Senior Delivery Assurance Business Partner (Programmes and Portfolios)

Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated Programme and Portfolio Assurance Manager to ensure the continued success of our programmes and portfolios. This critical role will report into the Delivery Assurance Lead, and will require close collaboration with senior Practice stakeholders, including Portfolio Directors and Sector Heads, to ensure programmes and portfolios are delivered efficiently, effectively, and in alignment with business and customer objectives. You will be responsible for assuring compliance with governance frameworks, tracking financial health, providing independent oversight of risks, and ensuring the consistency and effectiveness of programme delivery across waterfall, hybrid, and agile methodologies. The ideal candidate should have hands-on experience in the delivery of programmes, with a solid background in delivering successful agile engagements. A proven track record of successful collaboration with Enterprise PMO functions will be highly beneficial, as will experience working in an IT consulting company, either internally or customer-facing. This is an individual contributor role focused on providing strategic oversight and assurance, with no direct team management responsibilities. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of governance and assurance principles, coupled with a proven ability to track and report on both the financial and operational performance of programmes and portfolios. Duties & Responsibilities Drive assurance processes across multiple programmes and portfolios, ensuring alignment with business objectives and consistent delivery standards. Attend Account/Programme/ Portfolio Governance forums as needed, based on programme/ portfolio risk, to ensure proper oversight and timely interventions. Collaborate with senior stakeholders, including Portfolio Directors and Sector Heads to monitor programme and portfolio performance, ensuring adherence to agreed-upon processes and procedures. Ensure the timely escalation of concerns regarding programme/portfolio performance, non-adherence to processes, or risk to the relevant Sector Head/Managing Director. Track and report on the financial health of programmes and portfolios, ensuring financial performance aligns with budgetary expectations. Conduct offline analysis of programmes/portfolios to proactively identify potential risks and areas for improvement. Produce regular reports on risk management, resource utilisation, and financial health, providing actionable insights to senior stakeholders. Identify and drive strategic initiatives that promote continuous improvement across the organisation, from governance practices to operational delivery. Person Specification Experience working in an IT consulting company, internally or customer-facing, would be highly beneficial. Hands-on experience in the actual delivery of programmes, including managing both waterfall and agile methodologies. Proven experience in programme and portfolio assurance, with a focus on governance, risk management, and financial oversight. Strong understanding of governance frameworks and experience implementing or improving assurance processes in a programme/portfolio context. Demonstrated success in collaborating with Enterprise PMO functions to ensure alignment of programme governance and delivery. Demonstrated success in working with senior stakeholders (e.g. Portfolio Directors, Practice Heads) to provide oversight and reporting on programme and portfolio health. Proficiency in tools such as Kantata, SharePoint Microsoft Project, Jira, Azure DevOps, and Power BI. A formal qualification in programme and portfolio management (e.g., PgMP, PfMP, or equivalent) is desirable. PRINCE2, PMP, or equivalent project management certifications are beneficial. Qualifications Strong analytical skills with the ability to derive insights from complex data sets and present them in a clear, actionable format. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and guide senior stakeholders in decision-making. Proactive problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify risks early and suggest effective mitigation strategies. Highly organized, with a keen eye for detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities.