Head of IT Transformation

Portsmouth Water; Langstone; On-site; GBP 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

27 days leave

Pension up to 15%

Bonus up to 15%

Car allowance

Parental leave

Wellbeing support

Private medical insurance

Job summary

Portsmouth Water is seeking a Head of IT Transformation to lead the IT transformation portfolio, turning strategy into a prioritised programme of investment and change. You will shape the transformation roadmap, lead the Transformation Office, and ensure major technology investments deliver measurable business value.

You will work closely with the CIO and IT Leadership Team to drive portfolio governance, risk management and benefits realisation across complex IT environments.

Qualifications

• Proven PMO leadership with portfolio delivery experience.
• Experience managing complex IT portfolios and major programmes.
• Commercially and financially astute with budgets, forecasts and investments.
• Evidence-based decision support using portfolio performance data.
• Strong communicator translating complex info for Exec/Board.
• Influencing, negotiation and stakeholder management at senior levels.
• Proven ability to build and lead multi-disciplinary PMO teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver IT strategy, roadmap and portfolio aligned to priorities.
• Oversee portfolio demand, prioritisation and investment decisions.
• Define operating model for Transformation Office and establish governance controls.
• Provide reporting and assurance to Executive Team and Board.
• Oversee IT capital portfolio planning, funding and benefits realisation.
• Collaborate with Procurement, Finance and Legal on delivery risks.
• Provide strategic oversight of core platforms like IFS Cloud and GIS.

Skills

PMO leadership

Portfolio governance

Financial management

Stakeholder management

People leadership

Agile/product-led delivery

Risk & governance

Education

PM/Portfolio management qualification

Tools

IFS Cloud

GIS

Job description

We’re making a difference: Together, we can ensure that there is enough water for everyone, now and in the future.

Portsmouth Water are delighted to be looking for a Head of IT Transformation to join the excellent IT team. This is a senior leadership role at the heart of Portsmouth Water's technology transformation. As Head of IT Transformation, you will lead our IT transformation portfolio, turning technology strategy into a clear, prioritised and deliverable programme of investment and change. Working closely with the CIO and IT Leadership Team, you will shape the transformation roadmap, lead the Transformation Office and ensure our major technology investments deliver measurable business value.

What will you be doing?

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver the IT strategy, roadmap and portfolio, ensuring investment aligns with business priorities, regulatory commitments and long-term technology needs.
• Supervise portfolio demand, prioritisation and investment judgments, balancing dependencies, risks, resources and business outcomes.
• Manage the IT Transformation Office, defining its operating model, standards and performance expectations while building organisational capability in portfolio, programme, project and change delivery.
• Establish and maintain governance, assurance, delivery frameworks, methods and controls, ensuring consistent and effective execution across the IT portfolio.
• Provide portfolio oversight, reporting and independent assurance to the Executive Team and Board, highlighting performance, benefits, risks, issues and recommendations.
• Own the IT portfolio risk framework, overseeing programme, project, supplier and cross-portfolio risks, with clear accountability, mitigation and escalation processes.
• Manage commercial and supplier management across the IT portfolio, ensuring value for money, contract compliance, service performance and alignment to strategic goals.
• Oversee IT capital portfolio financial planning, funding, forecasting, governance and benefits realisation, ensuring investment remains affordable, controlled and delivers expected outcomes.
• Work closely with Procurement, Finance, Legal and business stakeholders to manage commercial, financial and delivery risks while supporting effective decision-making.
• Provide strategic oversight of core technology platforms, including IFS Cloud and GIS, supporting continuous improvement, automation, standardisation and measurable business benefits.

What do you need?

Skills, Qualifications & Competencies

• Strong project, programme and portfolio delivery expertise, gained through PMO leadership and hands-on project management experience, with the ability to establish and mature portfolio offices, governance, controls, assurance and delivery standards.
• Experience managing complex IT portfolios and major programmes from mobilisation through implementation and benefits realisation.
• Commercially and financially astute, with experience managing framework agreements, statements of work, supplier performance, commercial risk, budgets, forecasts, investment plans and financial controls.
• Evidence-based and logical, able to use portfolio performance information, reporting and collaboration tools to support decision-making, improve visibility and identify risks and opportunities.
• A strong communicator, able to translate complex delivery, financial and technical information into clear recommendations for Executive and Board-level stakeholders.
• Strong influencing, negotiation and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to navigate competing priorities, resolve conflict and maintain effective senior relationships.
• Proven people leader, experienced in developing multidisciplinary PMO, project, programme and change teams, setting clear expectations and driving accountability.
• Sound judgement and problem-solving capability, balancing pace, risk, governance and delivery across complex IT environments.
• Minimum 3 years' experience managing an IT PMO, Portfolio Office, Transformation Office or similar IT delivery function.
• Working knowledge of agile, product-led and traditional delivery methodologies, supported by a recognised project, programme or portfolio management qualification.
• Experience using portfolio maturity models (such as P3M3) to assess capability and drive continuous improvement is desirable.
• Experience within a regulated or similarly controlled environment is desirable.

Part-time applications are welcome, with a minimum requirement of three days per week.

If you are successful for the role, you will be required to undergo Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) pre-employment checks that will include a basic disclosure check. Depending on the role, you may also be required to go through the national security vetting process for either a CTC or SC clearance check. Any offer of employment is conditional upon completion and receipt of satisfactory checks.

We recognise people want to work in a variety of different ways, and that’s why we’re happy to consider flexible working arrangements. Please feel free to talk to us at interview about the flexibility you may be looking for.

Please note, we may close this advert early if we receive a high volume of applications - so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out.

We’re committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and we actively encourage applications from all sections of society. Please be aware, the Company has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Due to the high volume of applications we may receive, we’re unable to respond to every applicant individually. If your application is of interest, we’ll usually be in touch within 4 weeks of receiving it.

What can Portsmouth Water offer you?

At Portsmouth Water, we believe in rewarding our people. Here’s just a taste of what’s waiting for you when you join the team:

Holidays Made Better Enjoy27 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays, giving you plenty of time to relax, recharge, and explore.

A Pension That Works for You We’ll help secure your future with a generous pension scheme, contributing up to 15% - because your tomorrow matters as much as your today.

Performance Pays Off You could earn a non-contractual bonus of up to 15% of your basic salary, linked to company performance - because when we succeed together, you should benefit too.

Car Allowance

As part of our competitive benefits package, you'll receive a yearly car allowance, helping you stay on the move with ease.

Family Comes First

Whether you're welcoming a new arrival through birth or adoption, we’ve got your back with enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave and pay.

Social Events

All expenses covered summer and winter social events

Peace of Mind, Always

Our life assurance scheme gives your loved ones extra security, with a 4x salary lump sum benefit in case the unexpected happens.

Comprehensive Wellbeing Support

Whether you need confidential mental health and wellbeing advice 24/7 through our Employee Assistance Programme, or physical health support via our Virtual GP service (available 8am-10pm, 7 days a week for you and your immediate family), help is always close at hand with the HealthHero app.

Additional Support When You Need It

We know life has its ups and downs. That’s why we offer Private Medical Insurance - provided by Bupa giving you access to expert healthcare and 24/7 confidential support.

PW Perks - Treat Yourself!

Enjoy exclusive discounts at thousands of retailers, plus exciting benefits like:

• Electric Vehicle Scheme (after 1 year)

• Cycle to Work Scheme

• Health Cash Plan...and so much more!