Associate Director - PMO in Cardiff

Associate Director - PMO in Cardiff

Cardiff Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Arup

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead PMO services and deliver innovative solutions for complex programmes.
  • Company: Join Arup, a diverse and inclusive company focused on collaboration and growth.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, private medical insurance, and flexible benefits for your wellbeing.
  • Other info: Opportunity for personal and professional development in a dynamic team.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your career in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Strong background in PMO, programme controls, and collaborative leadership skills.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a PMO Service Lead to join our Project and Programme Controls business within our Advisory Portfolio. You will be part of a leadership team working together with a diverse, collaborative group of specialists and responsible for providing high quality guidance and advice to clients. You will deliver outstanding PMO business solutions to our external customers and across Arup internally, working across Arup businesses and focusing on building Arup’s PMO & Programme Controls business, service and capabilities in UKIMEA.

The candidate will have a solid history of designing, establishing and managing P3Os and integrated controls systems, as well as leadership across the broader Project Controls and PMO environment. This position offers scope for significant personal and professional development and a real opportunity to lead the way our PMO team grows and delivers on its objectives.

As an Associate Director (PMO), you will lead the growth and delivery of PMO and P3O services across complex programmes and portfolios. You will build strong client relationships, shape and win new opportunities, and provide strategic leadership on governance, controls, reporting, assurance and decision-making. This includes contributing to business growth through work winning, commercial leadership and continuous improvement in delivery and digital ways of working.

This role will suit someone with a strong track record in PMO, programme controls or portfolio management, who combines technical credibility with commercial judgement, collaborative leadership and a passion for helping clients deliver better outcomes.

  • Leading the design, set-up and delivery of P3O and PMO services across complex portfolios, programmes and projects, including where work is “in-flight”.
  • Bringing strong experience of governance, reporting, controls, assurance and integrated project controls within complex delivery environments.
  • Building trusted relationships with clients and senior stakeholders and translating their needs into effective delivery solutions.
  • Working confidently across major infrastructure, engineering, organisational transformation and change programmes.
  • Leading and developing high-performing teams, growing capability and supporting the development of people and services.

We provide an attractive total reward package that recognises the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. As well as competitive, fair and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all of our members can belong, grow and thrive – through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do. We also provide Private medical insurance, Life assurance, Accident insurance, and Income protection cover. Additionally, you will have access to flexible benefits to support your wellbeing.

Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you’re pregnant or on family leave. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas – this drives our excellence.

Guided by our values and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we create and contribute to equitable spaces and systems, while cultivating a sense of belonging for all.

Closing date: 16th of July

Associate Director - PMO in Cardiff employer: Arup

Arup is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, providing ample opportunities for personal and professional growth. As an Associate Director in PMO, you will benefit from a comprehensive rewards package, including private medical insurance and flexible benefits, while working alongside a diverse team dedicated to delivering impactful solutions across complex programmes. Join us to lead the way in shaping our PMO services and make a meaningful difference in the industry.

Arup

Contact Details:

Arup Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Associate Director - PMO in Cardiff

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 Associate Director - PMO at Arup!

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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 Arup who’s on the lookout for their next Associate Director - PMO 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 Associate Director - PMO role at Arup!

We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director - PMO in Cardiff

PMO Services
P3O Design and Management
Project Controls
Governance
Reporting
Assurance
Integrated Project Controls

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 Arup. 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 Arup

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 Arup. 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!