Portfolio Director (UK Public Sector) - Digital & Cloud
📍 Job Overview
- Job Title: Portfolio Director (UK Public Sector) - Digital & Cloud
- Company: Version 1
- Location: London, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle upon Tyne, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Job Type: Full-time
- Category: Executive/Management
- Date Posted: 2025-08-01
- Experience Level: 10+ years
- Remote Status: Hybrid (3 office days per week)
🚀 Role Summary
- Lead the successful delivery of Public Sector engagements, driving growth and customer satisfaction.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify, create, and influence new opportunities.
- Champion Version 1's Core Values and support operations, including reporting, controls, and forecasting inputs.
- Develop close ties with clients and teams, with expected travel up to 60% of the time.
📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong leadership skills, and a proven track record in managing large portfolios within the Public Sector. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working in a dynamic environment and driving growth through effective stakeholder management and strategic decision-making.
💻 Primary Responsibilities
- Client Engagement: Accountable for successful client outcomes and customer satisfaction, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and meet customer expectations.
- Delivery Management: Oversee project delivery timelines, scope, budget, and customer expectations, delegating responsibility to Delivery Principals or Managers as appropriate.
- People Management: Lead and mentor a team of managers, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment that supports staff retention and engagement.
- Business Development: Leverage existing networks within the Public Sector to grow and nurture the business, driving pre-sales activities and challenging for new opportunities.
- Sales Support: Work closely with the sales team to develop new and existing opportunities, participating in sales meetings with customers and prospective clients.
- Operational Support: Promote and deliver on both the Public Sector and Version 1 corporate agenda, supporting operations and overall governance.
📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities of this role require a well-rounded professional with a strong background in portfolio management, client engagement, and business development. The ideal candidate will possess excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
🎓 Skills & Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Business, Management, or a related discipline) or equivalent experience.
Experience: Proven experience managing significant (8+ figure) portfolios of work, ideally in consultancy or systems integration for Public Sector customers. Demonstrated success in delivering technology change projects and programs to an excellent standard.
Required Skills:
- Significant commercial experience, with a strong track record of driving successful outcomes against revenue and gross profit targets.
- Proven ability to lead and inspire teams, with experience coaching, mentoring, and driving staff retention and engagement.
- Strong collaborative skills, with the ability to break down silos and make connections across the organization.
- Driven and results-oriented, with a focus on delivering growth and driving success in the portfolio.
- SC eligibility essential and willingness to undergo clearance up to DV.
- Ideally based in London, Birmingham, or Newcastle (close to clients and delivery centers).
Preferred Skills:
- Experience working with leading technology partners, such as Microsoft, AWS, Oracle, or Red Hat.
- Familiarity with the UK Public Sector landscape and trends.
- Strong networking and relationship-building skills within the Public Sector.
- Experience working in a hybrid or remote work environment.
📝 Enhancement Note: The required and preferred skills for this role emphasize a strong background in portfolio management, commercial acumen, and leadership. Candidates should possess a proven track record in driving growth and customer satisfaction within the Public Sector.
📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements (N/A - Not Applicable for this role)
💵 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: £80,000 - £110,000 per annum (Based on market research for similar roles in the UK Public Sector and Version 1's compensation structure)
Benefits:
- Quarterly Performance-Related Profit Share Scheme
- Strong Career Progression & Mentorship Coaching through Strength in Balance & Leadership schemes, with a dedicated quarterly Pathways Career Development program.
- Flexible/Remote Working, with a focus on achieving a healthy work-life balance.
- Financial Wellbeing initiatives, including Pension, Private Healthcare Cover, Life Assurance, Financial Advice, and an Employee Discount scheme.
- Employee Wellbeing schemes, including Gym Discounts, Bike to Work, Fitness Classes, Mindfulness Workshops, Employee Assistance Programme, and more.
- Generous holiday allowance, enhanced maternity/paternity leave, marriage/civil partnership leave, and special leave policies.
- Educational Assistance, incentivised certifications, and accreditations, including AWS, Microsoft, Oracle, and Red Hat.
- Reward schemes, including Version 1's Annual Excellence Awards & 'Call-Out' platform.
- Environment, Social, and Community First initiatives, allowing employees to get involved in local fundraising and development opportunities as part of fostering diversity, inclusion, and belonging schemes.
📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range and benefits package for this role have been estimated based on market research for similar roles in the UK Public Sector and Version 1's compensation structure. The benefits package is comprehensive and designed to support employees' wellbeing, professional growth, and financial stability.
🎯 Team & Company Context
🏢 Company Culture
Industry: Version 1 is a leading technology services provider, specializing in digital transformation, cloud, and managed services. They operate within various industries, including the Public Sector, Financial Services, and Retail.
Company Size: Medium to Large (3300+ employees)
Founded: 1996
Team Structure:
- The Portfolio Director will report directly to the Head of Public Sector.
- They will lead a team of managers, with many strong individual contributors who will look to them for guidance and leadership.
- The role will require close collaboration with the Sales team, Capability Leads across Digital, Data, and Cloud, and other relevant stakeholders.
Development Methodology:
- Version 1 follows Agile methodologies for project delivery, with a focus on iterative development, customer collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- The company encourages a culture of innovation, learning, and growth, with a strong emphasis on employee development and career progression.
Company Website: Version 1
📝 Enhancement Note: Version 1's company culture emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and employee development. The company operates within a dynamic and growing industry, providing ample opportunities for career growth and progression.
📈 Career & Growth Analysis
Web Technology Career Level: This role is a senior leadership position, focusing on strategic decision-making, portfolio management, and business development within the Public Sector. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in portfolio management, commercial acumen, and leadership.
Reporting Structure: The Portfolio Director will report directly to the Head of Public Sector and will have responsibility for a defined number of customer engagements. They will lead a team of managers and will be accountable for successful account outcomes and customer satisfaction.
Technical Impact: The Portfolio Director will have a significant impact on Version 1's Public Sector business, driving growth, customer satisfaction, and strategic decision-making. They will be responsible for identifying, creating, and influencing new opportunities within their customer accounts and will work closely with the Sales team to drive demand and secure new business.
Growth Opportunities:
- Portfolio Expansion: As the company continues to grow and expand its Public Sector business, there will be opportunities for the Portfolio Director to take on additional responsibilities and lead larger teams.
- Strategic Leadership: The role offers the opportunity to develop strategic leadership skills, working closely with senior stakeholders and driving the company's growth agenda within the Public Sector.
- Career Progression: Version 1 provides a strong focus on employee development and career progression, with various training and mentorship programs available to support the growth and advancement of its employees.
📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique opportunity for a senior leader to drive growth and strategic decision-making within Version 1's Public Sector business. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in portfolio management, commercial acumen, and leadership, with a proven track record of driving success within the Public Sector.
🌐 Work Environment
Office Type: Version 1 operates a hybrid work environment, with employees expected to work on-site for up to 60% of their time. The company has offices in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle upon Tyne, and Edinburgh, with the ideal candidate being based in or near one of these locations.
Office Location(s): London, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle upon Tyne, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Workspace Context:
- Collaborative Workspace: Version 1's offices are designed to foster collaboration and innovation, with open-plan workspaces, meeting rooms, and breakout areas.
- Technology & Tools: Employees have access to the latest technology and tools, including laptops, mobile devices, and software solutions tailored to their role and responsibilities.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role will require close collaboration with various teams, including Sales, Delivery, and Capability Leads, as well as other relevant stakeholders.
Work Schedule: Version 1 operates a standard working week of 37.5 hours, with flexible working arrangements available to support employees' work-life balance. The role may require occasional travel to client sites or other Version 1 offices, with up to 60% of the time spent working on-site.
📝 Enhancement Note: Version 1's hybrid work environment offers a balance between on-site collaboration and remote flexibility, allowing employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance while still fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.
📄 Application & Technical Interview Process
Interview Process:
- Initial Screening: A brief phone or video call to assess the candidate's suitability for the role and discuss their experience and career aspirations.
- First-Round Interview: A more in-depth discussion of the candidate's experience, skills, and cultural fit, focusing on their portfolio management, commercial acumen, and leadership abilities.
- Final-Round Interview: A meeting with senior stakeholders, including the Head of Public Sector, to discuss the candidate's strategic vision for the role and their fit within the team.
- Reference Checks: Version 1 will conduct reference checks to verify the candidate's employment history and professional qualifications.
Portfolio Review Tips:
- Portfolio Structure: Organize the portfolio to highlight the candidate's experience in portfolio management, business development, and strategic decision-making within the Public Sector.
- Case Studies: Include detailed case studies demonstrating the candidate's ability to deliver successful outcomes, drive growth, and manage complex portfolios.
- Testimonials: Include testimonials from colleagues, clients, or other stakeholders who can speak to the candidate's leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
Technical Challenge Preparation:
- Portfolio Preparation: Ensure the portfolio is up-to-date, well-organized, and tailored to the role's requirements, with a focus on portfolio management, commercial acumen, and leadership.
- Interview Preparation: Research Version 1's company culture, values, and recent projects to demonstrate a strong understanding of the business and its strategic direction.
- Question Preparation: Prepare thoughtful and insightful questions to ask during the interview, focusing on the company's growth plans, team dynamics, and career progression opportunities.
ATS Keywords: (Not applicable for this role, as it is a senior leadership position focused on portfolio management, business development, and strategic decision-making within the Public Sector.)
📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate's strategic vision, leadership abilities, and cultural fit within Version 1's Public Sector business. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in portfolio management, commercial acumen, and leadership, with a proven track record of driving success within the Public Sector.
🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure (N/A - Not Applicable for this role)
👥 Team Culture & Values
Web Development Values:
- Customer Focus: Version 1 prioritizes customer satisfaction and delivers solutions that drive customer success.
- Collaboration: The company fosters a culture of collaboration, with a strong emphasis on teamwork, knowledge sharing, and cross-functional collaboration.
- Innovation: Version 1 encourages continuous learning, innovation, and the adoption of emerging technologies to drive business value.
- Integrity: The company operates with the highest ethical standards, promoting transparency, honesty, and accountability in all aspects of its business.
Collaboration Style:
- Cross-Functional Integration: Version 1 encourages close collaboration between teams, with a strong focus on knowledge sharing, mentoring, and continuous learning.
- Code Review Culture: While not directly applicable to this role, Version 1 fosters a culture of code review and peer programming to ensure high-quality deliverables and knowledge sharing.
- Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: The company provides various mentorship and knowledge-sharing opportunities, including formal mentorship programs, training workshops, and peer-to-peer learning initiatives.
📝 Enhancement Note: Version 1's team culture emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and customer focus, with a strong emphasis on knowledge sharing, mentoring, and continuous learning. The company fosters a supportive and inclusive work environment that promotes employee growth and development.
⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Technical Challenges:
- Portfolio Management: The role requires a strong understanding of portfolio management principles, with the ability to balance multiple projects, prioritize resources, and drive successful outcomes.
- Strategic Decision-Making: The Portfolio Director will be responsible for making strategic decisions that drive growth, customer satisfaction, and business success within their customer accounts.
- Stakeholder Management: The role requires excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients, team members, and senior stakeholders.
- Change Management: The Portfolio Director will be responsible for managing change within their customer accounts, driving adoption and acceptance of new technologies, processes, and ways of working.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
- Portfolio Management Training: Version 1 offers training and development opportunities focused on portfolio management, business development, and strategic decision-making within the Public Sector.
- Leadership Development: The company provides various leadership development programs, including formal mentorship schemes, training workshops, and peer-to-peer learning initiatives.
- Emerging Technology Adoption: Version 1 encourages employees to stay up-to-date with emerging technologies, providing opportunities for training, certification, and professional development.
📝 Enhancement Note: The technical challenges and learning opportunities for this role focus on portfolio management, strategic decision-making, stakeholder management, and change management within the Public Sector. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in these areas, with a proven track record of driving success within complex and dynamic environments.
💡 Interview Preparation
Technical Questions:
- Portfolio Management: Prepare detailed responses to questions about portfolio management principles, resource allocation, and risk mitigation strategies.
- Strategic Decision-Making: Develop well-thought-out responses to questions about strategic planning, growth strategies, and competitive analysis within the Public Sector.
- Stakeholder Management: Prepare examples of successful stakeholder management strategies, focusing on building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, team members, and senior stakeholders.
Company & Culture Questions:
- Company Culture: Research Version 1's company culture, values, and recent projects to demonstrate a strong understanding of the business and its strategic direction.
- Team Dynamics: Prepare thoughtful questions about the team's structure, dynamics, and collaboration opportunities to assess the role's fit within the organization.
- Career Progression: Inquire about career progression opportunities, mentorship programs, and professional development initiatives to demonstrate your commitment to long-term growth and success within the company.
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
- Portfolio Structure: Organize the portfolio to highlight the candidate's experience in portfolio management, business development, and strategic decision-making within the Public Sector.
- Case Studies: Include detailed case studies demonstrating the candidate's ability to deliver successful outcomes, drive growth, and manage complex portfolios.
- Testimonials: Include testimonials from colleagues, clients, or other stakeholders who can speak to the candidate's leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation for this role focuses on assessing the candidate's strategic vision, leadership abilities, and cultural fit within Version 1's Public Sector business. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in portfolio management, commercial acumen, and leadership, with a proven track record of driving success within the Public Sector.
📌 Application Steps
To apply for this Portfolio Director (UK Public Sector) - Digital & Cloud position:
- Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in portfolio management, business development, and strategic decision-making within the Public Sector. Include relevant keywords and phrases to optimize your resume for ATS systems.
- Portfolio Preparation: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, well-organized, and tailored to the role's requirements, with a focus on portfolio management, commercial acumen, and leadership.
- Interview Preparation: Research Version 1's company culture, values, and recent projects to demonstrate a strong understanding of the business and its strategic direction. Prepare thoughtful and insightful questions to ask during the interview, focusing on the company's growth plans, team dynamics, and career progression opportunities.
- Application Submission: Submit your application through the application link provided, including your resume and portfolio.
⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web development/server administration industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.
Application Requirements
Candidates should have significant experience managing large portfolios of work in consultancy or systems integration for Public Sector customers. They must demonstrate a strong understanding of technology change projects and possess commercial acumen to drive successful outcomes.