At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic PMO team to drive impactful projects and ensure effective governance.
- Company: Join the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, promoting UK interests globally.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Embrace a supportive environment with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a difference in global challenges while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in programme management and strong stakeholder engagement skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 € per year.
On behalf of FCDO, we are looking for a Head of PMO (Inside IR35) for a 12 month contract. This is a hybrid working role (up to two days per week office based - East Kilbride).
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) pursues our national interests and projects the UK as a force for good in the world. We promote the interests of British citizens, safeguard the UK's security, defend our values, reduce poverty, and tackle global challenges with our international partners.
Job Purpose
Joining Rosa Service as Head of PMO you will be responsible for leading a collection of projects that contribute to the delivery of the Rosa Service objectives and will define and maintain the standards for project management within the Rosa Service Organisation.
SC Clearance is an essential requirement for this role; as a minimum you must be eligible and willing to undergo these checks. Please note, due to the exceptional requirements of this position (short-term nature of this role and speed at which we require a postholder in situ) preference may be given to candidates who meet all of the essential criteria and hold active security clearance.
Responsibilities
- Lead the PMO team and Delivery managers to implement the change programme.
- In collaboration with senior leaders including Product Managers, Architects, Technical Leads, commercial and finance, you will support programme governance to ensure effective management and value for money.
- Deliver precise reports to ensure that the RSO service director and Rosa oversight governance remain well-informed.
- Responsible for the prioritisation and effective allocation of resources across the portfolio to ensure effective governance, and supporting high-quality program delivery across a diverse and complex change portfolio.
- Proven experience in leading programme or portfolio management in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment.
- Deep understanding of governance frameworks, delivery assurance, and public sector programme lifecycles.
- Confident in engaging, facilitating and negotiating with senior individuals, building strong relationships and effective processes to advance shared objectives to meet tight and fast-moving deadlines.
- Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills — able to influence at senior management and executive level with clear reporting on progress.
- Strategic mindset with a passion for IT service delivery outcomes.
- Have an in-depth knowledge of Agile and other methodologies.
- Expert project management reporting, preferably with experience on Atlassian project tools (Jira, Confluence).
- Experience of working in an IT Service Environment.
- Understanding of working across Government and public service.
Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.
Disability Confident
As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, FCDO guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.
Armed Forces Covenant / Commitment
FCDO guarantees to interview veterans or spouses/partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates/military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.
In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following: this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such, the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different.
Head of PMO employer: Great British Energy Group
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is an exceptional employer that champions a culture of inclusivity and support, particularly for those with disabilities and veterans. Located in Glasgow, this hybrid role offers the flexibility of remote work while engaging in meaningful projects that contribute to global challenges and the UK's national interests. Employees benefit from professional growth opportunities, a collaborative work environment, and the chance to make a significant impact through strategic project management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of PMO
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who have experience with FCDO or similar roles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the Rosa Service and its objectives. Show us that you understand their mission and how your skills can help achieve it. Tailor your examples to highlight your experience in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! You’ll need to influence senior management, so get comfortable articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Mock interviews with friends can help you nail this down.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of PMO
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of PMO role. Highlight your experience in leading complex projects and your understanding of governance frameworks. We want to see how your skills align with what FCDO is looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your strategic mindset can contribute to the Rosa Service objectives. Let us know why you’re the perfect fit!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since exceptional communication is key for this role, make sure to demonstrate your stakeholder engagement skills in your application. We want to see examples of how you've influenced senior management and built strong relationships.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the process smoother for everyone involved!
How to prepare for a job interview at Great British Energy Group
✨Know Your PMO Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of project management methodologies, especially Agile and governance frameworks. Brush up on your knowledge of Atlassian tools like Jira and Confluence, as these will likely come up in conversation.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading teams and managing complex projects. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully engaged with senior stakeholders and navigated multi-stakeholder environments.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing project outcomes and reporting. Remember, exceptional communication is key for influencing at the senior management level, so be prepared to demonstrate this skill.
✨Understand the FCDO's Mission
Familiarise yourself with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office's objectives and values. Showing that you align with their mission to promote UK interests and tackle global challenges can set you apart from other candidates.