and implement frameworks that bring structure, clarity, and pace to delivery—ensuring our transformation programmes deliver real value for our business and customers. You’ll work closely with senior stakeholders, programme teams, and business leaders, creating a joined‑up approach to portfolio management while driving continuous improvement and smarter ways of working.
Key accountabilities
- Shape and lead our transformation portfolio – establishing robust governance, standards, and best practices across programmes.
- Build and embed a high‑performing PMO function, creating structure across portfolios to streamline delivery.
- Own portfolio‑level reporting and insight, delivering clear, data‑driven updates to senior leadership.
- Drive performance and value delivery, ensuring programmes are aligned to strategic priorities and delivering measurable benefits.
- Lead resource and capacity planning, enabling effective allocation across programmes.
- Manage risks, issues, and dependencies across the portfolio, driving proactive resolution.
- Act as a trusted partner to senior stakeholders, influencing decision‑making and prioritisation.
- Develop and lead a team, coaching and supporting colleagues to build capability and consistency.
What you should bring to the role
- We’re looking for a dynamic, forward‑thinking leader who thrives in a fast‑paced transformation environment and is excited by the opportunity to build something new.
- Proven experience in a portfolio or senior PMO leadership role, ideally within transformation or change.
- Strong people leadership and team management experience.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage at senior levels.
- Experience managing complex portfolios and multiple programmes simultaneously.
- Strong analytical mindset, with the ability to turn data into clear, actionable insight.
- A proactive, hands‑on approach, with the ability to shape and implement new ways of working.
- A passion for continuous improvement and driving delivery excellence.
- Experience in large operational or regulated environments.
What’s in it for you?
- Salary up to £78,000 per annum.
- Annual Leave – 24 days holiday per year, increasing to 28 with length of service plus bank holidays.
- Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
- Performance‑related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets.
- Access to a range of health, wellbeing and financial benefits, including health MOTs, physiotherapy and counselling, Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.
Equal Opportunities
We’re committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, whether that’s extra time, accessible formats, or anything else just let us know—we’re here to help and support.
Transformation Portfolio Manager in Reading employer: Thames Water
This role is based in a forward-thinking organisation committed to transformation. Employees enjoy a range of health and financial benefits, including health MOTs and life assurance. The team values diversity and inclusivity, ensuring support throughout the recruitment process.
