At a Glance
- Tasks: Support project management and deliver high-quality services to clients.
- Company: Join Portsmouth City Council, a people-focused organisation making a difference.
- Benefits: Flexible working arrangements, professional development, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for coaching and mentoring within a collaborative team.
- Why this job: Make an impact in project management while growing your skills and network.
- Qualifications: Experience in PMO or project management qualifications like PRINCE2 or APM.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are looking for a proactive and skilled PMO Officer to join our team of project management professionals. Reporting to the Head of PMO, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality project support and will be part responsible for delivering the day-to-day operation of the PMO and contributing to the ongoing growth and maintenance of the PMO offer.
The Role
- You will provide valuable, high-quality services to clients and play a proactive role in knowledge management to promote and implement best practice programme and project management methods, standards and documentation.
- You will also provide a short-to-medium-term project management function to clients across the organisation as part of a PMO resource deployment to fill gaps in capacity or capability.
- Projects may be of small scale and delivered alongside core PMO duties or may be larger and require dedicated time spent largely working within the client department.
- You will deliver project management support to departments when needed.
- Conduct assurance reviews and gated assessments for strategic projects.
- Develop and maintain best practice frameworks, toolkits, and templates.
- Coach and mentor colleagues new to project management.
- Facilitate workshops and produce insightful post-event reports.
- Create and manage MS Project schedules and support adoption of PMO tools.
- You will be required to attend conferences, events and training courses to keep abreast of project and programme best practice and maintaining a bank of best practice knowledge.
- Support the dissemination of knowledge to the wider PMO team and to project and programme managers.
- Represent the PMO at meetings and network events when necessary and carry out any other tasks as directed by the Head of the PMO.
The ideal candidate
- You will have experience working in or with a PMO.
- A suitable project management qualification (PRINCE2 Practitioner, APM, or equivalent) or relevant and transferrable experience and familiarity / awareness of other recognised methodologies such as programme or portfolio management.
- Scheduling experience and/or training (e.g. use of MS Project).
- MS Word and PowerPoint (Intermediate level) and MS Excel.
- A good understanding of the structures, processes and governance frameworks in a complex and/or political environment.
- Experience of implementing business change and developing policies.
- You will have strong organisation skills and the ability to work accurately and meet challenging deadlines in a pressurised environment.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; both orally and in writing, and the ability to actively listen and act upon feedback, providing constructive challenge at the right time.
- Have the ability to work at all levels including with Senior Managers and Members and to build supportive relationships across all directorates.
- A positive attitude to change and be personally and professionally flexible and resilient.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work both collaboratively and independently and at times with minimal direction.
Working Arrangements: A minimum of 2 days per week office based in line with PCC policy.
Contact Details for an Informal Discussion: If you have any questions, or would like an informal discussion about the role, please contact: Tracy Ellis.
About Portsmouth City Council: Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act. We are committed to our values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and being people-focussed.
Our recruitment process: Full information about our recruitment process can be found on our support for applicants' page. You must demonstrate why you are suitable against each of the points described in the 'Who is the Person' points on the Job Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills.
You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it. Please note: We are unable to offer sponsorship on this role.
PMO Officer - Portsmouth employer: Portsmouth City Council
Portsmouth City Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises respect, integrity, and collaboration within a supportive work culture. As a PMO Officer, you will benefit from professional growth opportunities, including coaching and mentoring, while contributing to meaningful projects that impact the community. With a commitment to inclusivity and employee well-being, working in Portsmouth offers a unique chance to make a difference in a vibrant city environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PMO Officer - Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, workshops, and conferences to meet people in the project management field. Don't be shy—introduce yourself and chat about your experiences. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect PMO Officer role!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, highlight your project management qualifications and any relevant experience. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in past roles—this will make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Mention something specific from your conversation to show you were engaged and interested. It’s a simple way to reinforce your enthusiasm for the PMO Officer position.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got all the latest job openings listed there, and it’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you can tailor your personal statement to match what we’re looking for in a PMO Officer—so don’t miss out!
We think you need these skills to ace PMO Officer - Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Profile Thoroughly:Before you start writing, make sure to download and read the full job profile. It’s crucial to understand what they’re looking for, especially the 'Who is the Person' section, as this will guide your personal statement.
Tailor Your Personal Statement:When crafting your personal statement, be specific! Use examples from your experience that align with the skills and qualifications mentioned in the job description. This is your chance to shine, so make it count!
Showcase Your Skills:Highlight your project management qualifications and any relevant experience. Don’t forget to mention your familiarity with tools like MS Project, as well as your ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way to ensure your application gets to the right place, and you’ll find all the necessary details there too!
How to prepare for a job interview at Portsmouth City Council
✨Know Your PMO Fundamentals
Make sure you brush up on your project management methodologies, especially PRINCE2 and APM. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these frameworks in past roles, as this will show your understanding of best practices and your ability to contribute to the PMO's growth.
✨Showcase Your Scheduling Skills
Since scheduling is a key part of the role, be prepared to talk about your experience with MS Project or similar tools. Bring examples of schedules you've created and how they helped keep projects on track. This will demonstrate your practical skills and attention to detail.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication skills are essential for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Think of examples where you've successfully communicated complex information to different stakeholders, as this will highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific project management challenges. Prepare by thinking through scenarios where you've had to problem-solve or adapt to change. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.
