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- Tasks: Lead the Programme Management Office to ensure successful project delivery and strategic alignment.
- Company: Join NATS, the UK's leading air navigation service provider, dedicated to advancing aviation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working options, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in aviation while developing your leadership skills in a dynamic setting.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in PMO roles with strong leadership and communication skills required.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of continuous improvement and professional development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 ÂŁ per year.
NATS is the UK’s leading air navigation service provider, handling over 2.4 million flights each year. We provide air traffic control services from two control centres and at airports around the UK. We also provide a wide range of commercial products and solutions internationally. Our people are at the heart of our purpose to advance aviation and keep the skies safe.
Salary: Negotiable
Closing Date: Wednesday 21st January 2026
Purpose Of The Role
Accountable to the Director of Projects and Programmes for the effective leadership and operation of the Programme Management Office. The purpose of the role is to provide leadership, structure, and oversight to ensure the successful delivery of programs and projects within NATS. This role supports the alignment of projects with NATS strategic objectives and ensures that project management practices are standardised and efficient.
The Head of Programme Management Office will play a pivotal role in assuring the successful delivery of projects against time, cost, and quality objectives. They will provide leadership and direction to the PMO team to ensure centralised and consistent assurance of project and programmes, prepare and present executive-level reporting on the status of the change portfolio, working with the programme managers, and ensure that approved project management processes and standards are adhered to.
Accountabilities
- Ensure all projects and programmes align with NATS strategic goals and are accountable for the implementation and delivery of programme and project office services.
- Provide guidance & assurance for the delivery of projects and programmes, ensuring adherence to established standards, frameworks and methodologies.
- Enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of project delivery by leading the implementation of best practices, standardising methodologies, and optimising resource use.
- Track the performance of projects and programmes through key performance indicators (KPIs) and provide regular reports to senior management and stakeholders.
- Prepare and present portfolio‑level reports to the executive team, offering insights to enable quick and effective decisions.
- Coordinate Project and Programme governance and processes, ensuring they are up‑to‑date and effectively implemented.
- Enable project and programme resource allocation against programme and small project portfolio demand and project prioritisation.
- Act as one of the “lines of defence” for project and programme delivery, ensuring that risks, issues and dependencies are being appropriately managed.
- Lead and direct the central PMO team, ensuring effective line management and professional development of direct reports.
- Collaborate with the capability team to ensure alignment on project and programme standards, practices and quality management.
- Utilise effective PPM tooling to allow insight into project and programme delivery through examination of delivery data and reporting.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement, implementing best practices.
- Provide direct governance and oversight of small projects and annualised investment portfolios.
- Drive and champion quality and lessons learned across programmes, projects and planning.
- Support the Director of P&P in their role, as an effective member of the leadership team in the preparation of annual business plans and priority setting.
- Responsible for own professional development, to ensure credibility is maintained.
- Lead the business narrative, take ownership of communication and communications of our people.
- Responsible for building and maintaining effective employee relations with the trade unions.
- Lead the delivery of all Service improvements into the Business.
- Drive the business strategy & deliver results as part of the business area leadership team.
- Responsible for creating and embedding continuous improvement with your business area.
- Have the ability to coach, motivate, build teams, and develop others to maximise their contribution and performance.
- Provide strong people leadership to Technical Services.
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of PPM practices and approaches and will be able to demonstrate a proven track record of operating in a senior portfolio / PMO role in a technology and infrastructure delivery organisation. They will be expected to strike the right balance in decisions between technical complexity and business change, with support from the programme directors and business representatives. They will be collaborative and help to build a team atmosphere that encourages everyone to achieve the overall organisational goals.
Qualifications, Professional Knowledge and Skills
- Good honours degree or equivalent professional experience operating at a senior management level.
- Proven experience in a PMO role, preferably within a large organisation.
- Strong leadership and team management skills.
- Proven experience within a complex business transformation environment.
- In‑depth knowledge of PPM governance and processes.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and programmes simultaneously.
- Experience in risk management and mitigation.
- Understanding of different project delivery types and delivery methods.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and credibility to interact and influence across all levels of the business.
- Strong coaching and mentoring skills.
- Be able to demonstrate a commitment to Equality through action on Diversity and Inclusion.
- Relevant professional qualifications (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2, MSP).
Additional Information
We are proud to offer a fantastic total reward package to help you thrive both personally and professionally. We have adopted agile working to provide greater flexibility and increased choice over working arrangements, with the opportunity for this role to work in our modern office facilities as well as remotely. The expectation for this role is that you will need to be in the Whiteley office a minimum of 2 days a week.
If you share our passion to advance aviation and keep the skies safe – we would like to hear from you.
Head of Programme Management Office (PMO) employer: NATS
Contact Detail:
NATS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Programme Management Office (PMO)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Head of PMO role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching NATS and understanding their strategic goals. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission to advance aviation and keep the skies safe.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led teams and managed complex projects in the past. Remember, they want someone who can inspire and guide their PMO team!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the NATS team and contributing to their success.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Programme Management Office (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 programme management and leadership, and don’t forget to showcase any relevant qualifications like PMP or PRINCE2. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the role and how your past experiences can help us at NATS. Be sure to mention your understanding of PPM practices and your ability to lead teams effectively.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your work history, focus on your achievements rather than just responsibilities. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate your impact, like successful project deliveries or improvements in efficiency. We love numbers that tell a story!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at NATS
✨Know Your PMO Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of Programme Management Office practices and methodologies. Brush up on your knowledge of PPM governance and processes, as well as the specific challenges faced in a technology and infrastructure delivery organisation like NATS.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Be ready to share examples of how you've motivated and developed team members, as well as how you've fostered a collaborative atmosphere to achieve organisational goals.
✨Be Ready for Strategic Discussions
Since this role involves aligning projects with strategic objectives, think about how you can contribute to NATS' mission. Prepare insights on how you would approach complex business challenges and provide high-level decision support to the leadership team.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice your communication skills, especially when it comes to presenting information to executive-level stakeholders. Be prepared to explain how you would track project performance and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) clearly and concisely.
