At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and mentor the OPMO team, ensuring effective project delivery and compliance.
- Company: Join Digital Catapult, a top UK workplace focused on innovation and diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, competitive salary, and a commitment to your professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving strategic direction and continuous improvement in project management.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in project management with strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Other info: We celebrate diversity and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
We’re looking for a Head of Operational and Programme Management Office (OPMO) to join our Programme Delivery Team, reporting into the Programme Delivery Director. This is a pivotal leadership position responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of the OPMO as well as the efficiency and compliance of our programmes, projects and delivery operations. This role encompasses the management of ISO 9001 compliance, resource management and comprehensive management reporting ensuring that all projects align with the organisation’s objectives, quality standards and within defined budgets and timelines.
As part of the Programme Delivery management team, you will also work closely with the Heads of Project Resources, Heads of Project Delivery and other senior colleagues to manage appropriate delivery resourcing and adherence to organisational governance frameworks and processes and will manage the OPMO Team.
What you’ll do (Duties)
- Lead, coach, manage and provide mentorship to the PMO Team ensuring effective performance management while promoting a culture of learning, excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Responsible for definition and implementation of all required governance and processes for successful programme, project and operational delivery including monitoring, controlling, and reporting and seeking opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Oversee monitoring and reporting of the portfolio of programme and project contribution to Digital Catapults impact and financial business drivers such as KPIs and financial forecasts adapting content/format for different audiences.
- Lead on reporting relating to resource management, utilisation and time recording.
- Responsible for compliance oversight ensuring adherence to ISO9001 standards, maintaining robust quality management system and leading on continuous improvement initiatives.
- Support and drive implementation of new compliance standards in line with Digital Catapult strategy.
- Act as the primary point of contact for governance, management reporting and compliance, leads organisational change initiatives and provide guidance to the wider organisation.
- Work with Heads of Project Resources to align governance frameworks, templates, tools and processes with project management delivery methodologies to ensure consistent project delivery processes.
- Responsible for the effective operation of the systems and processes that Digital Catapult uses to plan, implement and measure the effective allocation of human resources across the organisation, that leads to accurate project billing.
- Providing guidance/insight on resource planning and management in relation to programme, project and operational delivery ensuring resource allocation is optimised and ensuring the effective use of team members skills and expertise.
- Ensure all delivery activities comply with organisational standards, compliance requirements, and regulatory obligations.
Requirements
- Confident, committed and enthusiastic team leader with proven performance management skills.
- Strong background in project, programme and portfolio management and a proven track record of leading a Programme Management Office function.
- Experience of establishing mechanisms to identify, share and promote best practices and lessons learnt, embedding best practice to support continuous improvement to optimise delivery.
- Previous experience of working with grant funding and commercial funding, governance and demand management.
- Exceptional collaboration, communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Experience identifying and monitoring risks, issues and dependencies.
- Experience planning, developing, maintaining and applying quality management processes compliant with ISO9001. Experience with ISO27001 an advantage.
- Experience establishing protocols to manage and document change requests.
- Experience of MS Dynamics (Project Operations) an advantage.
- Project and/or operational management certification or equivalent is desirable.
Deadline for Applications: 22nd February 2026
Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We recognise and value the advantages and opportunities that come with having people from diverse backgrounds working with us and it is our ambition to build an organisation which is representative and reflective of UK society. We welcome applications from neurodivergent candidates, candidates from minority and underrepresented groups and from candidates with more or less experience, provided the requisite skills can be demonstrated. As members of the Disability Confident Scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy. Please do speak with us about adjustments that could support you through our interview process. Digital Catapult is an equal opportunities employer. We are in the UK’s Top 100 Best Workplaces and placed in the UK’s Best Workplaces in Tech and Large Organisations. Digital Catapult is a Disability Confident Committed Level 1 Employer.
Excellent holiday package: 25 days annual leave.
Head of Operational and Programme Management Office (OPMO) in London employer: Digital Catapult
Contact Detail:
Digital Catapult Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operational and Programme Management Office (OPMO) in London
✨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 job.
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Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or use online resources to refine your answers. The more comfortable you are speaking about your experience and skills, the better you'll perform when it counts.
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Don't forget to apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find and apply for roles that suit your skills. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operational and Programme Management Office (OPMO) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in operational and programme management. We want to see how your skills align with the specific duties mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Leadership Skills: As a pivotal leadership position, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to lead and mentor teams. Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams and driven performance improvements in your previous roles.
Highlight Compliance Experience: Since this role involves ISO 9001 compliance, be sure to mention any relevant experience you have with quality management systems. We’re keen to see how you’ve contributed to maintaining compliance and driving continuous improvement.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Digital Catapult
✨Know Your Governance Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in governance frameworks and ISO 9001 compliance. Brush up on how these standards apply to project management and be ready to discuss how you’ve implemented or improved these processes in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading and mentoring teams. Think about specific situations where you’ve fostered a culture of learning and continuous improvement, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Be Data-Driven
Since the role involves monitoring KPIs and financial forecasts, come prepared with insights on how you’ve used data to drive decisions in past projects. Be ready to discuss how you’ve adapted reporting for different audiences.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration and Communication
This position requires exceptional stakeholder engagement skills. Prepare to share examples of how you’ve successfully collaborated with various teams and managed relationships with senior colleagues to achieve project goals.