Head of PMO

NHS; Crawley; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS Trust is seeking a Head of PMO to lead its newly established Programme Management Office. This senior role involves ensuring effective programme governance, resource allocation, and delivering strategic priorities while fostering a high-performing team. The successful candidate will have significant experience in PMO leadership, particularly within the NHS, and will play a crucial role in driving transformation across the Trust.

Benefits

NHS pension scheme

27 days' holiday, increasing after 5 years

Personal and professional development opportunities

Salary Sacrifice schemes

Access to occupational health services

NHS discounts

Qualifications

• Significant experience in PMO leadership within NHS or complex public sector.
• Proven expertise in programme management and governance.
• Relevant professional qualifications (e.g., MSP, PRINCE2).

Responsibilities

• Establish and embed PMO frameworks aligned with organisational objectives.
• Oversee portfolio performance reporting at senior levels.
• Lead a high-performing team of Portfolio and Programme Managers.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Programme management

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

Master's degree or equivalent experience

Advanced professional certifications in portfolio management

Tools

MS Office

Project management software

Job description

South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SECAmb) is looking for an experienced Head of PMO to lead the development and oversight of its newly established Programme Management Office (PMO). This role will provide strategic leadership across three core portfolio areas, ensuring alignment with the Trust's strategic objectives:

• Our People Enjoy Working at SECAmb
• Delivering High-Quality Care
• We Are a Sustainable Partner

Main duties of the job

About the Role

This is a senior leadership position within the Strategy & Transformation Directorate, responsible for ensuring effective programme governance, resource allocation, and delivery of strategic priorities. The post-holder will:

• Establish and embed robust PMO frameworks, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives.
• Oversee portfolio performance reporting at senior and executive levels.
• Provide expert guidance on programme governance, risk management, and benefits realisation.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team of Portfolio and Programme Managers to ensure quality programme delivery.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to drive transformation across operational, clinical, and support services.

About us

• Option to join NHS pension scheme
• A minimum 27 days' holiday each year, increasing after 5 years' service.
• Personal and professional development and training opportunities.
• Salary Sacrifice schemes for cars or push bikes.
• Access to occupational health and counselling services.
• Back up buddy App
• Access to NHS discounts, offering NHS employees a range of money-saving deals.

Job responsibilities

About You

The successful candidate will have significant experience in PMO leadership, preferably within the NHS or a complex public sector organisation. You will bring:

• Proven expertise in programme management, portfolio governance, and transformation.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Knowledge of NHS governance structures and experience in healthcare improvement programmes.
• A strategic and analytical approach, with the ability to oversee multiple complex programmes.
• Relevant professional qualifications in portfolio and programme management (e.g., MSP, PRINCE2).

This is a unique opportunity to shape and lead a newly established PMO, playing a key role in delivering SECAmbs strategy and driving transformation across the Trust.

SECAmb is committed to upholding its core values of Kindness, Courage, and Integrity, fostering a positive and inclusive working environment where staff are supported to deliver the best possible care to our communities.

For further information or an informal discussion about this role, please contact Matt Webb, Deputy Director of Strategy & Transformation.

Person Specification

Education/ Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field.
• Advanced professional certifications in portfolio management.
• Evidence of continuous professional development.
• oFormal management qualification in leadership or business management.

Experience

• Significant experience implementing programme and project management methodologies, delivering complex programmes, and leading multi-disciplinary teams.
• Proven track record of managing large-scale, multi-programme initiatives, including full lifecycle management of high-profile projects.
• Senior management experience within a complex programme/project environment, including line management of professional staff.
• Demonstrated ability to manage highly complex and politically sensitive information in diverse organisational contexts.
• Experience in strategic planning, governance, and embedding change management processes.
• Experience managing programmes in NHS or similar complex public-sector environments.

Knowledge and Skills

• Advanced leadership and team management skills, with a focus on achieving measurable outcomes.
• Strategic thinking and decision-making to address highly complex and contentious issues.
• Advanced analytical skills to assess complex data, interdependencies, and risks, and develop evidence-based recommendations.
• Proven ability to plan and adapt complex activities in rapidly changing circumstances.
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills to influence senior stakeholders and present complex or sensitive information effectively.
• Expertise in programme governance, resource allocation, and business case development.
• Skilled in managing relationships with diverse stakeholders, including NHS England, ICBs, partner providers, and clinical/academic staff.
• Proficiency in IT tools, including MS Office and project management software.
• Demonstrates knowledge of equality, diversity, and inclusion, embedding these principles into programme delivery.
• Detailed understanding of the NHS regulatory landscape.
• Advanced problem-solving skills in complex healthcare settings.

Personal Attributes

• Resilient, self-motivated, and adaptable to changing demands.
• Collaborative and approachable, with strong stakeholder management skills.
• Compassionate and inclusive leader who fosters collaboration, trust, and team development, acting as a role model for Trust and NHS values.
• Able to work under pressure and meet challenging deadlines.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Associate Director of Strategy & Partnerships