At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformation initiatives and shape our strategic operations portfolio.
- Company: Join Thames Water, the UK's largest water and wastewater company.
- Benefits: Salary up to £78,000, generous leave, and a robust pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities while driving innovative change.
- Qualifications: Experience in portfolio management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 78000 - 78000 £ per year.
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 will 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 will 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 will 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:
- 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.
Desirable:
- Project or programme management qualifications (e.g., PRINCE2, MSP, PMP).
- Experience in large operational or regulated environments.
Whats in it for you?
- Salary up to 78,000 per annum.
- Annual Leave - 24 days holiday per year, increasing to 28 with the 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 lots of benefits to help you take care of you and your family's health and wellbeing, and your finances.
We are the UK's largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive.
Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you'll enjoy meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.
If you're looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people's lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we'll be here to support you every step of the way.
We are 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 - Reading, Berkshire employer: Thames Water
Thames Water is an exceptional employer, offering a unique and rewarding work environment where you can make a tangible difference in the lives of millions. With a strong focus on employee growth, flexible working arrangements, and a comprehensive benefits package, including generous annual leave and a robust pension scheme, we foster a culture of inclusivity and support. Join us in Reading to be part of a dedicated team committed to building a sustainable future for our communities and the planet.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Transformation Portfolio Manager - Reading, Berkshire
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
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✨Engage in Professional Networks
Join professional management associations relevant to your career goals. These networks often host workshops, panels, and networking events that can put you in front of hiring managers. Plus, they can give you the scoop on upcoming roles, such as the full-time positions with companies like Thames Water.
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We think you need these skills to ace Transformation Portfolio Manager - Reading, Berkshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Leadership Skills:In the corporate leadership and management field, it's essential to highlight your leadership experience. Use your CV to flesh out examples of how you've led teams to success or managed significant projects. We want to see specific instances where your actions made a tangible difference in your previous roles!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers talk, especially in management! When detailing your achievements in your CV or cover letter, don’t just say you improved team performance. Instead, say you boosted productivity by 30% over six months through effective strategy implementation. This makes your application pop and shows us what you can bring to Thames Water.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to narrate your professional journey. We’re looking for motivation and a clear understanding of what corporate leadership means to you. Dive into your aspirations and how they align with the values and vision of Thames Water. Make it personal – we want to get to know you!
Tailor Your CV for Management Roles:Ensure your CV reflects the management skills that are essential for this role. Focus on competencies like strategic planning, team building, and problem-solving. Use a clean layout, and don’t forget to align your experiences with those keywords mentioned in the job listing. This will help you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thames Water
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
You’ll want to thoroughly convey your unique approach to leadership. During the interview with Thames Water, be ready to share real-life examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams in the past. Think about specific achievements that illustrate your strategic thinking and your ability to drive results.
✨Brush Up on Management Theories
Expect some technical questions related to management theories and practices. Brush up on concepts like transformational leadership, servant leadership, or situational leadership. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply these theories to the role at Thames Water, especially in the specific context of the challenges they’re currently facing.
✨Craft Your Vision for the Company
Since this is a full-time leadership role, spending time thinking about your vision for Thames Water could really set you apart. Consider potential strategies for growth and how you would lead teams towards achieving them. This shows not just enthusiasm, but also strategic foresight that they’ll likely be looking for in a candidate.
✨Emphasise Team Dynamics and Culture
In corporate leadership, team dynamics and organisational culture are everything. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered a positive work environment in previous roles. Bring up examples of how you've managed diverse teams effectively—this will resonate well at Thames Water as they’re likely seeking a candidate who can enhance their workplace culture.
