PMO Manager (12-month fixed term maternity cover contract) in Birmingham
PMO Manager (12-month fixed term maternity cover contract)

PMO Manager (12-month fixed term maternity cover contract) in Birmingham

Birmingham Full-Time 52300 - 61700 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead strategic initiatives and oversee the University’s change portfolio.
  • Company: Birmingham City University, dedicated to empowering students and shaping the future.
  • Benefits: Generous salary, pension scheme, 40 days annual leave, and hybrid working model.
  • Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on project delivery and enhance portfolio management at a strategic level.
  • Qualifications: Experience in business case development and project assurance, with strong stakeholder engagement skills.
  • Other info: Join a diverse team committed to continuous improvement and professional growth.

The predicted salary is between 52300 - 61700 £ per year.

Department: Change and Improvement Team

Location: Joseph Priestley Building

Salary: £62,364 to £70,564 per annum (12-month fixed term maternity cover contract)

Post Type: Full Time

Release Date: 02 March 2026

Closing Date: 23.59 hours GMT on Monday 23 March 2026

Reference: C626001

At Birmingham City University, our mission is clear: to be the University for Birmingham — empowering our students to transform their lives and achieve their full potential. Through the strength of our teaching, research and graduates, we help shape the future of our city and wider society.

We are now seeking an experienced PMO Manager to play a pivotal leadership role within our central Change and Improvement Team. This team delivers major strategic initiatives and oversees the University’s change portfolio.

As PMO Manager, you will lead a high‑performing Portfolio Management Office, bringing clarity, cohesion and robust governance to ensure successful delivery of our change portfolio. You will own and evolve the University’s portfolio governance framework, ensuring proportionate control, informed decision‑making and clear accountability. This includes leading key governance boards, overseeing portfolio reporting, and providing expert assurance across business cases development and major programmes and project delivery.

A core part of the role is driving continuous improvement in project and programme delivery across the University. You will embed best practice, strengthen capability within delivery teams, and further develop our project management community of practice. You will also lead the ongoing enhancement of our portfolio management tool, Monday.com, ensuring it enables effective oversight and strategic alignment.

Qualifications:

  • Proven experience developing or assuring high-quality business cases
  • Experience conducting major programme and project assurance reviews
  • The ability to engage, influence and challenge senior (C-level) stakeholders
  • Experience implementing or enhancing PPM tools
  • A strong understanding of project and programme management methodologies and best practice frameworks
  • Experience and passion for continuous improvement and developing delivery capability in others

This is an opportunity to shape and mature portfolio management at a strategic level, ensuring change investment delivers meaningful impact across the University. We offer a generous pension scheme and annual leave entitlement (40 days including statutory holidays), family‑friendly policies, and state‑of‑the‑art campus facilities. We also operate a hybrid working model (3 days on site), allowing staff to balance on‑site engagement with remote working where appropriate.

Informal queries regarding this role are very welcome and can be directed to Simon Baker at simon.baker@bcu.ac.uk. Interviews for this role are planned to take place in the week commencing 12 April 2026.

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and to an environment that supports lawful free speech and academic freedom. We will continuously review and improve our policies, practices, and procedures to ensure that we are promoting these in all aspects of our operations. We believe that by working together, combining our many different backgrounds and life experiences, we will empower each other to reach our full potential.

PMO Manager (12-month fixed term maternity cover contract) in Birmingham employer: Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

Birmingham City University is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters professional growth and collaboration. With a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, employees benefit from generous annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance. Joining our Change and Improvement Team as a PMO Manager means playing a crucial role in shaping the future of our university while enjoying state-of-the-art facilities and a supportive community.
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Contact Detail:

Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land PMO Manager (12-month fixed term maternity cover contract) in Birmingham

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Birmingham City University on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info and might just get your foot in the door.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by researching the Change and Improvement Team. Understand their recent projects and challenges. This shows we’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute from day one!

✨Tip Number 3

Practice common PMO Manager interview questions with a mate. We want to nail our responses, especially around governance frameworks and stakeholder engagement. Confidence is key!

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the team at Birmingham City University.

We think you need these skills to ace PMO Manager (12-month fixed term maternity cover contract) in Birmingham

Portfolio Management
Governance Framework Development
Project Management Methodologies
Business Case Development
Stakeholder Engagement
PPM Tool Implementation
Continuous Improvement
Programme Assurance Reviews
Leadership Skills
Communication Skills
Change Management
Strategic Alignment
Team Development
Analytical Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in project management and governance. We want to see how your skills align with the PMO Manager role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!

Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a PMO Manager, you'll be leading teams and influencing stakeholders. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership experience and how you've successfully driven change in previous roles. We love seeing examples of how you've made an impact!

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key points stand out. Avoid jargon unless it's relevant to the role, and ensure your passion for continuous improvement shines through!

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Birmingham City University!

How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you’re well-versed in project and programme management methodologies. Brush up on the latest best practices and be ready to discuss how you've applied them in your previous roles. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but can also bring real-world experience to the table.

✨Engage with Stakeholders

Prepare to talk about your experience engaging with senior stakeholders. Think of specific examples where you’ve influenced decision-making or challenged the status quo. This role requires strong communication skills, so demonstrating your ability to connect with C-level executives will be key.

✨Showcase Continuous Improvement

Be ready to discuss how you’ve driven continuous improvement in past projects. Have examples at hand that illustrate how you’ve enhanced delivery capability within teams or implemented new tools like Monday.com. This will highlight your proactive approach and commitment to excellence.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions about the Change and Improvement Team’s current initiatives and challenges. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute effectively. Plus, it gives you a chance to demonstrate your strategic thinking.

PMO Manager (12-month fixed term maternity cover contract) in Birmingham
Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
Location: Birmingham
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