PMO Manager in Newcastle upon Tyne

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is the UK government department responsible for safeguarding our natural environment, supporting our world-leading food and farming industry, and sustaining a thriving rural economy. Our broad remit means we play a major role in people's day-to-day life, from the food we eat, and the air we breathe, to the water we drink. Water is a top priority for the Secretary of State, who has been clear that we need to expand our capacity at pace. The Independent Water Commission published its final report in summer 2025 and recommended establishing a new integrated water regulator that combines the functions of Ofwat, the Drinking Water Inspectorate, and the water functions of the Environment Agency and Natural England. The government is committed to responding via a White Paper, ahead of laying landmark reforming legislation in 2026. In addition, important work is underway on the existing projects in Water, which also require close project management.

We are seeking a SEO Senior PMO Support Officer to join the Water Directorate. As a Senior PMO Support Officer, you will maintain and improve project management standards within the Water Directorate. This includes implementing and sharing best practices, as well as developing and applying project procedures, tools, and techniques to standardise methodologies. You will provide expert guidance, support, and insight across the multiple project streams you are working on. You will be a source of all project information and metrics. This role is aligned to the Project Delivery Capability Framework (PDCF). We recognise the challenges that people with (multiple) protected characteristics may experience on the job market and in their career progression. We are fully committed to being an inclusive employer and ensuring equal opportunities. We are keen to make our workforce as diverse as possible, and we hope to attract applications from underrepresented groups.

Lead the PMO to deliver the agreed outcomes within time, cost, and quality constraints, whilst ensuring that the Directorate's projects do the same. Manage the day-to-day operations of the PMO, whilst providing support to both project & wider teams. Build plans, apply appropriate delivery methodologies, set controls, and track & report against milestones. Identify benefits, ensuring they are understood, measured, tracked, owned, monitored, and that there is longer-term delivery of benefits against the business case. Develop effective relationships with key stakeholders both inside and outside the Directorate. Identify and monitor risks & issues. Develop mitigation actions and adhere to escalation routes & processes. Provide reports, support effective governance and decision-making. Support project assurance, audit, and gateway reviews. Establish best practice processes across the Directorate. Be an active member of the Defra Project Delivery Profession Community.