IT Portfolio & Demand Manager

Arriva is a leading European passenger transport partner, operating in 11 countries across the UK and Europe. The company employs around 35,000 people, delivering more than 1.5 billion passenger journeys connecting people and communities safely, reliably and sustainably.

We have strong roots dating back to 1938, an ambitious growth and sustainability agenda, and a continuously developing relationship with I Squared Capital – a global infrastructure investment fund manager - who acquired Arriva in 2024.

We are looking for an IT Portfolio & Demand Manager to join our Performance & Portfolio Team on a full time, permanent basis. This role will be based from either our Doxford office, Sunderland or London office.

The IT Portfolio and Demand Manager is accountable for the governance of the overall IT project and change portfolio, as well as for managing demand processes within the IT function. This role is responsible for establishing, embedding, and governing effective ways of working across the IT department. Through strong portfolio governance, the position ensures that technology investments and initiatives are prioritised, coordinated, and aligned with organisational objectives.

Direct responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and maintain governance structures, standards, and processes for portfolio and demand management within IT.

•   Oversee and continually improve the IT demand management process, ensuring that all new initiatives and requests are assessed and prioritised using clearly defined criteria.

•   Facilitate the portfolio governance framework, monitoring progress and adherence to ways of working, and reporting on delivery against agreed metrics and goals.

Knowledge, skills & experience:

•    Significant experience in IT portfolio management, programme management, or technology governance within a complex IT environment.

•   Expertise in portfolio governance frameworks, demand management processes, and performance measurement.

•   Proven ability to design and implement IT ways of working and operating models.

•   Exceptional analytical, organisational, and reporting skills, with the ability to distill complex data into actionable insights for IT leadership.

•   Experience with process improvement and change management within an IT setting.

•   Strong aptitude for fostering collaboration and ensuring adherence to governance standards within technology teams.

•   Familiarity with budget planning, resource management, and risk governance in an IT context.

Success criteria & indicators:

•   Consistent alignment of IT portfolio and demand processes with organisational priorities and governance standards.

•   Established ways of working are clearly defined, widely adopted, and governed across the

IT department.

•   Efficient prioritisation and delivery of IT initiatives, measured through timely, transparent reporting and benefit tracking.

•   Continuous improvement in portfolio performance, resource utilisation, and compliance with operating models.

•   Robust, auditable governance of the IT portfolio, with effective management of risks and issues.

•        Positive feedback from IT leadership regarding the effectiveness and clarity of portfolio governance and demand management processes.

This job description sets out the main duties and responsibilities of the job-holder. It does not constitute an exhaustive or comprehensive description of duties and the job holder will be required to carry out any additional tasks as and when requested to do as and when requested to do so by their manager. Responsibilities and duties may also change in light of future business needs and personal development.

The closing date for applications is Friday 21st November 2025. Arriva Group reserves the right to close this vacancy early.