At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and implementation of a PMO function from scratch in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join emagine, a high-end consultancy transforming the financial services sector.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid working, and a focus on professional growth.
- Why this job: Drive meaningful change and influence senior stakeholders in a fast-paced setting.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in PMO leadership with strong stakeholder management skills.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and be part of a supportive team culture.
PMO Lead £600-650pd Inside IR35 Hybrid working 3-4 days on site, London Initial 6 month project. emagine is a high-end professional services consultancy and solutions firm specialising in providing business and technology services to the financial services sector. We power progress, solve challenges, and deliver real results through tailored high-end consulting services and solutions. We have created a culture of openness and integrity by building genuine and strong relationships and partnerships, enabling us to be uncompromising in our dedication to delivering the optimal service for our clients. Our commitment is not just towards our clients - we aim to foster a positive and equitable working environment with our consultants and colleagues, which stems from our core values: Confident, Dedicated, Responsible, Genuine.
We are seeking an experienced PMO Lead to design, establish, and embed a PMO function from the ground up within a fast-paced, complex organisation operating in a trading/operationally intensive environment. This is a greenfield role: there is currently a minimal PMO structure. The successful Consultant will thrive on ambiguity, enjoy driving behavioural change, and have the credibility to influence senior stakeholders while rolling up their sleeves to build practical PMO foundations.
Key Responsibilities- PMO Strategy & Governance
- Design and implement a PMO function from scratch, including governance frameworks, delivery standards, and controls.
- Define, formalise, and continuously improve the project life cycle, methodologies, and ways of working.
- Establish transparency across delivery through clear reporting, dashboards, and governance forums.
- Ensure projects comply with agreed standards while remaining pragmatic and value-focused.
- Provide senior-level oversight across technology and change initiatives.
- Track delivery progress, risks, dependencies, and issues across the portfolio.
- Introduce and maintain core PMO artefacts (eg RAID logs, plans, status reports, stakeholder matrices, communication plans).
- Drive consistency where delivery is currently fragmented and Excel-driven.
- Introduce capacity planning, resource allocation, and demand management.
- Establish financial tracking and budget governance (with scalability as the portfolio evolves).
- Support leadership with clear insight into delivery health, constraints, and trade-offs.
- Partner with senior leadership, business units, and technology teams to align delivery with strategic goals.
- Influence stakeholders who may not be accustomed to structured PMO governance.
- Embed accountability and ownership across delivery teams.
- Act as a trusted advisor, balancing empathy with assertiveness to drive behavioural change.
- This role goes beyond process design. Success depends on:
- Embedding new ways of working, not just defining them.
- Socialising PMO concepts and value across diverse teams and working styles.
- Handling resistance constructively - adapting approach when stakeholders don't change first time.
- Gaining senior sponsorship and bringing leadership on the journey.
- Translating structure into outcomes without creating unnecessary bureaucracy.
- 5+ years' experience in PMO leadership, portfolio management, or complex change delivery.
- Proven experience designing, implementing, and improving PMO functions or delivery life cycles.
- Strong background in regulated, structured, or high-risk environments (eg trading, financial services, commodities, or similar).
- Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at senior levels.
- High emotional intelligence - able to balance empathy with firmness.
- Comfortable working through ambiguity and driving change without formal authority.
- Someone who loves the challenge of transformation and change management.
- A practical PMO leader who can build artefacts and shift behaviours.
- A communicator who can articulate value, manage resistance, and bring people with them.
- A leader who can design today, implement tomorrow, and improve continuously.
Interested? At emagine, we are committed to building an international and diverse team by embracing our different backgrounds. If you are up to the challenge and would like to find out more, get in touch with us immediately, our internal recruitment team is always keen to hear from dynamic individuals that are looking to further their career and explore their full potential. emagine is an equal opportunity employer, and employment practices are based strictly on merit. It is the policy of the Company to give equal opportunity in employment regardless of sex, sexual orientation, marital status, race, age, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, religion or ethnic origin.
Lead PMO Consultant (h / f) employer: emagine
Contact Detail:
emagine Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead PMO Consultant (h / f)
✨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 PMO Lead role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company culture and values. At emagine, they value openness and integrity, so be ready to showcase how you embody these traits in your work.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your adaptability! In a fast-paced environment, being able to thrive on ambiguity is key. Share examples of how you've successfully navigated change and influenced stakeholders in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining the emagine team.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead PMO Consultant (h / f)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in PMO leadership and change management. We want to see how your skills align with the specific needs of this role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Soft Skills: Since this role requires strong stakeholder management and emotional intelligence, be sure to include examples that demonstrate your ability to influence and communicate effectively. We love seeing candidates who can balance empathy with assertiveness!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make your key achievements stand out. We appreciate clarity and want to quickly understand how you can add value to our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This way, you’ll ensure it reaches the right people and gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at emagine
✨Understand the PMO Landscape
Before your interview, dive deep into the PMO function and its significance in a trading environment. Familiarise yourself with governance frameworks and delivery standards that are crucial for the role. This knowledge will help you articulate how you can design and implement a PMO from scratch.
✨Showcase Your Change Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully driven behavioural change in previous roles. Highlight your ability to influence stakeholders and manage resistance. This is key for a role that requires embedding new ways of working, so be ready to discuss specific strategies you've used.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Engagement
Think about how you can effectively communicate with senior leadership and diverse teams. Prepare to discuss your approach to building relationships and ensuring alignment with strategic goals. Being able to convey your value as a trusted advisor will set you apart.
✨Be Ready for Ambiguity
Since this is a greenfield role, expect questions about how you handle uncertainty. Share experiences where you've thrived in ambiguous situations and successfully implemented structured processes. This will show your adaptability and readiness to tackle challenges head-on.