PMPMO Specialist Defence & Security Consultant Analyst

PA Consulting; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consulting firm in the UK seeks a PMO Specialist to manage complex projects in a collaborative, hybrid environment. The role requires strong project management skills, the ability to engage stakeholders, and a background in delivering projects on time using various methodologies. Benefits include health perks, annual leave, and a generous pension scheme.

Benefits

Health and lifestyle perks

25 days annual leave

Generous company pension scheme

Annual performance-based bonus

Qualifications

• Sole British nationality required for secure client work.
• Track record of delivering complex projects on time.
• Strong expertise with project management methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with teams to ensure project delivery.
• Develop and execute project plans aligning with client goals.
• Identify and manage project risks and issues.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Project Management certifications

Tools

Agile methodologies

Waterfall methodologies

Job description

Overview

Are you a collaborative problem‑solver who loves creating insights that help organisations improve their agility in a rapidly changing world?

Our Major Programme Services (MPS) team is looking for exceptional PMO Specialists.

As part of PAs Delivery stream PAs Centre of Excellence for all project programme and portfolio capability MPS works across Defence major projects & infrastructure transport energy and utilities and the public sector in client‑facing roles on long‑term experienced repeated successes in delivering value and excellence for our clients most of whom are within daily commuting range from home we are in high demand and are now expanding further across the UK.

Role

As a Project Manager / PMO specialist you will play a pivotal role in guiding and executing complex projects and programmes using your expertise in planning & scheduling risk benefits managing budgets etc. You use your analytical skills to create insightful reports to guide decision making and create extra value for our clients. Your strengths in engaging with people gathering information and making sense of complicated situations will be key. A strong PMO can be a force multiplier by tailoring the key P3M processes to suit a specific task and you will do this to help deliver more successful outcomes.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to work in a collaborative and innovative environment shaping projects and programmes that drive meaningful impact.

Location

Hybrid working – our approach is to be in the office or on client site a minimum of 2 days per week. However the actual time you spend and where you spend it will vary by role or assignment including up to 5 days per week on a client site. Client locations include:

• Bristol
• Andover
• Portsmouth
• Cardiff
• Swindon
• Cheltenham

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with cross‑functional project teams to ensure the successful delivery of projects from initiation to closure.
• Develop and execute project plans defining scope goals deliverables resources and timelines while ensuring alignment with client objectives.
• Apply a variety of project management methodologies (Agile Waterfall etc.) as appropriate to different project contexts tailoring your approach to meet client needs.
• Identify and manage project risks issues and dependencies implementing mitigation strategies to ensure project success.
• Foster strong long‑term client relationships by maintaining regular communication managing expectations and providing transparent project status updates.
• Monitor project budgets and resource allocation ensuring efficient utilisation of resources while adhering to financial targets.
• Implement effective change management strategies to facilitate smooth project transitions and adoption of new solutions within client organisations.
• Undertake stakeholder engagement activities facilitating collaboration and communication among all project participants.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior team members fostering their professional growth and development.

Qualifications

• Sole British nationality is a must as this role will involve working with secure clients. Ideally you will possess a track record of working with secure clients.
• Experience in project management consulting / PMO or related roles demonstrating a successful track record of delivering complex projects on time and within scope.
• Strong expertise in applying various project management methodologies and tools adapting them to diverse project contexts.
• Proven ability to work with cross‑functional teams motivating team members to achieve project goals.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field; advanced degree or certification in Project Management (PMP PRINCE2 Agile etc.) is highly desirable.
• Exceptional communication skills both written and verbal with the ability to present complex information to clients and stakeholders in a clear and concise manner.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to identify and solve problems make informed decisions and manage project risks effectively.
• Strong interpersonal skills enabling successful collaboration with clients team members and stakeholders at all levels.

Benefits

• Health and lifestyle perks accompanying private healthcare
• 25 days annual leave (plus a bonus half day on Christmas Eve) with the opportunity to buy 5 additional days
• Generous company pension scheme
• Opportunity to get involved with community and charity‑based initiatives
• Annual performance‑based bonus
• PA share ownership
• Tax‑efficient benefits (cycle to work give as you earn)

Equal Opportunity

We are committed to advancing equality. We recruit retain reward and develop our people based solely on their abilities and contributions and without reference to their age background disability genetic information parental or family status religion or belief race ethnicity nationality sex sexual orientation gender identity (or expression) political belief veteran status or other by any other range of human difference brought about by identity and experience. We welcome applications from underrepresented groups.

Apply

Apply today by completing our online application.