At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic PMO team to ensure effective programme delivery and governance.
- Company: Join the Animal and Plant Health Agency, a diverse and inclusive workplace.
- Benefits: Enjoy equitable opportunities, professional growth, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible role with opportunities for continuous improvement and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by turning strategy into action in a vital organisation.
- Qualifications: Experience in programme management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 61873 - 75623 £ per year.
Can you bring structure, insight and effective governance to a large and complex programme? Do you thrive on turning strategy into delivery while keeping people focused on outcomes, pace and quality? If so, we would love to hear from you!
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is a brilliant place to work where our people feel valued, have a voice and can be their authentic selves. We value difference and diversity, because it helps us be more innovative and make better decisions. We are dedicated to being an inclusive employer, offering equitable opportunities for all individuals. Our goal is to build a diverse workforce, and we hope to attract applications from all backgrounds and underrepresented groups.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Programme Management Office (PMO) Manager to lead a large, complex APHA programme. You will establish proportionate standards, controls and reporting to ensure delivery is well governed, transparent and focused on agreed outcomes. This leadership role, within our Change Directorate, will provide senior leaders with reliable management information, clear escalation routes and evidence for timely decisions, while keeping the programme aligned with APHA and Defra Group priorities.
Working with the Senior Responsible Owner, Programme Manager and key stakeholders, you will provide PMO advice, insight, assurance and challenge throughout the programme lifecycle, from business case development through delivery and change readiness to benefits realisation. You will provide leadership and develop the PMO team, providing effective planning, governance, reporting, risk, dependency, benefits, resource, financial and assurance support. This is a varied role, and you will have the flexibility to turn your hand to different tasks as the situation demands.
The key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Programme and team leadership - Lead the PMO function and develop its team, setting clear standards, priorities, ways of working and expectations across the programme.
- Programme controls - Establish and improve proportionate controls for plans, milestones, dependencies, risks, issues, decisions, change, benefits, resources, finances and reporting, aligned with APHA's Central Portfolio Management Office.
- Governance and assurance - Maintain effective governance, prepare decision‑making products and coordinate assurance, including gateway or independent reviews where required.
- Planning and reporting - Oversee integrated plans, milestone reporting, dashboards and performance information, giving senior leaders a clear view of progress, risks and decisions required.
- Risk, issue and dependency management - Set standards for identifying, managing and escalating risks, issues and dependencies, linking them to decisions and delivery plans.
- Business cases and benefits - Support the creation and maintain business cases and approvals, identify and track benefits and outcomes, and provide evidence for prioritisation and investment decisions.
- Financial and resource management - Coordinate budgets, forecasts, actuals and resource information with finance, digital delivery and workforce planning colleagues to support effective deployment of people and funding.
- Stakeholder engagement - Build strong relationships with stakeholders, delivery partners and corporate functions, providing practical support, challenge and insight that enables delivery.
- Continuous improvement - Improve PMO processes, products and reporting, sharing learning and good practice across APHA's delivery community.
- Delivery support - Provide credible, pragmatic support that turns strategy into delivery and maintains focus on outcomes, pace and quality.
Programme Management Office Manager employer: Animal & Plant Health Agency
The Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA) is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values collaboration and professional growth. Located in Weybridge, employees benefit from a dynamic environment where they can engage in meaningful work that contributes to public health and safety, alongside opportunities for learning and development in a well-structured administrative role.
Contact Details:
Animal & Plant Health Agency Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Management Office Manager
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Programme Management Office Manager at Animal & Plant Health Agency!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Animal & Plant Health Agency or be willing to refer you for that Programme Management Office Manager position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Animal & Plant Health Agency who’s on the lookout for their next Programme Management Office Manager star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Programme Management Office Manager role at Animal & Plant Health Agency!
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Management Office Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Animal & Plant Health Agency. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Animal & Plant Health Agency
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Animal & Plant Health Agency. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
