At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead PMO operations to support Net Zero projects and ensure effective delivery.
- Company: Join National Grid, a leader in energy transition and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus potential, flexible benefits, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and inclusion in a supportive workplace culture.
- Why this job: Shape the future of energy while developing your leadership skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in PMO or project controls, strong analytical and leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 74000 £ per year.
About us At National Grid, we keep people connected and society moving. But it's so much more than that. National Grid supplies us with the environment to make it happen. As we generate momentum in the energy transition for all, we don't plan on leaving any of our customers in the dark. So, join us as a Lead PMO and find your superpower.
National Grid is recruiting two Lead PMOs: one supporting the OHL area and one supporting Substations. Both roles follow a hybrid working model.
Job Purpose As PMO Lead, you will play a critical role in supporting the delivery of Net Zero ambitions by enabling Asset Operations capital projects to be delivered to time, cost, quality and safety standards. Reporting to the Head of PMO, you will lead the day-to-day operation of the Project Management Office across your portfolio, embedding consistent governance, controls and best practice across cost, risk, schedule and change. You will provide a clear, accurate and analytical view of portfolio performance, ensuring leadership teams have the insight needed to make effective decisions and optimise delivery. This is a key leadership role within a developing PMO function, offering the opportunity to shape ways of working, establish robust controls, and drive continuous improvement across a complex and high-value portfolio.
What you'll do:
- Lead the implementation and ongoing development of PMO governance, aligned to the wider PMO roadmap and organisational standards.
- Provide portfolio-level oversight across cost, risk, schedule and change, ensuring projects are controlled and performing against baseline.
- Develop and track key performance metrics, delivering clear, data-driven insight and reporting to senior stakeholders.
- Own the production of PMO dashboards and reporting, translating complex data into actionable insight and recommendations.
- Lead cost management activities including forecasting, budget tracking and cost governance in collaboration with Finance and delivery teams.
- Oversee integrated planning and scheduling, ensuring delivery plans are credible, aligned and reflect key dependencies and risks.
- Lead risk and issue management processes, including facilitation of risk reviews and assurance of high-quality risk data across the portfolio.
- Take ownership of change control, ensuring all changes are assessed, governed and implemented effectively across cost, schedule and risk.
- Manage and develop a team of PMO analysts, including offshore resources, setting direction, building capability and driving high performance.
- Act as a key point of contact for PMO governance, building strong relationships with stakeholders across Asset Operations, delivery teams and wider business functions.
- Support regulatory and performance reporting requirements, ensuring accuracy, consistency and alignment with business expectations.
- Drive continuous improvement in PMO processes, tools and ways of working.
About you:
- Significant experience within PMO, portfolio or project controls in a complex delivery environment.
- Strong understanding of governance across cost, risk, schedule and change, with the ability to embed consistent standards and controls.
- Proven leadership experience, including managing and developing teams and engaging a wide range of stakeholders.
- Highly analytical with the ability to interpret complex data and provide clear, actionable insights.
- Experience of working in, or alongside, large-scale infrastructure, construction, or operational environments (desirable).
- Experience leading PMO or performance functions, including managing analysts and driving performance improvement.
- Familiarity with risk management practices, including facilitating workshops and supporting quantitative and schedule risk analysis.
- Strong communication and influencing skills, with the confidence to challenge constructively and drive change.
- Organised, proactive and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- A continuous improvement mindset, with the drive to help shape and evolve a developing PMO function.
Qualifications (desirable): APM, PRINCE2 or equivalent project management accreditation. Lean Six Sigma or continuous improvement certification.
As a leader, you will demonstrate National Grid's values, creating a sense of belonging, setting clear direction, driving change, delivering results and developing others.
What you'll get: A competitive salary between £60,000 - £74,000 - dependent on capability. As well as your base salary, you will receive a bonus of up to 30% of your salary for stretch performance and a competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%. You will also have access to a number of flexible benefits such as a share incentive plan, salary sacrifice car and technology schemes, support via employee assistance lines and matched charity giving to name a few.
More Information The closing date for this vacancy is 26th June. However, we encourage candidates to submit their applications as early as possible and not to wait until the published closing date. National Grid's recruitment periods can and may vary. We reserve the right to remove this advert or close it to further applications at any point during the recruitment process.
DE & I statement: At National Grid, we work towards the highest standards in everything we do, including how we support, value, and develop our people. Our aim is to encourage and support employees to thrive and be the best they can be. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, offering flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office. Our goal is to drive, develop, and operate our business in a way that results in a more inclusive culture. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, the innovation from diverse teams & perspectives, and business need. We are committed to building a workforce that can represent the communities we serve and have a working environment in which each individual feels valued, respected, fairly treated, and able to reach their full potential.
Lead PMO - Asset Operations in Addlestone employer: National Grid
At National Grid, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of inclusivity and continuous improvement. As a Lead PMO in our dynamic environment, you will benefit from competitive salaries, generous bonuses, and a robust pension scheme, all while having the opportunity to shape the future of energy transition projects. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through tailored support and development opportunities, ensuring you thrive both personally and professionally in a collaborative and innovative workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead PMO - Asset Operations in Addlestone
✨Get Involved with Industry Events
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✨Join Energy-focused Online Communities
Let's tap into online platforms and forums like LinkedIn groups or Reddit communities specifically for energy and utilities. Not only can we showcase our knowledge, but we can also stay updated on company announcements or job leads from people already in the know.
✨Consider Industry Certifications
Pushing ahead with certifications like the NEBOSH National Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health (if you’re into safety) can give us a leg up in this competitive field. It not only builds our credibility but also shows employers that we’re serious about our career in energy and utilities.
✨Apply ThroughNational Grid's Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through National Grid's website for the full-time Lead PMO - Asset Operations role. Many companies prioritise candidates who show initiative by going straight to the source. Make sure we tailor our application to highlight our passion for the energy sector!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead PMO - Asset Operations in Addlestone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Energy Knowledge:When crafting your CV and cover letter, make sure you highlight any knowledge or experience related to the energy-utilities sector. Whether it’s coursework, internships, or projects that showcase your understanding of energy management, sustainability, or regulatory frameworks, we want to see that passion and expertise shine through.
Quantify Your Achievements:In our field, numbers speak volumes! Don’t just tell us about your previous roles; quantify your achievements where possible. For instance, mention how you improved energy efficiency by a percentage or contributed to cost savings. This makes your application more compelling and shows us just how impactful you can be.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at National Grid. Tailor it to reflect how your values align with our mission in the energy sector. Share why you're excited about this specific role and how you envision contributing to our goals.
Demonstrate Your Team Spirit:Collaboration is key in the energy-utilities industry. In your application, emphasise any team projects or experiences where you worked effectively with others, especially on sustainability initiatives or technical projects. We're looking for someone who can mesh well with our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Grid
✨Show Your Passion for Renewable Energy
In the energy-utilities sector, it’s vital to demonstrate your enthusiasm for sustainable practices and innovations. Share experiences where you've worked on or studied renewable energy projects, whether that’s through coursework, past internships, or personal initiatives. Let us see how your passion aligns with the ethos of National Grid.
✨Brush Up on Industry Regulations
Being familiar with industry standards and regulations is crucial in energy-utilities interviews. Make sure to know the basics of relevant policies and frameworks, like the Energy Act or environmental legislation. This will not only show you’ve done your homework but will also prepare you for potential technical questions about compliance during your interview.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Project Management Skills
Most roles in the energy sector involve collaboration with diverse teams. Be ready to discuss examples where you’ve successfully worked in teams or led projects, especially those involving energy initiatives. This is particularly important for a full-time position, as employers want to see you bring a collaborative spirit to National Grid.
✨Prepare for Technical Assessments
Expect some technical questions or even practical assessments during your interview, especially about energy efficiency methodologies or basic engineering principles relevant to the role. It’s a good idea to brush up on key concepts and be prepared to explain them clearly, as this will demonstrate your technical proficiency and readiness to jump into your new role.