Head of Strategic Portfolio Management

Metro Bank (UK); London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial institution in London is seeking an experienced strategic leader to oversee transformation initiatives and manage technology portfolios. In this role, you will partner with stakeholders to align technology with business goals, lead cross-functional teams, and ensure financial performance. Candidates should possess strong strategic planning skills and experience in change management. This position offers a competitive salary and hybrid working options.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Discretionary annual bonus

Generous holiday allowance

Attractive pension scheme

Healthcare and life assurance

Colleague discounts

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in strategic planning and operational management.
• Experienced in leading direct and cross-functional teams.
• Confident in stakeholder messaging and influencing.

Responsibilities

• Partner with stakeholders to drive strategic transformation.
• Develop technology portfolio management capabilities.
• Oversee third-party transformation outcomes.

Skills

Strategic planning

Portfolio management

Change management

Financial management

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

We have been named a Top 10 “Most Loved Workplace” for the second year running! At Metro Bank, people come first – our culture is all about bringing the best out in our colleagues, and making sure everyone feels valued, respected, seen and included. We strongly believe in a diverse and inclusive workplace and to find the very best person for the job, we always look across a wide range of diverse communities. We are also all about balance so most of our jobs offer the opportunity for hybrid working built around your role and home life, wherever possible.

What You Will Do

• Strategic Focus & Alignment: Partner with stakeholders across the Chief Operating Office (COO) functions and wider business to build, maintain and drive the strategic transformation roadmap, ensuring that technology priorities are aligned with bank-wide imperatives, ambition and strategy.
• Portfolio Management: Develop technology/COO portfolio management capabilities for greater visibility, reporting & performance management, in line with agreed department objectives and quantifiable goals. Optimise existing team and processes, implement tools & relevant operating frameworks; provide data-driven MI dashboards and scorecards for executive level decision making and transparency.
• Operating Model & Engagement: Support the development of relevant engagement model and establish ways of working, internally and with partners. Work with stakeholders and peers to establish an efficient governance model for technology portfolio prioritization and monitoring of strategic initiatives.
• Partner/Vendor Execution Oversight: Drive and oversee third party-led ‘transformation’ outcomes in line with Metro Bank’s strategic roadmap and existing technology change delivery practices.
• Financial Performance: Own and drive the improvement of departmental financial planning, reporting and cost management disciplines.
• People Leadership: Full line management responsibility including recruitment, performance management, and talent planning – coaching and developing others to achieve their full potential.
  
  

And... we are a bank so risk is a part of everything we do. We love people who take responsibility, do the right thing for customers, colleagues and Metro Bank and have the ability to call out any concerns.

What You Will Need

• Demonstrable experience of strategic planning, portfolio management, change and operational management in a business and/or technology environment
• Experienced in leading direct and cross functional teams, including external partners and vendors – to achieve a range of business and customer outcomes
• Applies thought leadership, innovation and constructive challenge to deliver short and long term goals
• Confident operating at all levels, senior stakeholder messaging, influencing, and ability to build strong partnerships across the value chain
• Financial management skills and commercial acumen
• Knowledge and awareness of banking products and services, risk and regulatory frameworks and technologies
• Understand the risks associated with your job and what that means for you, Metro Bank and all our stakeholders
  
  

Our promise to you…

• We will make sure that you are well-rewarded by providing you with a competitive salary, discretionary annual bonus, and a wide range of benefits, including generous holiday allowance, attractive pension scheme, healthcare, life assurance, and a number of colleague discounts!
• We will give you the training to ensure you succeed in your role and plenty of internal opportunities to progress your career (around 40% of our recruitment comes from internal promotions!).
  
  

Diverse teams really are the best teams. We know that candidates (especially women, research tells us) may be put off applying for a job unless they can tick every box. We also know that ‘normal’ office hours aren’t always doable, and while we can’t accommodate every flexible working request we are happy to be asked. So if you are excited about working with us and think you can do much of what we are looking for but aren’t sure if you are 100% there yet… why not give it a whirl? Please note that sometimes we may close a job earlier for applications if we are inundated with amazing candidates.. Good luck!