At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and build a PMO for a major bank's transformation programme.
- Company: Join a leading UK bank driving a £500m transformation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, private health cover, and hybrid working.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to shape governance and delivery standards.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-visibility role at the Board level.
- Qualifications: 12–18 years in programme management with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 140000 - 175000 £ per year.
About NextStep
NextStep connects top consulting talent with high-potential opportunities through smart, AI-powered matching. We partner with ambitious companies across sectors to place experienced professionals in roles where they can have a real impact.
About the Company
Our client is a major UK bank headquartered in London, currently executing a £500m, five-year strategic transformation programme spanning technology modernisation, regulatory compliance, and operating model redesign. With delivery accountability dispersed across multiple business divisions and technology functions, the bank is building a dedicated PMO function to improve governance, reporting, and delivery discipline across the programme. The PMO Director will report to the Group COO and will have significant visibility at the Board level.
The Role
As PMO Director, you will build and lead the group transformation PMO from the ground up, establishing governance frameworks, reporting cadences, and delivery standards that provide the COO and Board with reliable, real-time insight into programme performance. You will lead a team of programme managers and analysts, manage relationships with delivery leads across the bank, and act as the authoritative voice on programme health.
What You'll Do
- Design and implement the PMO operating model, including governance frameworks, reporting standards, and programme methodology.
- Build and lead a team of 8–12 programme managers, business analysts, and reporting leads.
- Maintain a consolidated view of programme status, risks, dependencies, and financials across all transformation workstreams.
- Produce monthly programme performance reports for the Group COO, ExCo, and Board Risk Committee.
- Drive delivery discipline and accountability across the programme, challenging workstream leads and escalating issues where needed.
What We're Looking For
- 12–18 years of experience in programme management, PMO leadership, or transformation delivery, with direct experience building or leading a large PMO function.
- Deep expertise in programme governance, reporting, and risk management in a complex, regulated environment.
- Strong leadership and influencing skills, able to build credibility with senior technical and business stakeholders.
- Experience in financial services, ideally within a large bank or insurer.
- P3O, MSP, or PgMP certification is desirable.
Compensation & Benefits
- Base salary of £140,000 – £175,000, depending on experience.
- Annual discretionary bonus.
- Defined contribution pension with a generous employer contribution.
- Private health cover, 28 days holiday, and hybrid working from London.
How to Apply
To be considered for this role, please create your profile at getnextstep.com. Once your profile is complete, our matching system will evaluate your background against the role criteria and match you with the company if it's a strong fit. No cover letter required. This role is listed by NextStep on behalf of our client. All applications are handled with confidentiality.
PMO Director in London employer: GetNextStep
Contact Detail:
GetNextStep Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PMO Director in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work in financial services or have experience with PMOs. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its transformation programme. Understand their challenges and think about how your experience can help them succeed. We want you to shine when you get that interview!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've built teams and driven delivery discipline in past roles. This is your chance to demonstrate that you're the authoritative voice they need.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website at getnextstep.com! Completing your profile there helps us match you with the right opportunities, making it easier for you to land that PMO Director role.
We think you need these skills to ace PMO Director in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft Your Profile Thoughtfully: Take your time to fill out your profile on our website. Highlight your experience in programme management and PMO leadership, as these are key for the PMO Director role. The more detailed and relevant your profile, the better we can match you with the right opportunity!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead a PMO function. Use metrics where possible to show how you've improved governance or delivery standards in previous roles. This will help us see the impact you've made!
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We want to get a sense of who you are beyond just your qualifications. Share your passion for transformation and how you’ve influenced teams in the past. Authenticity goes a long way in making a strong impression!
Keep It Concise: While it’s important to provide detail, make sure your profile is clear and to the point. Avoid unnecessary jargon and focus on what makes you a great fit for the PMO Director role. A well-structured profile helps us quickly understand your strengths!
How to prepare for a job interview at GetNextStep
✨Know Your PMO Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the PMO function and its importance in transformation programmes. Familiarise yourself with governance frameworks, reporting standards, and programme methodologies that are relevant to the role. This will help you speak confidently about how you can build and lead a successful PMO.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a PMO Director, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership and influencing skills. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams or influenced stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you can build credibility with senior technical and business stakeholders in a complex environment.
✨Understand the Financial Services Landscape
Since this role is within a major UK bank, it's crucial to have a solid understanding of the financial services sector. Brush up on current trends, challenges, and regulatory requirements that banks face. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're genuinely interested in the industry.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills. Think of specific situations where you've had to manage risks, dependencies, or financials in a programme. Practising these scenarios will help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.