Job Description // Senior Delivery Manager

Objectives

As a Senior Delivery Manager you will:

1. Lead team performance and the effective delivery of complex, high-risk programmes and delivery for us and our clients.
2. Lead delivery management and foster best practice for us and our clients
3. Support us to build a profitable sales pipeline
4. Support our start-up mentality and work collaboratively to drive growth

Tasks

Tasks have been identified for each Objective.

1. Lead team performance and the effective delivery of complex, high-risk programmes and delivery for us and our clients.

• Agile and Lean practices. You know how to coach and lead teams in Agile, Waterfall, Hybrid and Lean practices. You are a recognised expert that advocates these approaches, continuously reflecting and challenging the team. You can create or tailor new ways of working; you are always innovating.
• Commercial management. You can take responsibility for complex relationships with contracted suppliers. You can identify appropriate contractual frameworks and identify appropriate suppliers. You know how to negotiate with contracted suppliers. You can get good value out of contracts and suppliers.
• Communication skills. You can mediate between people and mend relationships, communicating with stakeholders at all levels. You can manage stakeholder expectations and facilitate discussions about high risk and complexity even within constrained timescales. . You can speak and represent the community to large audiences inside and outside of government.
• Financial management. You know how to negotiate, influence or set budgets in complex environments. You can write or input into business cases and can communicate business-value propositions.
• Life-cycle perspective. You can apply experience of multiple parts of the product life cycle. You can recognise when it is right to move forward and when it is right to stop. You can recognise the appropriate deliverables and the right people to meet these. You are able to work with other agile delivery operations throughout the product life cycle. You can plan and engage with the appropriate stakeholders at a particular stage in the project.
• Maintaining delivery momentum. You know how to optimise the delivery flow of teams. You actively address the most complicated risks, issues and dependencies including where ownership exists outside the team or no clear ownership exists. You can identify innovative ways to unblock issues.
• Making a process work. You can identify and challenge organisational processes of increasing complexity and those processes that are unnecessarily complicated. You can add value and can coach the organisation to inspect and adapt processes. You know how to guide teams through the implementation of a new process.
• Planning. You know how to lead a continual planning process in a very complex environment. You can plan beyond product delivery. You can identify dependencies in plans across services and coordinate delivery. You know how to coach other teams as the central point of expertise.
• Team dynamics and collaboration. You can identify problems or issues in the team dynamic and rectify them. You can pull out issues through agile health-checks with the team and provoke the right responses. You can engage in varying types of feedback, choosing the right type at the appropriate time and ensuring the discussion and decision sticks. You can accelerate the team development cycle.

1. Lead delivery management and foster best practice for us and our clients

• Encourage and facilitate continuous improvement to drive collaboration, increase velocity and improve quality of delivery
• Share knowledge through coaching and mentoring
• Receive regular, glowing feedback
• Become a trusted and indispensable asset

1. Support us to build a profitable sales pipeline

• Support strategic market and account planning to drive business development
• Identify, shape and convert opportunities with existing clients
• Support business development activities including networking, thought leadership, tendering, pitching and horizon scanning to feed our sales pipeline

1. Support our start-up mentality and work collaboratively to drive growth

• Help define our vision and strategy as requested
• Track our internal objectives and key results (OKRs) as requested
• Be flexible and constantly look for opportunities to improve everything we do
• Build strong networks within ED to identify and collaborate on work others are leading

First client engagement

Your first assignment will be to provide oversight and leadership across 2 delivery teams at a large South Wales Government Department client:

1. The Delivery team are undergoing discovery, alpha and beta phases and form 1/5th of a broader transformation programme.
2. The Continuous Improvement (CI) team are improving a suite of private/public beta services as part of BAU operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide relevant challenge, advice, and guidance to shape critical areas of the transformation planning (e.g. BCM, capability, commercial, operating model).
• Ensure successful completion of key phases, including Disco, Alpha and Beta.
• Implement embedded and effective knowledge management practices, including work shadowing, to reduce post-transformation risks.
• Identify, respond to, and appropriately escalate issues to ensure smooth delivery.
• Update, accurately maintain, and reflect the progress of Delivery and CI teams.
• Work with the product owner community and the full delivery ecosystem to accurately size product backlogs and create a consolidated delivery plan for the entire delivery landscape.
• Collaborate with service teams to ensure effective alignment between delivery plans for both program and BAU (business as usual) activities.
• Maintain delivery momentum by providing support within workstreams, ensuring teams work towards commitments made in planning ceremonies and addressing risks, dependencies, and issues promptly.
• Provide necessary support/challenge to delivery teams to resolve problems and issues in a timely manner.
• Support Empyrean sales pipeline by contributing to tenders and pitches.

Responsible for staff/equipment

• Staf: none
• Equipment: Laptop

Reporting to…

• Line Manager: Greg Clark, Product Director
• Development buddy: Neal Murray

Appendix // team culture

At empyrean digital, our ambition is to attract, develop and retain a diverse and talented team by:

• supporting a broad range of amazing clients
• undertaking interesting and ambitious projects
• building our own suite of products that add real value
• creating a real sense of team

Our team culture is at the heart of what we do and who we are at empyrean digital. We want to grow a team which embodies the following values and pulls together to deliver a world-class service for clients.

• Curious // You are inquisitive and dig a little deeper to win.
• Driven // You are dedicated and demand quality, with an infectious hunger for excellence that inspires others.
• Collaborative // You are honest and transparent, admit mistakes and proactively seek different perspectives.
• Brave // You trust your instincts, are open to possible failure and are prepared to make the right call for customers, every time.
• Innovative // You are open-minded, thrive on change, and prepared to challenge conventional wisdom.

In order to achieve this, we have a firm focus on employee engagement. This means:

• Making everyone feel valued and trusted
• Making everyone feel heard
• Making everyone feel empowered

1.  
2. Interactions with other team members:

• Look out for one another
• Give and receive feedback graciously and mindfully
• Celebrate success together

1.  
2. Practical steps to we take:

• Buddy system
• Regular team meetings and personal development sessions
• Team socials and games nights

Job Description // Project Manager

Location: Hybrid / Client Site (UK Public Sector), Liverpool & London
Company: Empyrean Digital

Salary: £60,000 pa

About Empyrean Digital

Empyrean Digital partners with public and private sector organisations to design and deliver impactful, user-centred digital services. We combine strategy, service design, governance and delivery expertise to help clients solve complex problems and improve outcomes for citizens.

We work at the heart of major transformation programmes, supporting organisations to design services that are inclusive, sustainable and aligned to Government Digital Service (GDS) standards.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead delivery within one of the services undergoing transformation as part of a wider multi-million-pound public sector programme.

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing day-to-day delivery within a defined service or workstream, ensuring alignment to programme objectives, GDS standards and organisational governance requirements. You will work closely with service leads, product managers, business analysts, service designers and technical teams to deliver high-quality outcomes at pace.

This role requires strong delivery discipline, stakeholder engagement capability and experience operating in complex public sector environments.

Key Responsibilities

Project Delivery

• Lead delivery of a defined service or workstream within a wider transformation programme.
• Develop and maintain detailed project plans, milestones and delivery roadmaps.
• Manage scope, timelines, risks, issues and dependencies.
• Ensure delivery aligns to GDS lifecycle phases (Discovery, Alpha, Beta, Live).
• Drive progress and accountability across multidisciplinary teams.

Governance, Risk & Reporting

• Implement programme-level governance within the service workstream.
• Provide accurate, timely reporting to the Programme Manager and governance forums.
• Identify, manage and escalate risks and issues appropriately.
• Maintain clear documentation and audit trails in line with public sector standards.

Stakeholder & Operational Engagement

• Work closely with service owners, operational leads and frontline teams.
• Facilitate workshops, planning sessions and stakeholder meetings.
• Support business readiness, transition and operational embedding.
• Navigate organisational complexity and competing priorities.

Financial & Resource Management

• Manage project budgets and resource allocations within delegated authority.
• Track forecasts and ensure effective financial control.
• Support supplier management where applicable.

Essential Experience

• Proven experience delivering projects within complex public sector environments.
• Experience working on digital or service transformation programmes.
• Strong understanding of GDS service standards and agile delivery principles.
• Experience managing risks, dependencies and reporting within structured governance frameworks.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Ability to balance delivery pace with quality and assurance requirements.
• Background in consultancy or client-facing delivery roles.
• Knowledge of service transition and operational readiness planning.
• PRINCE2, MSP, Agile or equivalent project delivery certifications

What We Offer

• Opportunity to shape high-impact public services.
• Exposure to major government transformation programmes.
• Collaborative and values-driven culture.
• Professional development and leadership opportunities.

At Empyrean Digital, we are committed to designing services that genuinely improve citizens’ lives. If you are passionate about service design, systems thinking and public sector transformation, we would love to hear from you.

Appendix // 
 
About Us 
Coming together in 2017, the Empyrean Digital team combines years of experience in bringing value to mutual clients and responding to a clear market need for pragmatic, agile and experienced digital support. 

As our client’s digital partner, our blend of strategic, technical, commercial, and product expertise will transform their services in a ground-breaking way.  We are dedicated and demand quality, knowing we win or lose on the strength of our feedback. 

Team Culture 

At empyrean digital, our ambition is to attract, develop and retain a diverse and talented team by: 

• supporting a broad range of amazing clients 
• undertaking interesting and ambitious projects 

• building our own suite of products that add real value 
• creating a real sense of team  

Our team culture is at the heart of what we do and who we are at empyrean digital. We want to grow a team which embodies the following values and pulls together to deliver a world-class service for clients. 

• Curious // You are inquisitive and dig a little deeper to win. 
• Driven // You are dedicated and demand quality, with an infectious hunger for excellence that inspires others. 
• Collaborative // You are honest and transparent, admit mistakes and proactively seek different perspectives. 
• Brave // You trust your instincts, are open to possible failure and are prepared to make the right call for customers, every time. 

Job Description

Head of Risk & Compliance

Location: Fleet, Hampshire (Hybrid working available)

Reporting Line:

Chief Executive Officer
Regular reporting to the Board and Risk Committee

Line Manager Responsibilities 3

Status: 1.00 FTE

Role Purpose

The Head of Risk & Compliance is a senior leadership role responsible for establishing, owning, and continuously enhancing the firm’s risk management and compliance frameworks. The role provides independent oversight across all risk categories and regulatory obligations, supporting sustainable growth of the SME lending and equity investment portfolio.

The position operates as a key second-line function and acts as a trusted adviser to the Board, executive team, and investment committees.

Key Responsibilities

Risk Management

• Refine, implement, and maintain the firm’s enterprise risk management framework, including risk appetite, policies, and governance structures.
• Own and challenge existing credit risk frameworks covering SME debt and equity investments.
• Monitor and report portfolio risk, concentration risk, stress testing, scenario analysis, and capital adequacy.
• Own operational, liquidity, reputational, and strategic risk assessments.
• Ensure timely and accurate risk reporting to the Board Risk Committee, and senior management.
• Embed a strong risk culture across the organisation through training, communication, and effective challenge.

Portfolio Management

• Oversee second‑line portfolio risk monitoring for both debt and equity: watch‑lists, triggers, MI dashboards, impairment/provisions, and performance vs. plan.
• Direct the recoveries/portfolio interventions process plan (work‑outs, restructures, external specialists) to minimise losses and maximise outcomes; assure fair customer treatment and regulatory expectations are met.

• Lead portfolio governance reporting and challenge including credit scoring/grading, Probability of default (PD) and Loss Given Default (LGD) Exposure at Default (EAD) approaches, stress testing for debt portfolios, and equity valuation/exit risk assessment frameworks
• Produce concise, decision‑useful risk reports for Regional Fund Heads, on impairments, recoveries, and thematic risks.

Compliance & Regulatory Oversight

• Own and maintain the firm’s compliance framework in line with FCA (or equivalent) regulatory requirements
• Hold FCA regulatory approval for Compliance (SMF16) and MLRO (SMF17) duties, maintain policies and monitoring plans, and liaise with regulators and advisers as the main point of contact.
• Oversee AML, KYC, financial crime, conduct risk, maintain business continuity/disaster recovery oversight and data protection obligations.
• Own and implement annual compliance monitoring programmes, policies, and controls.
• Manage all regulatory interaction, including reporting, breaches, remediation plans, and internal compliance audits.
• Ensure governance arrangements meet regulatory expectations for a regulated SME lender/investor.

Governance & Leadership

• Chair or contribute to Management and Board Risk Committees
• Provide clear, practical advice to the Board on risk and regulatory matters.

• Be the contact point for Investors ensuring contract and reporting obligations reflect robust risk practice.

• Support new fund/ product development and strategic initiatives from a risk and compliance perspective
• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing Risk team
• Embed risk culture promoting proportional analysis and strong documentation; coach regional/sector heads and investment managers
• Partner closely with the Finance team.

Key Relationships

• CEO and FD
• Regional Fund Heads
• Investment Committee / Credit Committee
• Board Risk Committee and Chair of BRC
• Regulators and external advisers
• External compliance consultants and professionals (e.g solicitors & Insolvency practitioners

Person Specification

Essential Experience

• Significant senior experience in risk management and compliance within financial services, with eligibility to hold a Senior Manager Function (SMF)
• Strong background in SME lending, credit risk, or investment environments
• Demonstrable experience working in regulated firms (FCA or similar).
• Experience presenting to Boards and senior stakeholders.
• Proven ability to operate effectively in a small, fast-growing organisation.

Technical Knowledge

• Credit risk frameworks and portfolio management
• Regulatory compliance and governance
• AML / KYC and financial crime controls
• Risk appetite setting and stress testing
• Regulatory handbook, reporting and compliance monitoring

Qualifications (Desirable)

• Relevant professional qualification (e.g. ICA, FRM, PRM, ACA, CFA or equivalent).

Personal Attributes

• Commercially minded with strong judgement
• Confident communicator with gravitas at Board level
• Pragmatic, solutions-oriented approach to risk
• High integrity and independence of thought
• Comfortable balancing control with growth objectives

KPIs & success measures

• Building on the existing robust measures for strategy of FSE updating for risk assessment advances in the wider market.
• Improving efficiency of processes utilising technology including AI to provide robust systems delivered at higher volumes
• Portfolio performance vs. Risk Appetite (defaults/impairments, equity write‑downs, recovery rates). 
• Committee throughput and decision quality (time‑to‑sanction, exceptions trend, post‑decision outcomes).
• Operational/compliance health (policy adherence, monitoring findings closed on time, BC/DR readiness).
• Stakeholder confidence (Board, funders, auditors) reflected in fewer surprises and clearer forward‑risk views.

January 2026