PMO Lead – Strategic Programmes

Spectrum Search; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A consulting firm in Milton Keynes is seeking an experienced PMO Lead to oversee project management across multiple programmes. The successful candidate will establish governance structures, ensure adherence to best practices, and mentor team members. A bachelor's degree and significant PMO experience are required. This full-time position demands strong stakeholder management and communication skills, along with expertise in project management tools.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in a senior PMO role across complex, multi-project environments.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills at senior levels.
• Proven ability to implement and evolve PMO tools, templates, and practices.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain governance structures for project delivery.
• Champion PMO processes across the delivery landscape.
• Lead quality assurance through Phase Gate reviews.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Governance frameworks

Project lifecycles

Communication skills

PMO tools implementation

Team mentoring

Process improvement

Risk management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business or related field

Postgraduate qualifications (e.g., MBA)

Tools

Microsoft Office

MS Project

JIRA

Job description

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We are currently recruiting on behalf of a client for a PMO Lead to support a portfolio of high-impact programmes. This role offers a fantastic opportunity to shape and elevate the PMO function within a dynamic and evolving environment, ensuring consistency, governance, and delivery excellence across complex initiatives.

The PMO Lead will be responsible for overseeing the project management office across multiple programmes. This role ensures adherence to governance frameworks, facilitates clear and effective reporting, and supports the delivery of strategic business outcomes. The successful candidate will act as a key advisor to senior leadership, driving operational efficiency and continuous improvement across all PMO functions.

Please note: This role will require travel to client sites around the UK

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain governance structures to support programme and project delivery.
• Guide project teams on best practices in governance and methodology.
• Lead quality assurance through Phase Gate reviews and governance checkpoints.
• Champion PMO processes, tools, and frameworks across the delivery landscape.
• Own and manage reporting cycles for programmes and projects, delivering timely and accurate updates to senior stakeholders.
• Track key performance metrics and proactively flag risks, issues, and opportunities.
• Create and maintain dashboards and executive reporting packs.

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

• Act as a key liaison between delivery teams and senior stakeholders, ensuring alignment and visibility.
• Lead and coordinate PMO forums, steering groups, and governance boards.
• Foster strong working relationships across functions to support delivery objectives.

Process Improvement & Best Practice

• Drive improvements in PMO practices by embedding lessons learned and industry standards.
• Identify opportunities to optimise tools, templates, and frameworks.
• Encourage a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Lead and mentor PMO Analysts and support staff.
• Promote team development through coaching, knowledge sharing, and structured support.
• Support resourcing and planning activities within the PMO function.

Skills & Experience

• Significant experience in a senior PMO role across complex, multi-project environments.
• Deep understanding of governance frameworks, project lifecycles, and assurance processes.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills at senior levels.
• Proven ability to implement and evolve PMO tools, templates, and practices.
• Experience in leading and mentoring teams in a delivery-focused environment.
• Advanced user of Microsoft Office and project management tools (e.g., MS Project, JIRA).
• Recognised certifications in project/programme/PMO management (e.g., PRINCE2, MSP, P3O, PMP).
• Background in business or technology-enabled transformation initiatives.
• Consultancy or fast-paced delivery experience.
• Understanding of risk, issue, change, and benefits management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Project Management, Information Systems, or a related discipline.
• Postgraduate qualifications (e.g., MBA or MSc) and professional certifications are advantageous.
• Ongoing commitment to professional development in PMO and delivery leadership.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Consistent application of governance and reporting standards across programmes.
• High stakeholder satisfaction with PMO services and communication.
• Timely delivery of reports and governance outputs.
• Effective management of risks, issues, and programme assurance reviews.
• Implementation of continuous improvement initiatives.
• Growth and development of PMO team capability.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Project Management

• Industries

  IT Services and IT Consulting

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