Head of Strategic Programmes & PMO in Southampton
Head of Strategic Programmes & PMO

Head of Strategic Programmes & PMO in Southampton

Southampton Full-Time 80000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Campbell Chamberlain

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and develop a high-quality PMO capability across strategic initiatives.
  • Company: Dynamic organisation seeking a strategic leader for impactful programme delivery.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a chance to shape the future of the business.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference by translating strategy into action and driving organisational success.
  • Qualifications: Experience in management consultancy and strong PMO leadership skills required.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.

We are supporting our client as they look to appoint a Head of Strategic Programmes & PMO. This is a high-impact role for an individual who combines the structured problem solving of a top-tier management consultant with deep expertise in PMO leadership and programme delivery. The remit is enterprise-wide and the successful candidate will build and lead a PMO capability that supports delivery across the business, helping senior leadership translate strategic priorities into executable plans, robust governance, and consistent cross-functional delivery.

This role is well suited to someone who has worked for a leading management consultancy and has since moved into industry where they have gained first-hand experience driving programmes from the inside.

The opportunity

You will lead the development of a high-quality PMO capability across a broad portfolio of business priorities, bringing clarity, discipline, and momentum to the organisation’s most important initiatives. Working closely with senior leadership, you will help ensure that major programmes are well structured, properly governed, effectively prioritised, and delivered with pace and rigour.

Key responsibilities

  • Build and lead an enterprise PMO across a portfolio of strategic and operational initiatives
  • Translate business priorities into clear programmes, workplans, milestones, ownership, and governance
  • Drive visibility on progress, interdependencies, risks, decisions, and resource requirements
  • Establish practical and effective programme management disciplines without creating unnecessary bureaucracy
  • Support delivery of complex cross-functional initiatives spanning multiple teams and stakeholders
  • Create clear steering, reporting, prioritisation, and escalation mechanisms for senior leadership
  • Improve how programmes are initiated, tracked, and executed across the organisation
  • Act as a trusted partner to senior stakeholders, bringing structure, pace, and sound judgement
  • Embed a culture of accountability, follow-through, and high-quality execution

Candidate DNA

  • Experience in a leading management consultancy
  • Strong PMO leadership and programme management experience in an in-house or operating environment
  • A track record of leading complex, multi-stakeholder, cross-functional initiatives
  • Strong problem solving, planning, governance, and executive communication skills
  • Experience creating structure in ambiguous environments and driving execution against evolving priorities
  • Credibility with senior stakeholders and the confidence to challenge constructively
  • Strong judgement on where rigour adds value and where simplicity is better.

Head of Strategic Programmes & PMO in Southampton employer: Campbell Chamberlain

As a leading employer in the industry, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic work culture that values innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through tailored development programmes and opportunities to lead high-impact initiatives, particularly in our vibrant location that encourages creativity and strategic thinking. Join us to be part of a team that not only drives organisational success but also invests in your professional journey.
Campbell Chamberlain

Contact Detail:

Campbell Chamberlain Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Strategic Programmes & PMO in Southampton

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. A personal recommendation can go a long way in landing that dream role.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its strategic priorities. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in PMO leadership and programme delivery.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your problem-solving skills! Be ready to tackle case studies or situational questions that showcase your structured approach and ability to drive execution in complex environments.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of exciting roles, and applying directly can give you an edge. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for joining our team!

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Strategic Programmes & PMO in Southampton

PMO Leadership
Programme Delivery
Structured Problem Solving
Governance
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Stakeholder Management
Executive Communication
Planning
Risk Management
Resource Management
Initiative Tracking
Accountability
Judgement
Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Head of Strategic Programmes & PMO. Highlight your experience in PMO leadership and programme delivery, and don’t forget to showcase your consultancy background. We want to see how you’ve driven programmes from the inside!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this high-impact role. Share specific examples of how you've translated strategic priorities into executable plans and how you’ve built effective governance structures in previous roles.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, make sure to highlight your structured problem-solving abilities. We’re looking for someone who can bring clarity and discipline to complex initiatives, so share examples of how you’ve tackled challenges in past projects.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!

How to prepare for a job interview at Campbell Chamberlain

✨Know Your PMO Inside Out

Make sure you understand the key principles of PMO leadership and programme delivery. Brush up on your knowledge of governance structures, workplans, and how to drive visibility on progress. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're ready to take on this high-impact role.

✨Showcase Your Consultancy Experience

Since the role requires a blend of consultancy skills and in-house experience, prepare examples from your past roles that highlight your structured problem-solving abilities. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully translated strategic priorities into executable plans in previous positions.

✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Management Skills

This position involves working closely with senior leadership, so be prepared to talk about your experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives. Share specific examples where you've acted as a trusted partner, bringing clarity and structure to challenging situations.

✨Emphasise Your Adaptability

The job description mentions creating structure in ambiguous environments. Prepare to discuss times when you've had to adapt quickly to changing priorities and how you maintained momentum in your projects. Highlight your judgement on balancing rigour and simplicity in your approach.

Head of Strategic Programmes & PMO in Southampton
Campbell Chamberlain
Location: Southampton
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