Project Manager/PMO Consultant - Defence & Security in Bristol

We believe in the power of ingenuity to build a positive human future. As strategies, technologies, and innovation collide, we create opportunity from complexity. Our teams of interdisciplinary experts combine innovative thinking and breakthrough technologies to progress further, faster. Our clients adapt and transform, and together we achieve enduring results. We are over 4,000 strategists, innovators, designers, consultants, digital experts, scientists, engineers, and technologists.

Are you a collaborative problem-solver who loves creating insights that help organizations improve their agility in a rapidly changing world? Our Major Programme Services (MPS) team is looking for exceptional PMO Specialists. As part of PA’s Delivery stream, PA’s Centre of Excellence for all project, programme, and portfolio capability, MPS works across Defence, major projects & infrastructure, transport, energy and utilities and the public sector in client-facing roles on long-term assignments. Having experienced repeated successes in delivering value and excellence for our clients, most of whom are within daily commuting range from home, we are in high demand and are now expanding further across the UK.

As a Project Manager/PMO specialist, you will play a pivotal role in guiding and executing complex projects and programmes, using your expertise in planning & scheduling, risk, benefits, managing budgets etc. You use your analytical skills to create insightful reports to guide decision making and create extra value for our clients. Your strengths in engaging with people, gathering information and making sense of complicated situations will be key. A strong PMO can be a force multiplier by tailoring the key P3M processes to suit a specific task, and you will do this to help deliver more successful outcomes. This role offers an exciting opportunity to work in a collaborative and innovative environment, shaping projects and programmes that drive meaningful impact.

Location: Hybrid working - our approach is to be on client site 2 days per week.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Collaborate with cross-functional project teams to ensure the successful delivery of projects from initiation to closure.
• Develop and execute project plans, defining scope, goals, deliverables, resources, and timelines, while ensuring alignment with client objectives.
• Apply a variety of project management methodologies (Agile, Waterfall etc.) as appropriate to different project contexts, tailoring your approach to meet client needs.
• Identify and manage project risks, issues, and dependencies, implementing mitigation strategies to ensure project success.
• Foster strong long-term client relationships by maintaining regular communication, managing expectations, and providing transparent project status updates.
• Monitor project budgets and resource allocation, ensuring efficient utilisation of resources while adhering to financial targets.
• Implement effective change management strategies to facilitate smooth project transitions and adoption of new solutions within client organisations.
• Undertake stakeholder engagement activities, facilitating collaboration and communication among all project participants.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior team members, fostering their professional growth and development.

About You:

• Sole British nationality is a must, as this role will involve working with secure clients.
• Ideally you will possess a track record of working with secure clients.
• At least 2 years' experience in project management consulting/PMO or related roles.
• Experience in applying various project management methodologies and tools, adapting them to diverse project contexts.
• Proven ability to work with cross-functional teams, motivating team members to achieve project goals.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field; advanced degree or certification in Project Management (PMP, PRINCE2, Agile, etc.) is highly desirable.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex information to clients and stakeholders in a clear and concise manner.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to identify and solve problems, make informed decisions, and manage project risks effectively.
• Strong interpersonal skills, enabling successful collaboration with clients, team members, and stakeholders at all levels.

We know the skill-gap and ‘somewhat need to tick every box’ can get in the way of meeting brilliant candidates, so please don’t hesitate to apply – we’d love to hear from you.

Life At PA encompasses our peoples' experience at PA. It's about how we enrich peoples’ working lives by giving them access to unique people and growth opportunities and purpose led meaningful work. Our purpose guides how we work with our clients and our teams, and support our communities, to deliver insight and impact, solving the world’s most complex challenges. We're focused on building a workplace that values human difference and diverse mindsets, and a culture of inclusion and equality that unlocks the potential in our people so everyone can be their best self.

We are dedicated to supporting the physical, emotional, social and financial well-being of our people. Check out some of our extensive benefits:

• Health and lifestyle perks accompanying private healthcare
• 25 days annual leave (plus a bonus half day on Christmas Eve) with the opportunity to buy 5 additional days
• Generous company pension scheme
• Opportunity to get involved with community and charity-based initiatives
• Annual performance-based bonus
• PA share ownership
• Tax efficient benefits (cycle to work, give as you earn)

We’re committed to advancing equality. We recruit, retain, reward and develop our people based solely on their abilities and contributions and without reference to their age, background, disability, genetic information, parental or family status, religion or belief, race, ethnicity, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity (or expression), political belief veteran status, or other by any other range of human difference brought about by identity and experience. We welcome applications from underrepresented groups.

Adjustments or accommodations - Should you need any adjustments or accommodations to the recruitment process, at either application or interview, please contact us on [email protected]