At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead programme governance and manage integrated plans in a high-scrutiny environment.
- Company: Join a central government client focused on impactful programme delivery.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate of £400, outside IR35, with a commitment to diversity.
- Why this job: Make a difference in a dynamic role that shapes critical government projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in PMO roles and strong stakeholder management skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity for growth in a supportive and inclusive workplace.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Vauxhall / Stratford
Day Rate: £400 p.d outside IR35
UKSV DV Clearance Required
Our central government client is seeking an experienced PMO / Programme Governance Specialist to rapidly stabilise and run programme governance within a high‑scrutiny environment. This role requires a hands‑on delivery professional with strong planning discipline, excellent stakeholder management, and the ability to bring structure and control to a complex programme.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and maintain programme governance, ensuring consistent controls, reporting and decision-making.
- Build and manage integrated plans in Microsoft Project (.mpp), including tiered planning, dependencies and variance tracking.
- Own and enforce RAID/RAIDO management: clear owners, actions, due dates, escalation and follow-up.
- Produce high‑quality, board‑ready monthly reporting with clear narrative, decisions required, and action/decision logs.
- Work across delivery leads and suppliers to validate plans, challenge assumptions and drive realistic delivery commitments.
- Provide practical Agile support for the workstream: run Scrum ceremonies, track blockers/actions, and feed outputs into governance artefacts.
- Manage documentation and action tracking using M365 tools (Teams, SharePoint, Microsoft Planner).
Desirable Experience
- Background in secure or regulated environments (government, law enforcement, defence).
- Familiarity with infrastructure programmes and ability to translate technical constraints into planning and RAID impacts.
- Experience integrating supplier plans and applying delivery assurance controls (milestone stability, action ageing).
- Ability to streamline governance processes while maintaining strong control.
- Certifications such as MSP, P3O, PRINCE2, AgilePM or Scrum are beneficial but not essential.
Reasonable Adjustments
Respect and equality are core values to us. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. Our success is driven by our people, united by the spirit of partnership to deliver the best resourcing solutions for our clients. If you need any help or adjustments during the recruitment process for any reason, please let us know when you apply or talk to the recruiters directly so we can support you.
Project Support Officer | Outside IR35 employer: Sanderson Government & Defence
Contact Detail:
Sanderson Government & Defence Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Support Officer | Outside IR35
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that perfect role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and the role inside out. We recommend practising common interview questions and even doing mock interviews with friends or mentors. The more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll feel when it’s time to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills through real-life examples. When discussing your experience, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to clearly demonstrate how you’ve tackled challenges in the past. This will help you stand out as a candidate who can deliver results.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the role. And remember, we’re here to help you find opportunities through our website, so keep checking back!
We think you need these skills to ace Project Support Officer | Outside IR35
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in programme governance and stakeholder management. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since this role involves using Microsoft Project and M365 tools, be sure to mention your proficiency with these platforms. We love seeing candidates who can hit the ground running, so any specific examples of your past work with these tools will definitely catch our eye.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, especially when it comes to your experience and how it relates to the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sanderson Government & Defence
✨Know Your Governance Inside Out
Make sure you understand the principles of programme governance and how they apply to high-scrutiny environments. Brush up on your knowledge of RAID/RAIDO management and be ready to discuss how you've implemented these in past roles.
✨Master Microsoft Project
Since this role involves building and managing integrated plans in Microsoft Project, get familiar with its features. Practice creating tiered plans, tracking dependencies, and variance tracking so you can confidently demonstrate your skills during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in stakeholder management. Think about times when you’ve successfully navigated complex relationships or resolved conflicts, as this will show your ability to work across delivery leads and suppliers.
✨Be Agile and Ready to Adapt
Familiarise yourself with Agile methodologies and be prepared to discuss how you've applied them in previous projects. Highlight any experience running Scrum ceremonies or tracking blockers, as this will demonstrate your practical support for Agile workstreams.