Controls & Governance Manager

Overview

In this role you lead the Transformation Management Office (TMO) Centre of Excellence to embed robust governance, reporting and controls across United Utilities’ transformation portfolio. You will provide visibility and insight to support senior decision-making and maximise value from change. You work with senior stakeholders to raise governance maturity and ensure consistent delivery standards. This is a high-impact, leadership position shaping how transformation is governed and realised.

Pay / Benefits

• 26 days annual leave
• pension with up to 14% employer contribution
• bonus up to 10.5%
• healthcare plan
• flexible and hybrid working
• learning and development opportunities

Responsibilities

• Lead and continuously improve TMO frameworks, standards, tools and processes
• Establish and maintain portfolio governance, controls and assurance
• Oversee portfolio reporting, executive dashboards, KPIs and performance insights
• Support investment governance, business cases and benefits realisation
• Manage portfolio risks, issues and dependencies with broad visibility
• Facilitate quality gates, health checks and assurance reviews
• Drive compliance with delivery standards, methodologies and change controls
• Partner with senior stakeholders to improve delivery performance and governance maturity
• Lead and develop a team of PMO professionals

Key requirements

• Significant experience in PMO, Portfolio Management, Governance or Transformation Office environments
• Proven success managing or supporting complex portfolios or large-scale transformation
• Strong knowledge of PRINCE2, MSP, MoP or P3O frameworks
• Excellent governance, reporting, planning and controls experience
• Strong stakeholder management and ability to influence at senior levels
• Experience managing portfolio risks, issues, dependencies and benefits
• Data-driven approach with strong analytical and reporting capability
• Experience using PPM tools such as Planview, MS Project Online, Clarity PPM, Smartsheet or Power BI
• Experience leading, coaching and developing teams

• Stakeholder management
• Influence at senior levels
• Analytical thinking
• PPM tools: Planview, MS Project Online, Clarity PPM, Smartsheet, Power BI
• Governance and assurance frameworks
• Risk, issue and dependency management

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