At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and enhance PMO standards, governance, and reporting in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Fast-moving organisation with ambitious change plans and a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive rate, flexible working (2 days onsite, 3 remote), and potential for extension.
- Other info: Opportunity to build high-performing PMO capability and improve delivery confidence.
- Why this job: Make an immediate impact and shape the PMO approach in a transformative role.
- Qualifications: Proven PMO leadership experience, strong stakeholder management, and ability to thrive in ambiguity.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Location: Southampton (2 Days Onsite / 3 Days Remote)
Duration: 6 Months (Potential Extension)
IR35 Status: Outside IR35
Rate: Competitive (DOE)
Start Date: ASAP
Are you the kind of PMO leader who thrives in ambiguity, brings order to complexity, and knows how to build credibility fast? We're looking for an experienced Interim Head of PMO to step into a fast-moving organisation where portfolio governance, delivery standards, and reporting controls need strengthening — without slowing the business down.
This is not a role for someone who hides behind process. We need an energetic, hands-on leader who can quickly assess the current landscape, introduce the right level of governance, and create a PMO function that enables delivery rather than obstructs it.
You'll be joining a business with ambitious change plans already underway, where stakeholders need a trusted operator who can bring visibility, structure, accountability, and momentum from day one.
What you'll be doing:
- Rapidly assessing the current project and portfolio landscape
- Establishing fit-for-purpose PMO standards, controls, governance, and reporting
- Bringing consistency across delivery teams, programmes, and stakeholders
- Introducing practical portfolio management disciplines that improve visibility and decision-making
- Building executive confidence through clear reporting, prioritisation, and risk management
- Driving accountability while maintaining a collaborative, delivery-focused culture
- Coaching delivery teams and stakeholders on best practice without creating unnecessary bureaucracy
- Operating with pace, urgency, and high energy in a changing environment
What we're looking for:
- Proven experience landing into organisations with low PMO maturity and successfully stabilising delivery environments
- Strong portfolio governance and programme controls expertise
- A pragmatic approach — someone who knows when to introduce process and when to keep things lean
- Excellent stakeholder management skills with the credibility to influence senior leadership
- Comfortable operating in ambiguity and making quick, informed decisions
- High levels of energy, resilience, and personal drive
- A hands-on leadership style with the ability to balance strategic oversight and operational execution
- Experience across complex transformation or change portfolios
Why this role?
This is a genuine opportunity to make an immediate impact. You'll have the autonomy to shape the PMO approach, improve delivery confidence, and leave behind a more mature, scalable change function. If you enjoy stepping into fast-paced environments, bringing clarity where there's chaos, and building high-performing PMO capability quickly — we'd love to hear from you.
Interim Head of PMO in Southampton employer: Chapman Tate Associates
Join a dynamic organisation in Southampton as an Interim Head of PMO, where you'll thrive in a culture that values agility and innovation. With a focus on employee growth and collaboration, this role offers the chance to make a significant impact while enjoying the flexibility of a hybrid work model. You'll be part of a forward-thinking team that encourages hands-on leadership and fosters an environment where your expertise can truly shine.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Head of PMO in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections on LinkedIn or industry events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can get you in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its culture. We want you to walk in with confidence, ready to show how your skills can bring order to their chaos!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You need to be able to articulate your experience and how it aligns with the role. We suggest rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror until it feels natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We believe showing appreciation can set you apart from the competition.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Head of PMO in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your PMO Experience:Make sure to highlight your previous experience in PMO roles. We want to see how you've tackled ambiguity and built credibility in past positions. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to establish governance and improve delivery standards.
Be Energetic and Hands-On:We’re looking for someone who can bring energy to the role. In your application, convey your hands-on leadership style and how you’ve successfully operated in fast-paced environments. Let us know how you balance strategic oversight with operational execution.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Interim Head of PMO role. Mention your pragmatic approach and how you know when to introduce processes without creating unnecessary bureaucracy.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures it gets into the right hands quickly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chapman Tate Associates
✨Know Your PMO Fundamentals
Brush up on your PMO knowledge and be ready to discuss how you've successfully implemented governance and controls in previous roles. Be specific about the frameworks you've used and how they improved project delivery.
✨Showcase Your Adaptability
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to thrive in ambiguous situations. Discuss how you've quickly assessed environments and introduced effective solutions without getting bogged down by unnecessary processes.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your stakeholder management skills by preparing to talk about how you've built credibility with senior leadership. Share stories of how you’ve influenced decision-making and fostered collaboration across teams.
✨Bring Energy and Urgency
This role requires a hands-on leader, so convey your high energy and resilience during the interview. Use examples that illustrate your pace and urgency in driving projects forward, especially in fast-moving environments.
