At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead IT delivery and governance for our innovative iHub platform programme.
- Company: Join DS Smith, a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team driving positive change in the packaging industry.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment focused on sustainability.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and data analysis, ideally with Power BI.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Here at DS Smith, we are looking for an experienced Project Manager / PMO Analyst on an initial 6 month FTC contract.
About the Role
We are looking for a highly organised and detail-oriented Project Manager / PMO Analyst to support the Applications & Services I&T function in delivering our iHub platform programme. This role is central to ensuring strong governance, effective programme coordination, and high-quality delivery across a complex portfolio of work. You will play a key role in maintaining programme structure and oversight—ensuring that governance processes are clearly documented and consistently followed, deliverables are signed off appropriately, and all supporting evidence is accurately recorded and stored. Alongside this, you will support resource and access management, helping to ensure that both internal teams and external suppliers are enabled to deliver effectively.
As a trusted PMO partner, you will monitor programme progress, track key risks and dependencies, and produce high-quality reporting for governance forums such as Programme Board and Steering Committee meetings. You will analyse data to identify insights, opportunities for optimisation, and areas requiring attention from senior stakeholders. This role requires someone who can confidently operate at both a strategic and operational level—someone who understands the “big picture” of programme delivery while maintaining a sharp focus on detail. You will be a strong multitasker with excellent communication skills, able to collaborate across project teams, suppliers, and senior leadership.
You will also contribute to the continued development of the I&T delivery capability, supporting broader activities such as portfolio management and resource planning, and helping to embed consistent ways of working across the function.
Key Responsibilities
- Support programme governance by preparing reports and materials for key forums (Programme Board, Steering Committee, Supplier Board) and capturing meeting outcomes.
- Ensure governance standards, controls, and processes are consistently followed and maintained.
- Manage and maintain key programme controls, including RAID logs, change control, and delivery plans.
- Coordinate milestone sign-off and ensure all deliverables are properly documented with supporting evidence.
- Oversee resource onboarding, including supplier engagement, access, and equipment requirements.
- Support supplier management processes, including invoice approvals, SLA tracking, and compliance with contractual requirements.
- Produce clear and engaging internal programme communications.
- Collaborate with Project Managers and supplier leads to ensure consistency in reporting, documentation, and delivery approach.
- Support the preparation of senior stakeholder presentations and programme updates.
- Contribute to wider I&T Delivery activities, including portfolio and resource management.
About you
You will ensure the agreed project management methods, standards and processes are maintained throughout the projects lifecycle. Advise and assist project managers and team members in the application of project procedures, disciplines and recording and reporting standards and the use of Planview. Guide the Group IT Project Managers in the Framework and Project Management. Active role in the development of I&T Delivery and roadmap activities. Develop and implement appropriate procedures to ensure governance and standards are aligned. Co-ordinate the production of all reports and produce portfolio summary reports. Maintain portfolio risk and issue logs and change control records. Develop and support effective communication mechanisms in IT Delivery team. Maintain the portfolio documentation and minutes of project review board meetings. Monitor projects in the portfolio—milestone schedule commitments, resource commitments—and collect project information to update the portfolio. Distribute project portfolio information to executive management, directors, and other key personnel. Work with project managers to translate portfolio decisions to appropriate plans for and execution of the project.
Minimum requirements:
- Experienced Project Manager / PMO Analyst, ideally within IT programmes but this is not mandatory.
- Expert knowledge on data analysis – particularly using Power BI and ideally Planview (but this is also not mandatory).
- Experience of working across multiple projects and portfolios.
- Experience creating Project Plans, Delivery Roadmaps, facilitating workshops to align stakeholders.
- Experience working in environments where Delivery and Project plans need to be shaped.
- Producing high quality artefacts to support plans that have been created.
About us
We are DS Smith, together with International Paper, we are a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions and other fibre-based products. We believe a better, more sustainable tomorrow is possible with the right people, who challenge and support one another to enact positive change. We employ more than 60,000 colleagues in North America and Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), who are experts in innovation, manufacturing, design, sales, sustainability, supply chain, and much more. Together with our customers, we make the world safer and more productive, one sustainable packaging solution at a time. Become part of a world-leading organisation and do your best work with us!
To fulfil our purpose of redefining packaging for a changing world, we aim to build a diverse, motivated, and engaged workforce. Our goal is to create a culture of inclusion where everyone is treated fairly, differences are valued, and everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed. Our people come from diverse backgrounds, bring different perspectives, ideas and experiences to generate unique solutions focused on present and future sustainability challenges. We welcome all candidates to apply, even those not meeting all criteria.
PMO Lead – IT Delivery & Governance in City of Westminster employer: DS Smith Europe
At DS Smith, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous development opportunities and a focus on sustainability, making our workplace not only rewarding but also meaningful. Join us in our mission to redefine packaging for a changing world, where your contributions will be valued and recognised in a diverse and inclusive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PMO Lead – IT Delivery & Governance in City of Westminster
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their iHub platform programme and think about how your skills as a PMO Lead can contribute to their goals. Tailor your responses to show you understand their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a PMO Lead, you'll need to convey complex information clearly. Try mock interviews with friends or use online resources to refine your pitch and ensure you can articulate your experience effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining DS Smith and being part of our mission for sustainable packaging solutions.
We think you need these skills to ace PMO Lead – IT Delivery & Governance in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in project management and governance. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills—demonstrate them! Provide examples of how you've successfully managed projects, coordinated teams, or improved processes in previous roles. We want to see your impact!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use bullet points where possible and avoid jargon. We appreciate clarity, especially when it comes to complex topics like programme delivery.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at DS Smith Europe
✨Know Your Governance Inside Out
Make sure you understand the governance processes and standards that DS Smith follows. Be ready to discuss how you've maintained governance in past projects, and prepare examples of how you've documented and followed these processes.
✨Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills
Since data analysis is key for this role, brush up on your skills with tools like Power BI. Prepare to discuss specific instances where your data insights led to optimisation or risk mitigation in previous projects.
✨Prepare for Multi-Project Scenarios
This role involves juggling multiple projects, so be ready to share your experience managing various portfolios. Think of examples where you coordinated resources and ensured deliverables were met across different teams.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Strong communication is crucial for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing complex project details. Prepare to demonstrate how you've effectively communicated with stakeholders and facilitated workshops in the past.
