Head of Transformational Governance

SmartestEnergy; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

SmartestEnergy is seeking a VP-level leader to shape and run the enterprise-wide governance framework across the SmartestEnergy family. You will establish standards, stage gates and oversight of risk, dependencies, controls, investment and benefits from ideation through to realisation.

You will partner with Strategy & Transformational Planning and senior leadership to enable data-driven investment decisions, while fostering a culture of disciplined governance that balances control with agility

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in transformation, PMO leadership or governance of large portfolios.
• Expertise in portfolio, programme and project governance, stage gates and benefits realisation.
• Experience with ROI/NPV, cost and schedule control, and benefits tracking.
• Ability to influence C-suite and cross-functional leaders across Finance, Tech, Risk, Legal and Operations.
• Strong capability with governance data and using insights to improve portfolio visibility.

Responsibilities

• Shape and lead the enterprise-wide governance framework across the SmartestEnergy family.
• Provide governance, insight and assurance for data-driven investment and delivery decisions.
• Balance robust control with agility and strengthen transformation maturity.
• Improve portfolio visibility and ensure predictable delivery of strategic initiatives.

Skills

Transformation leadership

Portfolio governance

Executive communication

Strategic planning

Stakeholder management

Risk management

Change management

Regulatory/compliance

Tools

Power BI

PPM platforms

Job description

Reporting to the VP – you will shape and lead the enterprise-wide governance framework across the SmartestEnergy family of companies. This is a pivotal role in ensuring strategic transformation initiatives are governed consistently, with clear standards, decision rights and stage gates, while providing transparent oversight of risk, dependencies, controls, investment and benefits from ideation through to realisation.

Working closely with Strategy & Transformational Planning and senior leadership teams, you will provide the governance, insight and assurance needed to support confident, data-driven investment and delivery decisions. You will build a culture of disciplined, proportionate governance—balancing robust control with agility—while continuously strengthening transformation maturity, improving portfolio visibility and ensuring the organisation can deliver its strategic ambitions with greater predictability and transparency.

What skills/experience do I need to be successful?

• Substantial experience in transformation, continuous improvement, portfolio/PMO leadership or strategic delivery governance, including senior leadership of complex, enterprise or multi-region portfolios;
• Strong expertise in portfolio, programme and project governance, stage gates, assurance, risk, controls and benefits realisation;
• Experience in business cases, ROI/NPV, cost and schedule control, benefits tracking and value realisation;
• Proven ability to influence and constructively challenge C-suite, ExCo and cross-functional leaders across Finance, Technology, Risk, Legal and Operations;
• Strong capability in PPM platforms, governance data, Power BI or equivalent, and using insights to improve portfolio visibility, predictability and decision-making;
• Experience in complex, matrixed or regulated organisations; energy or related sectors preferred, with strong awareness of compliance, audit and evidence requirements.

What sets us apart?

• Global Impact: With offices in the UK, US, and Australia, and plans for further expansion, you'll be part of a dynamic, globally-minded team, with opportunities to explore new markets and make a difference on a global scale.
• Flexible Working: Embrace the freedom to work from anywhere in the world for up to 30 days a year. We prioritize work-life balance, recognizing that your well-being matters.
• Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: We celebrate our diverse culture and value individuals irrespective of background, disability, religion, gender identity, sexuality, or ethnicity. Join a team where diversity is not just welcomed but celebrated as a key driver of growth and innovation.

What does hybrid working mean to us?

Hybrid working typically means 2 days in the office location listed on this advert and 3 days working at home each week. Some occasional travel to our other offices may be required.

What happens next?

Once we receive your application, it will be reviewed by a human – no bots here! The average process typically takes around 2-3 weeks, with 2 stages of video interviews using Teams. However, this can vary depending on the role. We may invite you for a face-to-face meeting or require only 1 video interview. If you have any questions or need support, our Recruitment Team is here to assist you.

We're committed to making the application process easy and comfortable. Let us know how we can help you with any reasonable adjustments that can be tailored to your needs.

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