At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a high-performing Programme Management Office in a dynamic 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 impactful projects.
- Other info: Exciting career growth potential in a supportive and innovative workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by overseeing complex projects in a highly regulated sector.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in senior PMO roles and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Head of Programmes Job – Isle of Wight
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 Role
The successful Head of Programme will lead and develop the PMO, ensuring robust governance, delivery excellence, effective risk management and strong financial control across multiple projects.
The Head of Programme 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, Share Point, SAP or similar systems.
- Experience in portfolio reporting and business intelligence development.
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Head of Programmes in Newport employer: Octagon Group
Octagon Group is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of Waterbeach, UK. Employees benefit from comprehensive growth opportunities, hands-on experience in product development, and a supportive environment that values teamwork and quality. With a focus on meaningful projects and a commitment to employee development, Octagon Group stands out as a rewarding place to advance your career in mechanical engineering.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Programmes in Newport
✨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 Programmes at Octagon Group!
✨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 Octagon Group or be willing to refer you for that Head of Programmes 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 Octagon Group who’s on the lookout for their next Head of Programmes 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 Programmes role at Octagon Group!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Programmes in Newport
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 Octagon Group. 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 Octagon Group
✨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 Octagon Group. 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!
