At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead digital transformation with hands-on delivery assurance and risk management.
- Company: Xcelo, a Defence Acceleration Firm focused on impactful outcomes.
- Benefits: Autonomy in decision-making, high-performance culture, and competitive salary.
- Other info: Join a growing team where your contributions are valued and impactful.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in critical programmes that enhance national security.
- Qualifications: Experience in delivery assurance and agile methodologies; strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 120000 € per year.
We are looking for a seasoned delivery leader to take direct ownership of assurance on a critical digital transformation programme. If you thrive in high-pressure, high-visibility environments and you lead from the front, not the sidelines, this is the role for you. You will need to hold, or obtain, UK Security Clearance for this role.
The opportunity
This is not a governance-from-a-distance posting. You will be embedded in a complex programme involving significant digital system integration, working alongside delivery teams to reduce risk, restore momentum, and drive milestones to completion. You will bring control, clarity, and pace where they are needed most. The programme is live, consequential, and closely watched. Your contribution will be felt immediately.
What you will do
- Own delivery assurance end-to-end, providing a single point of accountability for programme health.
- Identify and actively reduce delivery risk before it becomes programme failure.
- Restore momentum in workstreams where progress has stalled or confidence is low.
- Ensure key milestones are met on time and to the required standard — not just reported on.
- Act as a trusted, hands-on leader within a complex multi-stakeholder environment.
- Maintain clear, honest reporting lines to senior stakeholders and programme sponsors.
- Provide assurance across digital system integration workstreams and third-party delivery partners.
What we are looking for
- Commands credibility at pace, you are listened to because you have earned it.
- Comfortable with ambiguity and capable of creating structure where little exists.
- Direct, clear, and confident in communication at all levels, including C-suite.
- Energised by complexity, not deterred by it.
- Outcome-focused: you track what matters, not what is easy to measure.
- Background in agile at scale, SAFe, or hybrid delivery methods.
- Experience in delivery assurance, recovery, or programme rescue.
Who we are
Xcelo is a Defence Acceleration Firm. Not a consultancy. Not a systems integrator. We don't advise on what should happen and leave. We embed alongside our client's teams and make it happen at pace, collaborating with accountability, against measurable outcomes. We move fast - Complexity is not an excuse for inertia. We act with integrity - Trust is earned through delivery. We collaborate deeply - Diverse minds create resilient solutions. We simplify relentlessly - Clarity is the foundation of pace. We build what we believe in - Purpose and delivery go hand in hand.
What we offer:
- Mission that matters - The programmes we accelerate are the UK and Europe’s most consequential capability investments. When they deliver on time, nations are safer. When they don’t, there are real strategic consequences.
- Real autonomy - The authority to make decisions and act, without governance for its own sake.
- High-performance - An empowering and high-performance culture that operates at pace.
- Salary - Negotiable for the right candidate.
Don't quite fit?
If this particular role isn't quite right but Xcelo sounds like your kind of firm, we'd still like to hear from you. We're growing and the right people always find a home here.
Director - Digital Delivery in Reading employer: xcelo
Xcelo is an exceptional employer for those seeking to make a tangible impact in the defence sector. With a high-performance culture that values autonomy and accountability, employees are empowered to drive significant digital transformation programmes that enhance national security. The collaborative work environment fosters personal growth and development, ensuring that every team member's contribution is recognised and valued.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director - Digital Delivery in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those who work at Xcelo or similar firms. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could make all the difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding the complexities of digital transformation programmes. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled similar challenges in the past and how you can bring clarity and pace to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your hands-on leadership style. During interviews, share specific examples where you've led teams through high-pressure situations and restored momentum in projects. We want to see that you lead from the front!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Director - Digital Delivery in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic:When you're writing your application, let your true self shine through. We want to see your personality and how you approach challenges. Don’t just regurgitate your CV; tell us why you’re passionate about this role and what makes you a great fit for our team.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Director - Digital Delivery role. Highlight your experience in digital transformation and delivery assurance, and show us how you've tackled complex projects in the past. We love seeing relevant examples!
Keep It Clear and Concise:We appreciate clarity, so keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary and avoid jargon that might confuse us. Remember, we want to understand your achievements and skills quickly, so make it easy for us!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! This ensures it gets to the right people and helps us track your application efficiently. Plus, it’s the best way to stay updated on your progress with us.
How to prepare for a job interview at xcelo
✨Know Your Programme Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of the digital transformation programme. Understand its goals, challenges, and the key stakeholders involved. This will not only show your genuine interest but also allow you to speak confidently about how you can contribute to its success.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your leadership approach in high-pressure environments. Share specific examples where you've taken ownership and led teams through complex situations. Highlight how you restore momentum and drive milestones, as this aligns perfectly with what they’re looking for.
✨Showcase Your Risk Management Skills
Since the role involves reducing delivery risks, come armed with examples of how you've identified and mitigated risks in past projects. Discuss your proactive strategies and how they’ve led to successful outcomes, demonstrating your ability to prevent potential failures.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing complex topics. Given the need for direct communication with C-suite executives, ensure you can convey your ideas succinctly and confidently. This will help establish your credibility right from the start.
