At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the PMO function for a transformative student record system project.
- Company: Join Cardiff Metropolitan University, a values-driven institution focused on community and inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy 35 days annual leave, pension scheme, and excellent family-friendly policies.
- Other info: Access to top-notch resources and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on student experiences while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Proven PMO experience and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Overview
The Student Record System (SRS) Programme is a multi-year, institution-wide initiative to replace our core student data infrastructure with a modern, integrated suite of best-in-class systems. Spanning a new student record system, admissions platform, international compliance automation, and curriculum management system; all connected through a Central Data Hub. This programme will fundamentally improve how students, staff, and partners experience Cardiff Met.
Responsibilities
- Managing the PMO function across all SRS workstreams, ensuring standards, tools, and processes are consistently applied throughout the programme lifecycle.
- Maintaining and developing the integrated programme plan, proactively identifying interdependencies, conflicts, and critical path risks.
- Managing the programme-level RAID log, ensuring risks, issues, assumptions, and dependencies are identified, updated, escalated, and resolved in a timely manner.
- Producing high-quality programme reports for the Programme Board, senior sponsors, and the University's Executive Group, covering progress, financial monitoring, and risk.
- Centrally co-ordinating the programme's change control process, ensuring all proposed changes to scope, cost, or timeline are properly assessed, documented, and approved in line with governance arrangements.
- Supporting the Programme Manager in resource and capacity planning activity across the programme team.
What You'll Bring
You will bring proven PMO experience from within a large-scale transformation programme, with a thorough understanding of programme governance, integrated planning, and RAID management. Your analytical instincts will help you spot emerging risks early, while your communication skills will enable you to translate complex programme information into clear, concise reporting for senior stakeholders. Organised, methodical, and collaborative by nature, you will be comfortable operating across technical, operational, and strategic stakeholder groups. You will have the confidence to maintain governance standards under pressure and the interpersonal skills to build effective working relationships across a complex, multi-disciplinary programme team.
You Will Also Have
- Demonstrable experience maintaining integrated programme plans and managing interdependencies across multiple concurrent workstreams.
- Experience producing clear, accurate, and timely programme reports for senior stakeholders and board-level audiences.
- Excellent working knowledge of programme and project management tools (e.g. MS Project, SharePoint, or equivalent).
Why join Cardiff Metropolitan University?
We are a values-based University. We are proud of our culture, and we are there for our people. Our community spirit is the golden thread that underpins our values and behaviours. We support and embrace inclusion that enables everyone to feel respected and able to perform at their best. By joining our University, you'll find yourself in a unique environment where a wealth of knowledge and resources are readily available, supporting you with your career development.
Annual leave of 35 days, plus 12 bank holiday / concessionary days (pro rata if part time). Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme with generous monthly contributions. Excellent family friendly policies - take a look on our Policy Hub page. Opportunities to learn and develop your skills with access to library and digital services facilities. Excellent sports and fitness facilities with subsidised membership. Free family access to our independent specialist wellbeing support provider, Health Assured.
Contact Us
For more information about the role please contact Graham Bayliss on gbayliss@cardiffmet.ac.uk. All applications must be submitted online. The person specification will be used as a tool for shortlisting; so please make sure you use this information when writing your application. You can find useful hints and tips about how to apply by visiting our Application Guidance page.
Programme Management Office (PMO) Lead (SRS) employer: Cardiff Metropolitan University
Cardiff Metropolitan University is an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and inclusive work culture, prioritising the well-being and professional growth of its staff. With generous annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and access to excellent development resources, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles while contributing to meaningful projects that enhance the student experience. Located in a vibrant city, the university offers unique opportunities for collaboration across diverse teams, making it an ideal place for those seeking a rewarding career in education.
Contact Details:
Cardiff Metropolitan University Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Management Office (PMO) Lead (SRS)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Cardiff Met on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the SRS Programme details. Understand the key components and challenges, so you can showcase how your PMO experience aligns perfectly with their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've managed risks and interdependencies in past projects. This will help you demonstrate your analytical instincts and communication prowess.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Cardiff Met community.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Management Office (PMO) Lead (SRS)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know the Role Inside Out:Before you start writing, make sure you really understand what the PMO Lead role involves. Dive into the job description and highlight key responsibilities and skills. This will help us see how your experience aligns with what we're looking for.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Use specific examples from your past experiences that relate directly to the responsibilities mentioned in the job description. This shows us you’re not only interested but also a great fit for the role.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant. We want to easily understand your qualifications and how you can contribute to our team.
Check Your Details:Before hitting submit, double-check your application for any typos or errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is super important for a PMO Lead. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cardiff Metropolitan University
✨Know Your PMO Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of PMO principles, especially in the context of large-scale transformation programmes. Brush up on your knowledge of integrated planning and RAID management, as these will be key topics during your interview.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked about how you've handled risks and interdependencies in past projects. Prepare specific examples that showcase your analytical skills and ability to produce clear reports for senior stakeholders. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since the role requires translating complex information into concise reporting, practice explaining technical concepts in simple terms. This will demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholder groups, which is crucial for the PMO Lead position.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Tools
Be ready to discuss your experience with programme and project management tools like MS Project or SharePoint. If you have any certifications or training in these tools, make sure to highlight them, as they can set you apart from other candidates.
