Head of IT Portfolio Delivery

A leading Non Profit are seeking a Head of Portfolio Delivery to manage a team of project managers and business analysts and improve their strategy when it comes to project delivery.

As the Head of DDaT Portfolio Delivery, you will bring substantial experience to the role, demonstrating a deep understanding of the technical project lifecycle, its phases, and key delivery methodologies. Proficiency in Agile, Scrum, DevOps, and Waterfall frameworks is essential, enabling effective governance, execution, and optimisation of complex project portfolios.

To be considered for this role, you must demonstrate a proven track record of strategic leadership, having operated as a Project or Programme Lead within a Digital, Data, and Technology division. This includes actively contributing to strategic decision-making, chairing both strategic and operational meetings in the Director's absence, and preparing and presenting policy and strategic documents to Executive and Strategic Leadership Teams.

Responsibilities:

• Technical Acumen: Deep understanding of software development, IT infrastructure, DevOps, Agile, and Scrum practices, with experience in technical data projects such as AI, ML, and RPA, as well as digital projects focusing on UX, design, end-user testing, and requirements gathering through user stories.
• Critical Thinking: Ability to analyse complex problems, devise solutions, and make informed decisions under pressure.
• Risk Management: Identify risks, implement mitigation strategies, and ensure projects stay on track.
• Quality Assurance: Ensure deliverables meet required standards through effective QA and testing protocols. Adept at foreseeing obstacles and establishing quality assurance processes to maintain project integrity with continuous monitoring and evaluation to ensure that the project meets the predefined standards and is resilient to unforeseen challenges.
• Project Lifecycle Mastery: Comprehensive understanding of project lifecycles, proficient in tailoring Agile, Scrum, and Waterfall methodologies to ensure timely, budget-compliant delivery.
• Technical Expertise: Capable of troubleshooting technical issues, understanding development intricacies, and earning the respect of technical teams.
• Proficient Knowledge: Expertise in system architecture, DevOps (practices and tools), risk management, ITIL, technical documentation, and programming languages.

Experience

• Around 10 years of experience in leading technical portfolio delivery, with a strong track record of delivering complex digital and technology-enabled programs.
• At least 3 years as a Division Deputy Director, demonstrating strategic leadership in a Digital, Data, and Technology (DDaT) function.
• Deep understanding of healthcare technology ecosystems, including NHS Digital, electronic health records (EHR), interoperability standards (FHIR, HL7), and regulatory frameworks (GDPR, NHS DSPT, Cyber Essentials Plus, SoC).
• Expertise in software development methodologies, including Agile, Scrum, DevOps, Lean, SAFe, and Waterfall, enabling efficient project delivery across teams.
• Proven ability to drive digital and data strategy, including the development and presentation of policy and strategic documents to Executive and Strategic Leadership Teams.
• Experience in developing and deploying client-facing digital solutions, such as portals, remote monitoring systems, and digital health applications, ensuring accessibility, usability, compliance with healthcare standards, and seamless technical deployments (migrations, cutovers, go-live transitions).