Portfolio Manager

The Portfolio Manager is responsible for the strategic leadership, governance and financial performance of a Capital Maintenance Portfolio, overseeing multiple Project Managers and the delivery of a diverse programme of capital investment and maintenance schemes.

The role is accountable for ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently and in alignment with the Council’s asset management strategy, funding requirements, programme objectives and performance targets. The Portfolio Manager provides leadership across programme delivery, financial management, resource planning, governance, stakeholder engagement and continuous improvement, ensuring maximum value is derived from investment in the highway network.

Portfolio leadership and programme management

• Lead and manage a Capital Maintenance Portfolio, ensuring delivery of programme objectives, service outcomes and statutory obligations.
• Provide direction, oversight and support to Project Managers and delivery teams responsible for individual schemes and programmes.
• Develop and maintain an integrated portfolio programme, managing interdependencies, constraints, priorities and delivery risks.
• Ensure projects are successfully delivered to agreed scope, programme, budget, quality and performance requirements.
• Monitor portfolio performance and intervene where necessary to address programme, resource or delivery issues.
• Drive continuous improvement and best practice across project and programme delivery.

Financial management and PSR governance

• Manage the overall financial performance of the Capital Maintenance Portfolio. providing clear and audience-appropriate financial reporting to both internal and external stakeholders.
• Oversee financial planning activities, including budget setting, resource allocation, expenditure monitoring, forecasting and cashflow management across the portfolio.
• Ensure accurate and timely preparation, review and approval of Project Status Reports (PSRs), financial forecasts and business cases.
• Monitor and report programme costs, commitments and funding utilisation to maximise delivery within available budgets.
• Identify and manage financial risks, pressures and opportunities, ensuring timely escalation and mitigation.
• Support the development and approval of annual and multi-year capital investment programmes.
• Provide robust financial reporting and assurance to senior management, elected members and external funding bodies.
• Produce monthly SOFT portfolio reports for Internal Project Boards.

Resource management

• Lead resource planning across the portfolio combining local, non-local and GTC, ensuring the effective deployment of Project Managers, technical specialists, consultants and contractor resources.
• Balance workloads, capacity and capability to support efficient programme delivery.
• Identify resource constraints and develop mitigation strategies to maintain delivery performance.
• Support recruitment, succession planning, talent development and performance management within the project delivery team.
• Foster a high-performance culture focused on accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.

Governance, risk and assurance

• Ensure compliance with Local Authority governance requirements, capital delivery procedures and assurance processes.
• Oversee portfolio-level risk, issue and dependency management, ensuring appropriate mitigation and escalation.
• Chair portfolio performance reviews and governance meetings.
• Ensure effective programme controls are maintained, including change management, audit compliance and performance monitoring.
• Provide strategic oversight of NEC4 commercial, contractual and supplier performance, ensuring effective contract management, early warning management and resolution of commercial risks.

Stakeholder management

• Build and maintain effective relationships with senior stakeholders, elected members, consultants, contractors, utility companies and external partners.
• Provide strategic advice and recommendations to senior leadership regarding investment priorities, programme delivery and risks.
• Lead communication and reporting on portfolio performance, achievements and challenges.
• Represent the service at governance boards, programme reviews and stakeholder forums.

Health, safety and sustainability

• Champion a strong culture of health, safety and wellbeing throughout the delivery portfolio.
• Ensure all projects comply with CDM Regulations, highways legislation, environmental requirements and corporate policies.
• Promote…