Group Head of PMO (Project Management)

-; Bedford; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in Bedford is seeking a senior project leader to establish a Group-wide Project Management Office (PMO). The successful candidate will be responsible for setting standards for project governance and delivering complex initiatives aligned with strategic priorities. This high-profile role requires exceptional leadership and strong stakeholder management. Candidates should have significant experience in leading complex programmes and a solid understanding of project management methodologies. This position offers competitive terms and conditions with a commitment to safeguarding students.

Benefits

35 days annual leave

Local Government Pension Scheme

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading complex programmes and projects.
• Strong knowledge of project and change management methodologies.
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and work across functions.

Responsibilities

• Establish and lead a Group-wide PMO function.
• Provide strategic oversight and direct leadership of major transformation projects.
• Define and embed project governance, standards, tools and reporting.
• Manage risks, budgets, suppliers and delivery assurance.
• Lead and develop PMO staff and project managers.

Skills

Project leadership

Stakeholder management

Change management methodologies

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Job description

Lead transformation across The Bedford College Group

We are seeking an experienced senior project leader to establish and lead a new Group-wide Project Management Office (PMO).

This role will set the standards for how projects are governed and delivered across the Group, providing oversight and leadership of complex, high-impact initiatives including digital, operational and organisational transformation. You will design and embed project management frameworks, governance and reporting, while directly leading major programmes to ensure delivery on time, within scope and aligned to strategic priorities.

This is a high-profile role requiring strong leadership, excellent stakeholder management and the ability to influence at all levels of the organisation.

Key responsibilities

• Establish and lead a Group-wide PMO function
• Provide strategic oversight and direct leadership of major transformation projects
• Define and embed project governance, standards, tools and reporting
• Manage risks, budgets, suppliers and delivery assurance
• Lead and develop PMO staff and project managers

About you

• Significant experience leading complex programmes and projects
• Strong knowledge of project and change management methodologies
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and work across functions
• Excellent leadership, communication and organisational skills

Our VISION Values

• Valuing Teamwork - We are one team who by working together can achieve great things, respecting the opinion and valuing the contribution each of us makes.
• Improving Continuously - We challenge ourselves to always do better by trying new things, sharing knowledge, reflecting on practice and learning from others.
• Student Centred - At our heart is always doing what is best for our students. We consider students in all of our decision making to create positive outcomes and memorable experiences for every student.
• Inclusive - We celebrate differences and diversity, recognising that we can learn from each other.
• Open and Caring - We care about the wellbeing of our staff, our students, our community and wider society, creating an environment built on trust where we listen, engage with and support each other.
• Nurturing Education Excellence - We promote educational excellence by delivering programmes that challenge our students to achieve their ambitions.

About The Bedford College Group

The Bedford College Group was formed in 2017 following the merger of Bedford College and Tresham College and is now the largest provider of education in the South East Midlands, with over 15,000 students passing through our doors each year.

Today, the Group is made up of a family of colleges across Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire: Bedford College, Central Bedfordshire College and Tresham College in Bedford, Dunstable, Leighton Buzzard, Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough; Shuttleworth College, a specialist land-based college; The Bedford Sixth Form; The Corby Sixth Form; and the National College for Motorsport at Silverstone. The Group also operates community-based Learning Centres in Bedford, Corby and Kettering to widen access to education and training.

Safeguarding our Students

The Bedford College Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to a thorough vetting process, including an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975 provide information about which convictions must be declared during job applications. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS filtering guide. The Bedford College Group's policy on the Employment of Ex-Offenders is attached to this vacancy.

Candidates who are barred from working with children are reminded that it is a criminal offence to apply for this post.

The closing date for applications is 09/01/2026. Interviews are expected to take place on 19 and 20/01/2026.

Terms and Conditions

This role is 37 hours per week, with 35 days annual leave, plus Local Government Pension Scheme.