PMO Manager

NHS; Reading; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization is seeking an experienced PMO Manager to lead the Programme Management Office. You will manage projects aligning with the Trust's strategic objectives, ensuring effective delivery and adherence to robust methodologies. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership and financial management skills, have a postgraduate qualification, and be experienced in managing a PMO within healthcare settings. This role offers the opportunity to drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in managing a PMO or large-scale programmes.
• In-depth knowledge of project management methodologies.
• Proven track record of financial management.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and direction for the PMO.
• Ensure adherence to Trust policies and PMO methodologies.
• Establish governance frameworks for all projects.

Skills

Strong leadership and team management skills

Excellent financial management skills

Highly developed project and programme management skills

Advanced analytical skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Strong organisational skills

Highly skilled in decision-making

Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships

Strong understanding of governance frameworks

Advanced IT skills

Education

Postgraduate education to master's level

Project or programme management qualification (e.g., PRINCE2)

Lean Six Sigma certification

Tools

MS Project

Excel

Power BI

Job description

The PMO Manager is responsible for the overall management of the Programme Management Office (PMO), ensuring the effective delivery of programmes and projects that align with the Trust's strategic objectives. This role involves managing financial and information resources, overseeing governance, and ensuring that robust project management methodologies are applied consistently across the Trust.

Main duties of the job

The PMO Manager will manage PMO Support Officers and will work closely with internal and external stakeholders at all levels to ensure transparency, communication, and alignment. The role demands advanced skills in financial oversight, planning, resource management, stakeholder communication, and the ability to make high-level decisions based on complex analysis and judgement. The PMO Manager will also play a key role in the continuous improvement of the Trust's project management processes and tools, ensuring the efficient and effective delivery of transformation initiatives.

About us

Diversity is what makes us interesting. Inclusion is what will make us outstanding.

Inequality exists and the journey to eliminate it is not easy. Every step we take will be a purposeful step forward to deliver a truly inclusive culture where all our people are enabled to deliver outstanding care, where background is no barrier, and where everyone can be their authentic self and we truly represent our patient community.

We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics. Reasonable adjustments will be made for disabled applicants where possible. All applicants who have a disability and meet the minimum criteria for the post can opt for a guaranteed interview.

If you need additional help with your application please get in touch by calling the recruitment team on 0118 322 6997 or 0118 322 5342.

Our primary method of communication will be via email. However, if you would prefer to be contacted through a different method, please inform the recruitment team.

Job responsibilities

Leadership & PMO Management: Provide overall leadership and direction for the PMO, ensuring alignment with the Trusts strategic priorities. Develop, implement, and maintain standardised PMO tools, processes, and methodologies to support project delivery across the Trust. Line manage PMO staff, including PMO Support Officers, providing guidance, mentorship, and development opportunities. Conduct regular performance appraisals and manage HR-related issues. Ensure the PMO is resourced adequately to meet the demands of the project portfolio, balancing workloads across the team and recruiting new staff as needed. Lead on PMO strategy and policy development, ensuring continuous improvement in PMO operations and promoting best practices. Act as the main point of contact for senior stakeholders, providing updates on PMO activities and acting as an escalation point for any project issues.

Governance & Compliance: Establish and maintain robust governance frameworks for all projects and programmes, ensuring clear lines of accountability and decision-making. Oversee the development of project plans and ensure adherence to Trust policies and PMO methodologies. Ensure all projects have appropriate risk management strategies in place, regularly reviewing risks and issues and escalating where necessary. Lead the change control process for all projects, ensuring that any changes to scope, budget, or timelines are fully assessed and approved by relevant stakeholders. Produce regular governance reports for senior stakeholders, ensuring transparency in project performance, risks, and financial management.

Person Specification

Skills

• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire, motivate, and develop staff. Proven ability to manage multi-disciplinary teams in a high-pressure environment.
• Excellent financial management skills, including the ability to manage budgets, forecast costs, and identify financial risks and efficiencies.
• Highly developed project and programme management skills, with the ability to plan, monitor, and deliver complex programmes to tight deadlines.
• Advanced analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex data, identify trends, and make informed decisions. Strong attention to detail, particularly in the areas of risk, resource allocation, and financial performance.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly to a wide range of audiences, including senior stakeholders and external partners. Skilled in negotiating, influencing, and managing contentious issues.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise work, manage competing demands, and deliver high-quality outcomes in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to create structured plans for the delivery of projects, with clear objectives, timelines, and resource allocations.
• Highly skilled in decision-making, particularly in relation to complex and ambiguous situations. Ability to anticipate problems, assess options, and develop effective solutions.
• Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with stakeholders at all levels, including clinical and non-clinical staff, senior executives, and external partners.
• Strong understanding of governance frameworks, with the ability to ensure compliance with policies, procedures, and best practices in project and programme management.
• Experience in delivering training and development sessions on project management methodologies and tools.
• Advanced IT skills, including the ability to use project management software (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet) and data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI).
• Knowledge of benefits realisation and tracking, with experience in ensuring that projects deliver measurable benefits aligned with organisational objectives.

Experience

• Extensive experience in managing a PMO or leading large-scale, complex programmes and projects, preferably within a healthcare or public sector setting.
• In-depth knowledge of project management methodologies (e.g., PRINCE2, Agile) and governance frameworks.
• Proven track record of financial management, including budget forecasting, cost control, and financial reporting.
• Experience in resource planning and management, including staff and financial resources across multiple projects or programmes.
• Demonstrable experience in leading and managing a team, including line management, performance management, and staff development.
• Significant experience in risk management, change control, and managing project interdependencies.
• Experience working with senior stakeholders, including board-level directors, with evidence of managing relationships and influencing decisions.
• Experience of working in an NHS or healthcare setting with a detailed understanding of the operational and strategic challenges facing the sector.
• Knowledge of NHS financial systems, business case development, and the commissioning process.
• Experience of managing transformation or change programmes in a large, complex organisation.

Education

• Evidence of post graduate education to master's level in or significant equivalent experience relevant to the role
• Recognised project or programme management qualification, such as PRINCE2, MSP (Managing Successful Programmes), or equivalent.
• Evidence of continuous professional development in project and programme management.
• Lean Six Sigma or other continuous improvement certifications.
• Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g., APM, PMI, or equivalent).

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.