Head; Project Management Office

The University of Nottingham in Malaysia Sdn Bhd; Broga; On-site; MYR 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international educational institution in Broga, Malaysia is seeking a Head of the Project Management Office (PMO). This role involves providing strategic leadership, ensuring robust project governance, and managing a broad project portfolio. The ideal candidate will have over 15 years of experience in project management, proven leadership skills, and excellent stakeholder communication abilities. The position also includes developing training programs to uplift project management capabilities. Applications are due by 15 December 2025.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in project and programme management.
• Proven experience in developing project governance frameworks and methodologies.
• Experience in designing and delivering project management training and workshops.

Responsibilities

• Operationalise the university's central PMO function and ensure project governance.
• Maintain the university's strategic portfolio and manage PMO maturity uplift initiatives.
• Provide independent assurance and prepare consolidated portfolio reports.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Problem-solving

Excellent communication

Collaboration

Education

Formal project management qualification (e.g., PMP, PgMP)

Postgraduate degree or equivalent professional qualification

Tools

Project portfolio management (PPM) software

Job description

Head of the Project Management Office (PMO)

All applications will be treated in strict confidence and only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

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Job Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership
  • Operationalise the university's central PMO function, its mission, services and operating model.
  • Ensure robustness of project governance framework, including gated approval processes, reporting standards and risk management protocols.
  • Act as a trusted advisor to the Planning and Resource Committee (PaRC) on project portfolio management, prioritisation and strategic alignment.
• Portfolio Management & Governance
  • Maintain the university's strategic portfolio, providing a holistic view of all strategic initiatives.
  • Ensure consistent application of project management methodologies (e.g., PMBOK, Agile, Hybrid) and tools across the university.
  • Lead PMO maturity uplift initiatives, including frameworks, templates and continuous improvement practices.
• Project Assurance & Reporting
  • Provide independent assurance and health checks on high-value or high-risk projects.
  • Prepare consolidated portfolio reports for PaRC providing clear insights into performance, risks and benefits realisation.
  • Prepare high-quality executive communication materials, dashboards and governance papers.
  • Monitor project budgets, timelines and resource utilisation, flagging deviations and recommending corrective actions.
• Capability Building & Stakeholder Management
  • Manage a community of practice for project management, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional excellence.
  • Identify training needs and develop/deliver training programmes to uplift project management capability across professional services staff/academics.
  • Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key stakeholders at all levels to drive engagement and secure buy‑in for the PMO's mission.
• Tooling & Continuous Improvement
  • Evaluate, select and implement appropriate project portfolio management (PPM) software to support the PMO's functions.
  • Continuously review and improve PMO processes, templates, and tools to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Job Requirements

• Essential Qualifications & Experience
  • A formal project management qualification (e.g., PMP, PgMP).
  • Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in project and programme management as a Head or Senior role with proven leadership in PMO functions.
  • Proven experience in developing and implementing project governance frameworks, methodologies and tools in a complex organisation.
  • Demonstrable experience in portfolio management, including prioritisation, resource allocation and benefits realisation management.
  • Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage senior executives.
  • Experience designing and delivering project management training, workshops and capability programmes.
• Desirable
  • A postgraduate degree or equivalent professional qualification.
  • Experience with working across higher education and/or complex organisations.
  • Experience with organisational change management methodologies.
  • Familiarity with a variety of project management methodologies (Waterfall, Agile, Scrum).
• Knowledge, Skills & Attributes
  • Strategic Thinker: Able to align project outcomes with broad organisational strategy.
  • Leader & Influencer: A natural leader who can build credibility, inspire others, and drive change without direct authority.
  • Excellent Communicator: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, capable of conveying complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
  • Problem Solver: Analytically minded with a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating risks.
  • Resilient & Adaptable: Able to navigate ambiguity and thrive in a dynamic, multi‑stakeholder environment.
  • Collaborative: A team player who builds strong, cooperative relationships across academic and administrative functions.

Application

Interested applicants may submit a Cover Letter and an updated Curriculum Vitae to Recruitment by 15 December 2025.

Ref No: PMO-251233-1

Posted on 1st December 2025