Skip to content

General Information

Salary
The national salary range is £68,967 - £78,842, London salary range is £73,115 - £83,585. Your salary will be dependent on your base location
Working Pattern
Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Flexible Working
Vacancy Approach
Cross Government
Location
National
Region
National
Closing Date
27-Aug-2025
Post Type
Permanent
Civil Service Grade
Grade 6
Number of jobs available
1
Reserve List
12 Months
Job ID
8616

Descriptions & requirements

Job description

Job role: Senior Portfolio Manager 

Grade: G6 

Directorate: Change Directorate 

 

About us  

HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) is responsible for administering criminal, civil, and family courts and tribunals in England and Wales. Our mission is to deliver justice effectively and efficiently, helping people and businesses access justice. 

The Change Directorate plays a pivotal role in shaping and delivering HMCTS’s strategic objectives through effective portfolio management. Our team of experienced portfolio and project professionals ensures that HMCTS can adapt swiftly to evolving priorities, delivering initiatives that align with organisational goals and maintain high standards of quality. 

We oversee a diverse portfolio of 20 to 30 active projects at any given time, each targeting improvements in the efficiency, effectiveness, and accessibility of courts and tribunals. Through structured portfolio oversight, we ensure that resources are optimally allocated, risks are managed proactively, and benefits are realised across the full spectrum of change initiatives. 

We’re looking for individuals with a passion for public service and who also want to make a difference in people’s lives in delivering justice. If you're looking to build a career with real purpose, we encourage you to apply. Join us and be part of a team where your experience directly supports the delivery of justice for all. 

About the role 

As a Senior Portfolio Manager, you’ll play a visible and influential leadership role, providing strategic assurance on the health, performance, and risk of the change delivery pipeline. You will report to the Portfolio Director and share joint responsibility with a fellow Senior Portfolio Manager for a significant area of organisational activity within the Change Portfolio Office. Together, you will provide strategic oversight, ensure alignment with corporate priorities and the Change Directorate Business Plan, and drive the successful delivery of a complex and high-impact portfolio of change initiatives. 

You will work across functions and with senior stakeholders, including Finance, HR, Commercial, and external partners such as Judicial and Ministerial offices, representing the organisation at the highest levels. This role carries significant responsibility for decision-making, strategic input, and delivering key outcomes across large and complex areas of work. You will be expected to lead strategic transformation, delivering measurable improvements across broad areas of service delivery. This role requires the foresight to anticipate future challenges, the vision to shape long-term direction, and the influence to drive outcomes at scale. 

Your role will encompass several key aspects, including but not limited to: 

  • Project pipeline: Works across HMCTS areas to identify and categorise new change initiatives. Applies prioritisation and mitigations to assess for a decision on entry to the portfolio and provides regular updates on pipeline to Portfolio Board.  

  • Reporting: Establish clear governance framework and reporting regime aligned to Management of Portfolios best practice. Co-ordinate reporting from projects and provide analysis of performance at portfolio level for review by governance bodies. Provide secretariat support for senior governance boards. 

  • Briefings: Oversee the production of briefings on Portfolio health and progress for stakeholders such as Judiciary, Ministers and the HMCTS senior leadership team. Own and maintain the library of communication documentation for the Portfolio 

  • Quality assurance of PPM standards, processes and documentation and management of the central PPM repository and guidance. Responsibility to ensure this is applied consistently across the Portfolio.  

  • Identify future capacity and capability needs of the portfolio and put in place strategies enabling effective decisions to be made on resource allocations of the flexible resource pool as well as risk mitigations or opportunities aligned to the HMCTS Project pipeline. 

  • Maintain portfolio delivery map and critical path to monitor project progress. Recognise and track interdependencies across change projects. Recommend how financial and other resources be allocated across change initiatives to optimise the organisation's return on investment. Develop strategies to address resource gaps. 

  • Risk, Assumption, Issues, Dependency (RAID) and opportunity management: Identify and monitor portfolio RAID areas (threats and opportunities), planning and implementing responses to them and responding to other issues impacting the portfolio. 

  • Collect and provide relevant management information to support the development of the HMCTS change directorate capability, informing resourcing decisions, key appointments, and development activity. 

 

For a comprehensive description of the role, please refer to the attached role profile and the following Government Project delivery framework : Portfolio Manager G6 - Government Project Delivery 

 

What are we looking for? (Person Specification) 

 

The ideal candidate for this position should demonstrate:  

Essential  

  • Experience in managing large-scale, complex projects and programmes and using portfolio management as a tool for organisational change. 

  • Experience in briefing and reporting at senior leadership level, including the preparation of strategic updates, executive dashboards, and decision support materials within a Change Portfolio Office or equivalent environment. 

  • The ability to systematically identify, analyse and communicate with stakeholders, using appropriate channels, to ensure all those impacted by the change are engaged, taking account of their levels of influence and particular interests. 

  • The ability to clearly define roles, responsibilities and accountabilities and establish controls and approval routes appropriate to each stage of the work to monitor progress and compliance 

  • Strong leadership skills in managing cross-functional teams with the ability ability to engage, motivate and coach others. To act as a role model and inspire and empower others. 

  • Ability to respond quickly to immediate needs with demonstrable resilience and ability to remain focused and positive in the face of uncertainty, to scrutinise and to challenge. 

  • Experience of successful strategic risk management, planning, problem solving and the ability to manage multiple interdependencies.  

 

How to apply 

Please submit a CV and Statement of suitability of outlining your experience a statement of suitability (up to 500 words) demonstrating how you meet the person specifications outlined in the advert, and evidence (up to 250 words) demonstrating how you meet the following behavioural competency against the Government Project Delivery Capability Framework: 

 

• Working with ambiguity (LEAD) - The ability to work in an environment of uncertainty and continual change. Able to feel comfortable making decisions and setting direction without having the full picture and re-focus as details emerge. Can apply knowledge and techniques to reduce ambiguity. Aligned to the making effective decisions Civil Service behaviour.  

 

Please ensure you cover both ‘what’ you do but also ‘how’ you do it. (i.e., the effective  

skills, knowledge & experience needed to undertake the role). 

 

In instances where we receive a high volume of applications, an initial sift will be  

conducted based on the lead competency and your CV. Should your application  

progress beyond this stage, the rest will then be assessed. Feedback will not be  

available to applicants who are not invited to interview. 

 

Candidates that pass the application sift stage will be invited for a formal interview remotely via Microsoft teams.  

If selected for an interview, the shortlisted candidates should expect questions relating to the following   

Behavioural competencies against the Government Project Delivery Framework:   

  • Working with ambiguity - The ability to work in an environment of uncertainty and continual change. Able to feel comfortable making decisions and setting direction without having the full picture and re-focus as details emerge. Can apply knowledge and techniques to reduce ambiguity. Aligned to the making effective decisions Civil Service behaviour. 

 

  • Visible Leadership - The ability to engage, motivate and coach others. To act as a role model and inspire and empower others. Aligned to the leadership Civil Service behaviour. 

 

Technical Competencies against the Government Project Delivery framework:  

  • Governance - The ability to clearly define roles, responsibilities and accountabilities and establish controls and approval routes appropriate to each stage of the work to monitor progress and compliance. 

 

  • Stakeholder Engagement - The ability to systematically identify, analyse and communicate with stakeholders, using appropriate channels, to ensure all those impacted by the change are engaged, taking account of their levels of influence and particular interests.  

 

For further information on the frameworks, see below :  

Success Profiles: Civil Service behaviours - GOV.UK 

Portfolio Manager G6 - Government Project Delivery 

About our benefits 

 

We reward our people for their hard work and commitment. We have a number of family friendly and flexible working polices that will help you achieve a healthy work-life balance. In addition, we offer a range of employee benefits which include generous annual leave, a highly competitive contributory pension scheme, childcare benefits, season ticket and bicycle loans. 

 

Proud to Serve. Proud to keep justice going.

Additional Information

Working Arrangements & Further Information

The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non-contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and / or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). All employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity.

Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone’s circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review.

For nationally advertised roles: All successful candidates will be appointed to the nearest viable office nearest to their home postcode and on its respective pay scale.  This will be at either a HQ building (subject to desk allocation, a Justice Collaboration Centre (JCC) or a Justice Satellite Office (JSO) – See Map. All employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity). 

For current MoJ employees, your base location will need to be changed to the nearest viable office (to your home postcode), either at a HQ building, JCC or JSO within the National Office Network and moved its location’s respective pay scale (any legacy arrangements/locations will need to be amended).

Some of MoJ’s terms and conditions of service are changing as part of Civil Service reform. The changes will apply to staff joining MoJ who are new to the Civil Service. Staff joining MoJ from other civil service employers will transfer onto the new MoJ terms if they are already on 'modernised' terms in their current post or onto 'unmodernised' MoJ terms if they are on 'unmodernised' terms at their current post. Details will be available if an offer is made.

MoJ candidates who are on a specialist grade, will be able to retain their grade on lateral transfer.

All candidates who are currently in receipt of Mark Time / Pay Protection should ensure they are familiar with the new policy on permanent and temporary promotion which can be found on the employee intranet.

Flexible working hours 

The Ministry of Justice offers a flexible working system in many offices. Standard full time working hours are 37 hours per week. MoJ welcomes part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns, where they meet the demands of the role and business needs. All applications for part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns will be considered in accordance with the MoJ’s Flexible Working policy.

Benefits 

The MoJ offers a range of benefits:

Annual Leave

Annual leave is 25 days on appointment and will increase to 30 days after five years’ service.

There is also a scheme to allow qualifying staff to buy or sell up to three days leave each year. Additional paid time off for public holidays and 1 privilege day. Leave for part-time and job share posts will be calculated on a pro-rata basis.

Pension 

The Civil Service offers a choice of pension schemes, giving you the flexibility to choose the pension that suits you best.

Training 

The Ministry of Justice is committed to staff development and offers an extensive range of training and development opportunities.

Networks 

The opportunity to join employee-run networks that have been established to provide advice and support and to enable the views of employees from minority groups to be expressed direct to senior management. There are currently networks for employees of minority ethnic origin, employees with disabilities, employees with caring responsibilities, women employees, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.

Eligibility

Staff on fixed term appointments must have been recruited through fair and open competition.

Vacancies advertised “cross-government” are only open to all Civil Service employees and employees of accredited non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) who were appointed on merit following a fair and open competition; or were appointed to a permanent post through an exception in the Civil Service Commissioners' rules.

Support

  • A range of ‘Family Friendly’ policies such as opportunities to work reduced hours or job share.
  • Access to flexible benefits such as voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts on a range of goods and services.
  • For moves to or from another employer or moves across the Civil Service this can have implications on your eligibility to carry on claiming childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for alternative government childcare support schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. More information can be found on www.www.GOV.UK or Childcare Choices. You can determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
  • Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
  • Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles. Should you feel that the recruitment process has breached the recruitment principles you are able to raise a formal complaint in the following order

As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ are committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities, by making adjustments throughout all elements of the recruitment process and in the workplace. MoJ are able to offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns.

You will be able to request reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process within the application form. If you need additional help completing the application form, please contact the TBS Recruitment Enquiries Team.

For more information on applying for a role as a candidate with a disability or long-term condition, please watch our animated videos.

Diversity & Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.

Redeployment Interview Scheme

Civil Service departments are expected to explore redeployment opportunities before making an individual redundant. The MoJ is committed, as part of the Redeployment Interview Scheme, to providing opportunities to those who are 'at risk of redundancy'.

MoJ is able to offer an interview to eligible candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns. Candidates will not be eligible for the Redeployment Interview Scheme if they are applying on promotion.

Civil Service Nationality Rules

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules

Reserve list

A reserve list may be held for up to 12 months from which further appointments may be made for the same or similar roles.

Contact Information

MoJ:

If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk

Please quote the job reference 8616

HMPPS

If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk

Please quote the job reference

Application form stage assessments

Experience
We will assess your experience for this role via the following methods
CV or Work History, Statement of Suitability
Statement of Suitability
Guidance for the Statement of Suitability
Please submit a Statement of suitability of outlining your experience a statement of suitability (up to 500 words) demonstrating how you meet the person specifications outlined in the advert. Please ensure you cover both ‘what’ you do but also ‘how’ you do it. (i.e., the effective skills, knowledge & experience needed to undertake the role).
Evidence of Experience
CV or Work History, Statement of Suitability
Technical
Technical Questions Application Form Question Word Limit
250
Provide evidence (up to 250 words) demonstrating how you meet the following behavioural competency against the Government Project Delivery Capability Framework:

'Working with ambiguity' (LEAD) - The ability to work in an environment of uncertainty and continual change. Able to feel comfortable making decisions and setting direction without having the full picture and re-focus as details emerge. Can apply knowledge and techniques to reduce ambiguity. Aligned to the making effective decisions Civil Service behaviour.

Please ensure you cover both ‘what’ you do but also ‘how’ you do it. (i.e., the effective skills, knowledge & experience needed to undertake the role).

Interview stage assessments

Interview Dates
Interviews are expected to take place mid September. Subject to change.
Technical
Behavioural competencies against the Government Project Delivery Framework:

Working with ambiguity - The ability to work in an environment of uncertainty and continual change. Able to feel comfortable making decisions and setting direction without having the full picture and re-focus as details emerge. Can apply knowledge and techniques to reduce ambiguity. Aligned to the making effective decisions Civil Service behaviour.
Behavioural competencies against the Government Project Delivery Framework:

Visible Leadership - The ability to engage, motivate and coach others. To act as a role model and inspire and empower others. Aligned to the leadership Civil Service behaviour.
Technical Competencies against the Government Project Delivery framework:

Governance - The ability to clearly define roles, responsibilities and accountabilities and establish controls and approval routes appropriate to each stage of the work to monitor progress and compliance.
Technical Competencies against the Government Project Delivery framework:

Stakeholder Engagement - The ability to systematically identify, analyse and communicate with stakeholders, using appropriate channels, to ensure all those impacted by the change are engaged, taking account of their levels of influence and particular interests.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (Al)
You must ensure that any evidence submitted as part of your application, including your CV, statement of suitability and behaviour examples, are truthful and factually accurate. Please note that plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own.
Level of security checks required
Baseline Personnal Security Standard (BPSS)