Portfolio Management Office (PMO) Director

Page Executive; Newcastle upon Tyne; Hybrid; Confidential; Full time

Job summary

An ambitious organization is seeking a PMO Director to lead strategic initiatives and oversee a large change portfolio. This role involves providing direction to diverse teams, fostering collaboration, and ensuring the delivery of value-driven services. You will be instrumental in promoting a culture of excellence and continuous improvement while managing complex budgets and stakeholder relationships. If you are a forward-thinking leader with a passion for public service and a commitment to driving change, this opportunity offers a chance to make a significant impact in the health sector.

Benefits

27 days annual leave

Excellent pension scheme

Flexible working arrangements

Wellbeing and inclusion networks

NHS Car Lease Scheme

Additional benefits and discounts

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of PMO functions and project management standards.
• Proven ability to inspire teams and foster collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership within a Directorate of delivery and change professionals.
• Ensure the portfolio delivers value for money and aligns with government standards.

Skills

PMO functions

Project management standards

Strategic thinking

Operational leadership

Networking skills

Communication skills

Education

Managing Portfolios Practitioner

P30 Practitioner

Managing Successful Programmes Practitioner

Management of Risk Practitioner

Job description

About Our Client

Join the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) in a leadership position to provide strategic direction and oversight of a large change portfolio as Portfolio Management Office (PMO) Director.

Locations: Any NHSBSA office (Newcastle, Blackpool, Bolton, Eastbourne) with regular travel to Newcastle.

The NHSBSA is an Arm's Length Body of the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), responsible for delivering services that support NHS, Government, and local health priorities. Their purpose is to deliver business service excellence to the NHS to promote longer, healthier lives. Their vision is to be the provider of at-scale business services for health and social care, transforming and delivering these to maximize efficiency and meet customer expectations.

They manage around £100 billion in NHS funds annually, a role that extends beyond financial management to service delivery at a national level. Their values—Collaborative, Adventurous, Reliable, and Energetic (CARE)—are central to their culture. This is an exciting opportunity to join an ambitious, value-driven organization.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership within a Directorate of delivery and change professionals to support the Chief Portfolio Officer in implementing the Directorate's vision and strategic direction.
• Develop and maintain strategic alliances internally and externally to share best practices and ensure effective governance.
• Ensure the portfolio delivers value for money, benefits, and system efficiencies, aligning with government standards and frameworks.
• Oversee assurance processes at decision points and throughout project lifecycles, ensuring compliance with GMPP requirements.
• Lead reviews of projects' relevance based on ROI, value, risk, and strategic alignment.
• Embed data-driven decision-making, using analytics to influence strategy and improve services, focusing on measurable impact.
• Promote a culture of service excellence and continuous improvement within the directorate.
• Support large-scale change initiatives, fostering innovation, stakeholder engagement, and political acumen.
• Build and sustain relationships with external partners, including government departments and authorities.
• Leverage industry networks and best practices to keep the organization aligned with technological and strategic advancements.

Please refer to the full job description in the candidate pack (candidate pack link) for detailed criteria.

The Successful Applicant

The NHSBSA seeks a forward-thinking, collaborative leader to oversee the performance of the change portfolio and lead the Directorate strategy. Leading diverse teams, you will inspire and develop talent, ensuring high engagement and organizational impact. As a senior leader reporting to the Chief Portfolio Officer, you will set a compelling vision and align stakeholders for strategic success.

The essential criteria include:

• Extensive knowledge of PMO functions, senior leadership experience, and expertise in project management standards and frameworks.
• Proven ability to inspire teams, foster collaboration, and promote professional development.
• Strong networking skills and experience in building effective external and internal relationships.
• Strategic thinking, operational leadership, and excellent communication skills.
• Ability to manage conflicting priorities while maintaining focus on strategic goals.

Experience in managing change portfolios, public sector governance, complex budgets, and motivating teams under pressure is essential.

Qualifications required include:

• Managing Portfolios Practitioner or equivalent
• P30 Practitioner or equivalent
• Managing Successful Programmes Practitioner
• Management of Risk Practitioner or equivalent

What's on Offer

Salary: £105,385 - £121,271, depending on experience.

• 27 days annual leave, increasing with service, plus public holidays
• Excellent pension scheme with 23.7% employer contributions
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Wellbeing and inclusion networks
• NHS Car Lease Scheme
• Additional benefits and discounts