At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and establish a new enterprise PMO, overseeing 150+ projects worth over £200m.
- Company: Join a leading utilities organisation driving digital transformation.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, flexible hybrid working, and high-impact leadership role.
- Other info: Opportunity to build a new function from the ground up with excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Shape strategic change and influence major investment decisions in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in enterprise PMO leadership and strong financial management skills.
Location: Reading (Hybrid – 50% office)
Contract: 6 months (starting July 2026)
Rate: £800–£1000 per day (Umbrella)
Security Clearance: BPSS
Client: Leading Utilities Organisation
The Opportunity
We are partnering with a major utilities client to appoint a Head of Enterprise Portfolio Management Office (EPMO) to establish and lead a new enterprise-wide PMO capability. This is a high-impact leadership role at the centre of a large-scale digital transformation programme, overseeing a portfolio of more than 150 projects with a value exceeding £200m. You will play a key role in shaping how strategic change is delivered across Group IT—bringing structure, governance, and insight to ensure investment is aligned with business outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Establish and lead the EPMO function, including governance frameworks, processes, and reporting standards
- Translate strategy into a coherent portfolio of initiatives, ensuring clear prioritisation and alignment
- Drive portfolio planning including demand management, capacity planning, and funding allocation
- Provide executive-level reporting and insight across financials, risks, dependencies, and benefits
- Implement and optimise portfolio management tools (e.g. ServiceNow SPM)
- Ensure robust financial oversight and value realisation across the portfolio
- Lead, develop, and mentor a high-performing PMO team
- Engage and influence senior stakeholders across IT and the wider business
- Drive continuous improvement and adoption of EPMO practices across the organisation
Key Skills and Experience
- Proven experience leading or establishing an enterprise PMO / EPMO in a large, complex environment
- Strong knowledge of portfolio governance, financial management, and benefits realisation
- Experience managing large-scale IT investment portfolios and budgets
- Expertise in portfolio tooling (ServiceNow SPM, Planview, Clarity, or similar)
- Ability to operate at executive level and influence senior stakeholders
- Strong understanding of delivery methodologies (agile, waterfall, hybrid)
- Experience of operating model design and transformation delivery
- Excellent leadership and team management skills
Desirable
- Experience within utilities or other regulated industries
- Professional certifications such as MSP, MoP, or Lean Portfolio Management
Why Apply
- Opportunity to build and shape a new EPMO function from the ground up
- Work on a large-scale, enterprise-wide transformation programme
- High-visibility role with direct influence on strategic investment decisions
- Competitive day rate and flexible hybrid working
Head of Enterprise PMO in Reading employer: Lorien
As a leading utilities organisation, we offer an exceptional work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our hybrid working model allows for flexibility while you lead a high-impact PMO function, shaping strategic change across a portfolio of over 150 projects. With competitive rates and opportunities for professional growth, you'll be at the forefront of a large-scale digital transformation, making a meaningful impact in the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Enterprise PMO in Reading
✨Tap into Consulting Networks
Get active in local management consulting networks and organisations. Attend meetups, workshops, or webinars specific to consulting where you can connect with professionals who may know of temporary roles opening up at places like Lorien. Don’t underestimate word-of-mouth – it’s massive in our field!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Real-Time
As a temporary hire, you need to demonstrate your value quickly. Consider creating a mini-case study or analysis relevant to the industry and share it on platforms like LinkedIn or even during networking events. This can be an impressive way to showcase your analytical skills and problem-solving prowess – just what consulting firms are looking for!
✨Check for Temporary Roles on Niche Job Boards
Look for temporary roles on specialised job boards for consulting gigs rather than just generic platforms. Websites like Consultancy.uk or even the Careers pages of major firms could have short-term projects or roles that are perfect for you to jump in at Lorien.
✨Leverage University and Alumni Resources
If you’re fresh out of uni or connected with a local institution, take advantage of their career services and alumni networks. Many universities have exclusive connections to consulting firms seeking temporary help. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other aspiring consultants who might share leads about opportunities at Lorien.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Enterprise PMO in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In management consulting, employers love to see your problem-solving abilities right from the get-go. Be sure to highlight any relevant analytical projects you've worked on, particularly those that show how you tackled complex problems. If you’ve done any case studies or analysis during your studies, throw those in your CV!
Tailor Your Experience for the Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should reflect your adaptability and relevant experience quite clearly. Focus on showcasing experiences that demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running, like previous projects, internships, or freelance gigs in consulting or project management.
Craft a Targeted Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to sparkle! Use it to explain why you're interested in this temporary role at Lorien and how your skills suit the specific project needs. Remember to mention how you can provide immediate value based on your past experiences.
Include Certifications or Relevant Training:If you've got any certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or even coursework that’s super relevant, make sure to list those in your application. Management consulting can be competitive, and these extra qualifications can help you stand out in the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lorien
✨Prepare for Case Studies
In management consulting, case study interviews are a big deal. Expect to tackle real-world business problems on the spot. We should practise structuring our thoughts, developing hypotheses, and presenting our solutions clearly, as this is what firms like Lorien will want to see.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
You’ll need to demonstrate strong analytical skills and logical reasoning. Brush up on frameworks like SWOT or Porter's Five Forces, as these can come in handy. Think of instances from your experience where you tackled a complex issue—this could set you apart when speaking to Lorien.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, it's crucial we showcase our ability to hit the ground running. Have examples ready that illustrate how we've adapted quickly in past positions or projects. This shows that we can contribute effectively from day one at Lorien.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Cultural Fit
Temporary roles often come with a focus on team dynamics. Prepare to discuss how we align with the values and culture at Lorien. We want to highlight our teamwork experiences and how we can mesh with their consulting teams, making it clear that we're not just looking to fill a spot but to add value.
