Service Transformation - Portfolio Director

Service Transformation - Portfolio Director Location: Remote Contract: 6 months + Rate: £850 per day, in scope We are seeking an experienced Portfolio Director to lead the strategic oversight and delivery of our Service Transformation portfolio across the organisation. This senior role will ensure transformation activity is aligned to organisational priorities, delivers value for money, and achieves improved outcomes for citizens, businesses, and the environment.The Portfolio Director will have overall responsibility for leading and maturing both the Portfolio Management Office (PMO) and the Change Management Office (CMO), embedding best practice in portfolio governance, change management, benefits realisation, and stakeholder engagement. Portfolio Leadership Provide strategic direction, governance, and assurance across a portfolio of service transformation workstreams. Ensure alignment with organisational vision, priorities, and strategic objectives. PMO Leadership Work closely with the existing Portfolio Management Office to further mature portfolio management capability. Ensure robust portfolio planning, prioritisation, reporting, and assurance arrangements are in place. CMO Leadership Partner with the Organisational Change Lead to provide senior leadership for the Change Management Office. Set and embed standards for change management, benefits realisation, and stakeholder engagement to support effective adoption of new services. Performance & Assurance Monitor portfolio performance, manage risks and dependencies, and ensure benefits are realised through clear reporting and assurance processes. Resource & Budget Management Oversee portfolio resourcing and budgets, ensuring optimal allocation and value for money. Continuous Improvement Champion best practice in portfolio management, agile delivery, and service design to continually enhance organisational capability. Capability & Skills Development Support and upskill portfolio and change management teams in modern ways of working, agile delivery, and user‑centred design practices. Essential Proven experience in senior portfolio or programme leadership roles within complex organisations. Strong expertise in service transformation, portfolio governance, and organisational change. Experience establishing, leading, or significantly maturing PMO and CMO functions. Excellent stakeholder engagement, influencing, and communication skills. Experience working with government or large public‑sector frameworks and assurance processes (e.g. GDS standards, Cabinet Office assurance). Desirable Background in agile delivery, service design, or large‑scale transformation programmes. Experience leading multi‑disciplinary teams across organisational boundaries. Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at (url removed)