Portfolio Office Leader

• About the Role
• The Portfolio Office provides integrated oversight, governance, assurance and insight across NPL’s internal and external project portfolios. It operates as the strategic Centre of Excellence for project delivery, ensuring that the right change is delivered at the right time, in the right way, with the right support.
  
  

We are seeking an experienced and credible leader to shape and lead this function at enterprise level.

The Portfolio Office Leader sets the direction for how projects are governed and supported across NPL. The role ensures that portfolio oversight is proportionate, effective and strategically aligned, enabling confident leadership decision-making on delivery feasibility, sequencing and risk exposure.

This is a senior leadership role requiring strategic judgement, organisational influence and the ability to balance independent assurance with practical enablement.

Key Responsibilities

Governance & Assurance

• Own and evolve the governance model, so it remains proportionate and effective.
• Set the assurance strategy and operating rhythm, ensuring independence and consistency across the portfolio.

We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in specific departments means that nationality, residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process. To work at NPL, you will need to obtain BPSS security clearance.

Please note: Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert therefore we may at any time bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as possible.

About Us

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a world-leading centre of excellence that provides cutting-edge measurement science, engineering and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of life in the UK. Find out more about what it is like working here - The measure of us - Overview

NPL and DSIT have strong commitments to diversity and equality of opportunity, and welcome applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age, providing they meet the required criteria. Applications from women, disabled and black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates in particular are encouraged. All disabled candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme.

At NPL, we believe o

ur success is a result of the diversity and talent of our people. We strive to nurture and respect individuals to ensure everyone feels valued by treating everyone on the basis of their own individual merits and abilities regardless of their own or perceived identity, as part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we ensure we’re creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome. More about this on our Diversity & Inclusion page.

We are committed to the health and well-being of our employees. Flexible working and social activities are embedded in our culture to create a positive work-life balance, along with a broad range of rewards, benefits and recognition. Our values are at the heart of what we do, and they shape the way we interact, develop our people and celebrate success. To ensure everyone has an equal chance, we’re always willing to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss, please contact us.