Technology Portfolio Manager

Card Factory; Wakefield; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK greeting card retailer is seeking a Technology Portfolio Manager to drive the development and execution of strategic technology plans. This role involves overseeing IT projects, ensuring compliance, and fostering innovation in a hybrid working environment. The ideal candidate will have a relevant degree, agile certifications, and extensive experience in managing large tech projects, alongside strong leadership and communication skills. Join us to help shape the future of technology in retail.

Benefits

25% employee discount

Save As You Earn scheme

Financial Wellbeing Support

Seasonal incentive schemes

Access to learning and development content

Discounted mobile phone contracts

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Experience leading IT strategy and managing large tech projects.
• Strong planning and leadership skills in agile environments.
• Comfortable with project tools and reporting to senior leaders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of strategic technology plans.
• Oversee a portfolio of IT projects and ensure timely delivery.
• Ensure all IT activities meet regulatory requirements and manage risks.

Skills

IT strategy leadership

Agile methodologies

Excellent communication

Governance and compliance knowledge

Project management tools expertise

Education

Degree in IT, Computer Science, or Business

Agile certifications

IT management certifications

Job description

Job Introduction

At cardfactory, we’re on a journey to transform how we use technology to support our customers, colleagues, and business growth. We’re investing in smarter systems, better ways of working, and future-ready solutions—and we need someone to help lead the way.

That’s where you come in. We’re looking for a Technology Portfolio Manager who’s passionate about planning, innovation, and making tech work better for everyone. If you’re ready to take the lead on strategic projects, drive meaningful change, and help shape the future of IT, we’d love to hear from you.

We offer a hybrid working model, with 2–3 days a week based at our Wakefield Head Office. It’s a flexible setup that supports collaboration while giving you space to focus.

Role Responsibility

What You’ll Be Getting Up To:

As Technology Portfolio Manager, you’ll lead the development and execution of strategic technology plans that align with cardfactory’s business objectives. You’ll oversee a portfolio of IT projects, ensuring they are well-structured, delivered on time and within budget, and meet defined outcomes.

You’ll work closely with cross-functional squads, enabling teams, and the Architecture function to ensure our technology decisions are forward-looking and support long-term business success. Your role will also involve supporting the CIO with research and high-impact initiatives, providing insight and leadership to shape key programmes.

Governance and compliance will be a core part of your responsibilities. You’ll ensure that all IT activities meet regulatory requirements, manage risk effectively, and are supported by clear, transparent reporting. You’ll also lead the planning and tracking of the IT operating budget, ensuring financial accountability and alignment with strategic goals.

In addition, you’ll help foster a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging innovation, smarter ways of working, and the effective use of technology across the organisation.

The Ideal Candidate

What we’re looking for:

• Degree in IT, Computer Science, Business, or similar
• Certifications in Agile (e.g. ScrumMaster, SAFe) and IT management (e.g. ITIL, COBIT)
• Experience leading IT strategy and managing large tech projects
• Strong planning and leadership skills, especially in agile environments
• Excellent communication with teams and stakeholders
• Knowledge of governance, compliance, and risk management
• Comfortable with project tools and reporting to senior leaders
  
  

At cardfactory, we’re all about making moments special—for our customers and our people. Join us and help shape the future of technology in retail.

About The Company

Card Factory is the UK’s leading specialist retailer of greeting cards, dressings, and gifts with over one thousand stores across the UK and Ireland. In 2020 we launched our exciting 5-year business strategy including our vision of becoming a true Omni-channel retailer. This strategy sees significant investment into our colleagues across the business creating multiple opportunities to join a fast-paced environment and be part of our exciting journey.

In return, we offer a wide range of benefits to support your physical, mental, and financial well-being.

Benefits

• 25% Card Factory colleague discount in-store and online
• Save As You Earn scheme
• Financial Wellbeing Support
• Financial Education Tools
• Salary Advance
• Seasonal incentive schemes
• Opportunity to apply for Retail Apprenticeships
• Access to blended learning and development content
• Discounted mobile phone contracts
• Discounts across 100’s of UK retailers
• Employee Assistance Programme – access to tools to support mental, physical, and financial wellbeing
  
  

This is an exciting role with genuine prospects for the right candidate. If this role describes you and your career aspirations, click apply now.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy once sufficient suitable applications have been received. We advise applying early to avoid disappointment as applications will be reviewed regularly.

No agencies, please.

Sportswift Ltd T/A cardfactory