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 complex projects.
- Other info: Exciting career growth potential and a collaborative team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by overseeing innovative programmes in a regulated sector.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in senior PMO roles and strong leadership skills required.
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.
The ideal candidate will possess:
- 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.
- 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.
Head of Programmes in Newport employer: Octagon Recruitment Group
Join a leading defence and engineering organisation on the Isle of Wight, where you will have the opportunity to shape a high-performing Programme Management Office. With a strong focus on employee development, robust governance, and a collaborative work culture, this role offers meaningful career growth in a technically advanced environment. Enjoy the unique advantage of working in a picturesque location while contributing to complex projects that make a real impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Programmes in 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 to potential employers. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and recent developments in the defence sector. We want you to walk in with confidence, ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've led teams and managed complex projects. We believe that demonstrating your ability to mentor and develop others can really set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for talented individuals like you to join our team and make an impact in the PMO space.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Programmes in 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 Recruitment Group
✨Know Your PMO Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the role of a Programme Management Office. Familiarise yourself with best practices in governance and risk management, as well as how to drive PMO maturity. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're ready to lead.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in previous roles. Highlight your experience in mentoring and developing programme and project management professionals. This is crucial for a senior position like Head of Programmes, so be ready to discuss your leadership style and successes.
✨Understand the Industry Landscape
Brush up on the latest trends and challenges in the defence and engineering sectors. Being knowledgeable about the industry will not only impress your interviewers but also allow you to speak confidently about how you can contribute to their organisation's goals.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement Questions
Expect questions about how you manage stakeholder relationships and ensure customer commitments are met. Think of specific instances where you've successfully engaged with stakeholders and navigated complex situations. This will showcase your communication skills and commercial awareness.
