At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the PMO to drive transformative water system reforms and ensure effective project delivery.
- Company: Defra, the UK government department focused on environmental sustainability and food security.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive workplace, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to innovative solutions for our natural environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on vital water reforms that affect everyone in the UK.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and leadership skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 78000 £ per year.
Defra is the UK government department responsible for safeguarding our natural environment, supporting our world‑leading food and farming industry, and sustaining a thriving rural economy. Our broad remit means we play a major role in people's day‑to‑day life, from the food we eat, and the air we breathe, to the water we drink.
In terms of programme and project delivery, Defra has one of the largest and most complicated portfolios in Government. Water is vital for life – clean, freshwater for drinking and sanitation, providing for farms and industry, creating and sustaining the ecosystems on which all life depends. Yet water is a finite natural resource, facing increasing pressures from climate change and population growth. Never before has political, media and public attention been focused on water as it is now. The Independent Water Commission made recommendations for reform of the system. The White Paper sets out the actions now needed to fix the system. This brings a great opportunity, and we have been given a mandate to make some once in a generation changes.
We are seeking a Head of PMO to join the Water System Reform Programme. The programme will deliver White Paper commitments to reform the water system, including an integrated and empowered regulator resetting regulation for the water system, and reforming the water system planning. This is ambitious reform across a complex landscape of regulators, industry and consumer, where the programme will need to achieve cross‑sector coordination and build public trust.
The postholder will have the opportunity to shape and develop the programme set up, including establishing an effective PMO function and team. The Head of PMO is a key leadership role for the Water System Reform Programme. The postholder will be an integral member of divisional SLT and directorate wide people, inclusion and wellbeing groups. The team is part of the Water Reform directorate and works closely with policy, strategy and group corporate services teams leading work across the programme.
The PMO and programme team are responsible for:
- Establishing and operating programme management standards, controls and ways of working across all projects and workstreams, ensuring coherence across projects to deliver the ambition of the reforms.
- Developing and maintaining integrated programme plans, managing programme‑level reporting, providing assurance and quality oversight across the programme and producing briefings and decision papers to support informed decision‑making by the SRO, programme director and senior stakeholders.
- Directing and supporting projects, including through targeted provision of project management support.
- Portfolio‑level reporting on outcomes and targets across the Group.
As Head of PMO for the Water System Reform Programme you will be accountable for establishing and leading the PMO for this major, complex programme. You will define and maintain the standards for project and programme management to enable senior leaders to make informed decisions and the programme to deliver its intended outcomes, benefits and value for money. This includes ensuring robust governance, controls, planning, risk and benefits management, financial and delivery reporting, and assurance mechanisms are in place.
You will be responsible for implementation and sharing of best practice, and the development and application of project procedures, tools and techniques to standardise methodologies. You will provide expert guidance, support and insight on the programme which will be typically moderate to high in complexity and risk, and act as the source of all programme information and metrics. You will lead a small team of project managers to provide targeted, expert support to project teams in establishing, managing and delivering their required outcomes. This role is aligned to the Project Delivery Capability Framework (PDCF).
Responsibilities:
- Lead the PMO in supporting the programme to deliver against this once in a generation reform of the water system, including ministerial visibility of progress and public accountability.
- Lead the PMO to support the programme to deliver against the business case, championing the use of Defra best practice project management standards, frameworks, and processes and alignment with Government standards for project delivery.
- Develop and oversee the programme business case.
- Develop and agree budgets for the project and/or programme.
- Forecast and track costs against agreed budget.
- Oversee identification of project resources, recruitment, deployment, and reassignment of resources throughout the project lifecycle.
- Provide advice on tools and techniques for managing stakeholder relationships.
- Establish processes and standards for effectively managing risks and issues.
- Ensure appropriate governance is in place for the project.
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer.
Grade 6 Head of PMO - Water System Reform Programme employer: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
Defra is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead transformative projects that safeguard the UK's natural environment and enhance public trust in vital water systems. With a strong commitment to employee growth, a collaborative work culture, and a focus on best practices in project management, you will be part of a dedicated team making a meaningful impact on society. Located at the heart of government operations, Defra provides a supportive environment where your contributions directly influence the future of our water resources.
Contact Details:
Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Grade 6 Head of PMO - Water System Reform Programme
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those connected to Defra or the water sector. Attend events, webinars, or even local meet-ups to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Defra's recent projects and initiatives. Show that you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about their mission to reform the water system. Tailor your answers to reflect their values and goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills and experiences align with the Head of PMO role. Use specific examples from your past work to demonstrate your expertise in project management and leadership.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Grade 6 Head of PMO - Water System Reform Programme
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Head of PMO. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what Defra is looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a key leadership role, it’s essential to demonstrate your experience in leading teams and managing complex projects. Share specific examples of how you've successfully guided teams through challenges and achieved results.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. Remember, we want to see your qualifications and experiences without wading through unnecessary fluff!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets into the right hands and helps us keep track of all applicants efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
✨Know Your Water System
Make sure you brush up on the current issues facing the water system in the UK. Understand the recommendations from the Independent Water Commission and how they relate to the role. This will show your genuine interest and help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Head of PMO, you'll need to showcase your leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in complex projects before. Highlight your experience in establishing PMO functions and how you’ve driven project management standards in previous roles.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage risks. Think about past experiences where you had to navigate challenges in project delivery and be ready to discuss your thought process and outcomes.
✨Showcase Stakeholder Management Experience
Stakeholder engagement is crucial for this role. Prepare to discuss how you've effectively managed relationships with various stakeholders in the past. Be specific about the tools and techniques you used to ensure alignment and communication throughout the project lifecycle.
