Role Overview
The Delivery Portfolio Lead is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing the successful delivery and operational performance of a portfolio of client programmes and projects, ensuring alignment with client expectations, commercial objectives, and delivery commitments.
Portfolio Delivery Oversight
Own and ensure the successful delivery of programmes and projects across a defined portfolio of client accounts, meeting agreed timelines, scope, quality and financial expectations. Provide oversight of programme execution through Programme Managers and Delivery Leads, delegating responsibility and ensuring accountability.
- Monitor programme health through defined indicators, reporting and engagement with delivery teams.
- Provide evidence‑based assessments on delivery success based on performance, risks and dependencies.
- Intervene to resolve critical issues, unblock delivery or reset direction when required.
Client & Stakeholder Management
Build strong, trusted relationships with clients and internal stakeholders at all levels. Act as a senior escalation point for delivery‑related issues and risks.
- Partner with Client Leadership to align delivery execution with client expectations.
- Communicate clearly on delivery status and outlook, providing confidence and transparency.
Pipeline, Demand & Risk Management
Proactively manage delivery pipeline, demand forecasting, resource planning and capacity management at the account level.
- Identify and mitigate risks driven by client changes, resourcing challenges or external factors.
- Balance proactive planning with reactive issue resolution in a fast‑paced environment.
- Ensure mitigation strategies are in place for risks impacting delivery outcomes.
Commercial & Financial Management
Oversee financial performance at the account level.
- Track budgets, forecast costs and manage margins.
- Work with Programme Managers to maintain financial discipline across delivery.
- Support Client Leadership in maintaining account profitability through informed delivery decisions.
Delivery Excellence & Process Improvements
Drive continuous improvement across delivery practices, governance and ways of working.
- Ensure consistent application of delivery methodologies and standards.
- Identify opportunities to optimise efficiency, reduce cost and improve delivery predictability.
- Promote best practices across delivery teams and programmes.
Sales Support & Delivery Advisory
Support sales and growth efforts as a delivery advisor.
- Validate feasibility, timelines, effort, capacity and budget for new and existing opportunities.
- Contribute to proposals and Statements of Work (SOWs) to ensure deliverability.
- Attend client pitches where required, representing delivery and building confidence in capability.
Minimum Skills & Experience
- 10+ years delivering complex programmes in consultancy, systems integrator or agency environments.
- Strong programme management background with experience moving into portfolio oversight.
- Experience in marketing, digital or technology delivery environments.
- Demonstrable experience in process improvement and cost management.
- Strong commercial acumen at account level.
- Experience leading delivery teams and managing Programme Managers.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Experience supporting pre‑sales and client growth initiatives in a delivery advisory capacity.
Personal Attributes
- Highly credible, confident communicator with strong executive presence.
- Pragmatic and outcome‑focused, with strong judgement.
- Proactive, forward‑looking and able to react quickly to issues.
- Resilient and calm under pressure.
- Ability to build trust and credibility quickly across clients and internal teams.
- Strong sense of ownership and accountability for delivery outcomes.
What We Offer
This is a permanent, full‑time role with a fixed‑term contract of 12 months, based in London. The position is hybrid, requiring presence at the office twice a week. Candidates will receive a competitive salary and a benefits package that can be tailored to individual needs.
Inclusion and Diversity
We embrace diversity and inclusion, valuing the unique perspectives and contributions of every individual. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status or any other protected characteristic. Reasonable adjustments are available during the recruitment process. Contact us at accommodations@dentsu.com.
