Job Description

Location: Remote (occasional travel to Southampton)

Contract: Initial 6 months (high likelihood of extension)

Predicted start date: January 2026

Clearance: SC clearance required

Rate: Competitive

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced

Assurance & Stage Gate Specialist

to play a pivotal role in ensuring the successful delivery of Network upgrade portfolio. Acting as a first line of independent assurance, you will deliver rigorous stage gate reviews, uphold governance standards, and proactively manage risk to ensure projects deliver measurable value.

By embedding a robust, data-driven assurance framework into programme planning and delivery cycles, you will help drive accountability, enable early issue identification, and ensure alignment with our clients strategic goals. This role provides vital independent oversight and promotes continuous improvement across the programme.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the implementation of a

data-driven assurance framework

, leveraging analytics and visualisation tools to assess programme performance and risk. Conduct

proactive, risk-based assurance reviews

across all project stages, escalating issues early to mitigate potential delays or cost impacts. Perform

rigorous stage gate reviews

, producing concise executive summaries highlighting key risks, findings, and improvement opportunities.

Champion continuous improvement

, refining assurance methodologies and tools to enhance delivery effectiveness.

Mentor and coach

team members, fostering a culture of quality assurance and accountability. Develop and maintain a comprehensive library of

assurance templates, tools, and best practices

. Collaborate closely with cross-functional stakeholders to align assurance approaches and governance reporting.

Essential Skills & Experience

Strong understanding of

project management methodologies

(Agile, Waterfall, Hybrid) and

assurance frameworks

(e.g. ISO 9001, COBIT). Proven track record of leading and delivering

complex assurance initiatives

in transformation or technology-driven environments. In-depth knowledge of

risk management

, including qualitative and quantitative approaches at stage gates. Experience in developing and implementing

continuous improvement plans

within large-scale, technology-enabled delivery programmes. Excellent

communication and presentation skills

, able to translate complex data for both technical and non-technical audiences. Technical awareness and understanding of

solution architecture

and

design principles

. Familiarity with

ITIL

and process-driven working practices. Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with a meticulous, detail-oriented approach. Working in Central Government or Defence Sector would be beneficial

Additional Information

Support project delivery, reporting, and risk management for a major network upgrade. Remote role with occasional travel to Southampton. Competitive day rates with strong potential for contract extension.
Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 6 months

Pay: 500.00-800.00 per day

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Southampton SO31 7GT