At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global PMO, implement best practices, and drive impactful improvements.
- Company: James Fisher, a leader in engineering services across Energy, Defence, and Maritime Transport.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, early finishes on Fridays, and comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with clear career development pathways and commitment to diversity.
- Why this job: Join a pivotal role influencing global operations and making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Expertise in PMO best practices and strong stakeholder management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
This is a high-impact global role focused on embedding PMO best practice across JFD’s Project Operations to drive consistent, transparent and customer-focused delivery. Working cross-functionally, you will ensure projects are well-supported, governed and aligned to key business processes, while acting as an escalation point for project challenges. Joining at a pivotal stage of growth, you will strengthen delivery capability, influence stakeholders across regions and functions, and deliver meaningful, scalable improvements.
You will be tenacious, pragmatic and commercially aware, bringing credibility, calm authority and a structured approach, with the confidence to challenge constructively. Resilient under pressure, you will take ownership and drive the delivery and embedding of change to elevate project management standards across a complex global organisation. This is a hybrid role with frequent travel between Glasgow and Aberdeen and some national and international travel to support global operations and stakeholder engagement.
What you’ll be doing:
- Lead the global PMO, embedding best practice in governance, processes and ways of working.
- Identify and deliver high-impact improvement opportunities aligned to business objectives.
- Implement clear, engaging and effective project reporting that reflects true performance.
- Champion safety and strengthen safety leadership within project management.
- Build digital capability across the project management community in line with strategy.
- Drive the shift from reactive delivery to stable, controlled and repeatable practices.
- Aligning with IMS and ERP transformation, ensuring governance evolves alongside system change.
- Develop improvement capability across operations while managing and forecasting project resources.
What we’re looking for:
- Demonstrated expertise in PMO best practice, ideally within manufacturing, defence or similar environments.
- Proven ability to deliver measurable improvements in complex operational settings.
- Experience leading large, complex projects.
- Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at senior levels and present confidently to diverse audiences.
- High level of data and performance literacy, using metrics to drive insight and track impact.
- Experience implementing and embedding changes within delivery-focused organisations.
- Background in defence, engineering, marine, aerospace or other regulated sectors is desirable.
Why join us?
- Early finish on Fridays
- Competitive salary and benefits package aligned with experience (Private Medical Insurance, Life Assurance, Cycle to work scheme, Company Pension, etc.)
- Clear pathways for career development and organisational visibility
- Inclusive and supportive culture that values individual contributions
- Meaningful work with impact across safety, innovation, and global operations
Head of PMO in Renfrew employer: James Fisher and Sons
James Fisher and Sons is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Inchinnan, Glasgow, where you can thrive in a hybrid role that promotes work-life balance with early finishes on Fridays. With a strong commitment to employee growth, competitive benefits including private medical insurance and a supportive culture that values individual contributions, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a global engineering services company focused on innovation and safety across diverse sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of PMO in Renfrew
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Head of PMO at James Fisher and Sons!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like James Fisher and Sons or be willing to refer you for that Head of PMO position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from James Fisher and Sons who’s on the lookout for their next Head of PMO star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Head of PMO role at James Fisher and Sons!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of PMO in Renfrew
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at James Fisher and Sons. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at James Fisher and Sons
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at James Fisher and Sons. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!