At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a high-performing Programme Management Office in a dynamic defence environment.
- Company: Join a leading defence and engineering organisation on the beautiful Isle of Wight.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a chance to shape complex projects.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth and mentoring within a collaborative team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving excellence in project delivery and governance.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in senior PMO roles, preferably in regulated sectors.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Head of Programmes to join a leading defence and engineering organisation based on the Isle of Wight. This senior leadership job offers the chance to shape and lead a high-performing Programme Management Office (PMO) responsible for delivering complex projects and programmes across a technically advanced and highly regulated environment.
The successful Head of Programmes will lead and develop the PMO, ensuring robust governance, delivery excellence, effective risk management and strong financial control across multiple projects. The Head of Programmes will oversee Programme Managers, Project Managers and Project Controllers while ensuring customer commitments, business objectives and financial targets are achieved.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop the Programme Management Office.
- Provide portfolio-level governance and oversight across multiple programmes and projects.
- Drive PMO maturity, governance standards and best practices.
- Manage programme risks, opportunities, dependencies and delivery performance.
- Lead, mentor and develop programme and project management teams.
- Support strategic customer engagement and stakeholder management.
- Ensure accurate portfolio reporting, forecasting and financial control.
Skills and Experience Required
- Significant experience in senior Programme, Portfolio or PMO leadership roles.
- Experience within defence, aerospace, engineering, manufacturing or similarly regulated sectors.
- Strong knowledge of project controls, governance, financial forecasting and risk management.
- Proven leadership experience managing programme and project professionals.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong commercial awareness and business acumen.
Desirable Experience
- APM PPQ, PMQ, MSP Practitioner or equivalent qualifications.
- Experience developing and maturing PMO functions.
- Knowledge of Power BI, Microsoft Project, SharePoint, SAP or similar systems.
- Experience in portfolio reporting and business intelligence development.
Locations
Head of Programmes in Isle of Wight, Newport employer: Octagon Group
Join a leading defence and engineering organisation on the picturesque Isle of Wight, where you will have the opportunity to shape a high-performing Programme Management Office. Our company fosters a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth through mentorship and professional development, while offering competitive benefits and a commitment to excellence in project delivery. Experience the unique advantage of working in a technically advanced environment that values innovation and teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Programmes in Isle of Wight, Newport
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the defence and engineering sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their PMO structure and recent achievements. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in leading their Programme Management Office.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you've developed teams and driven PMO maturity in past roles. Use specific examples to illustrate your experience in managing risks and delivering complex projects.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Programmes in Isle of Wight, Newport
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your leadership roles and any relevant experience in defence or engineering sectors to catch our eye!
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 Head of Programmes role. Share specific examples of how you've led teams and managed complex projects.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use metrics and examples to demonstrate how you’ve driven PMO maturity and delivered successful projects in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Octagon Group
✨Know Your PMO Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into understanding what a Programme Management Office (PMO) does and how it operates. Familiarise yourself with best practices in governance and risk management, as these will be key topics during your discussion.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in managing teams within regulated sectors like defence or engineering. Be ready to discuss how you've mentored others and driven PMO maturity in previous roles.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Brush up on the specific challenges and opportunities within the defence and engineering sectors. Demonstrating strong commercial awareness and an understanding of financial controls will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about your approach to stakeholder management and customer engagement. Prepare to share strategies you've used to build relationships and ensure project success, as this is crucial for the Head of Programmes role.
