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- Tasks: Lead PMO excellence to deliver secure pensions for Scotland’s key services.
- Company: Scottish Public Pensions Agency, a vital part of the Scottish Government.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, supportive environment, and diverse employee benefits.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for personal development and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public service pensions for over 640,000 key workers.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing PMOs and relevant professional qualifications preferred.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Lead PMO excellence delivering secure pensions for Scotland’s key services. The Scottish Public Pensions Agency is an Agency of the Scottish Government. Our principal role is to administer the pensions for employees in the National Health Service, Teachers’, Police and Fire-fighters’ pension schemes in Scotland.
The Senior PMO Manager is responsible for ensuring the PMO delivers the critical services needed to guide SPPA portfolios, programmes and projects from inception to closure – by setting standards, co-ordinating and supporting delivery and providing assurance to SPPA SROs. In doing so, the postholder will lead the PMO and be a role model for portfolio, programme and project success across the SPPA.
Responsibilities
- Ensure appropriate governance arrangements are in place and are operating smoothly, with SROs and relevant groups receiving meaningful and timely reports which support effective decision making and delivery of measurable benefits and improvements.
- Act as a role model for portfolio, programme and project hygiene, providing support to project teams on planning, resource forecasting, change control, milestone management and risk, and issue and dependency identification and management. Ensure standardised documentation is accurate, high quality, relevant and timely.
- Develop a suitable library of tools and processes in areas such as RAID, quality and benefits management and work closely with project teams to embed high standards of portfolio, programme and project management across the SPPA. Provide constructive challenge to ensure delivery of milestones and achievement of outcomes.
- Lead and coordinate portfolio, programme and project assurance activities (e.g. Gateway and audit) and contribute to the management of related frameworks and standards.
- Support the Head of Operational Transformation (jobshare) in preparing timely and meaningful advice to the Chief Transformation Officer and Chief Operating Officer, ensuring emerging issues and risks are escalated as required.
- Build cohesion and resilience within the PMO, supporting the personal development of Band B team members and ensuring they contribute fully.
Qualifications
Senior PMO Managers should have or be closely working towards a professional level qualification, such as APM’s PMQ or Axelos’ P3O qualifications.
Success profile
Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on.
Experience: You should have experience of managing or leading in a PMO for complex projects and defining and maintaining standards for any element of delivery.
Technical / Professional Skills:
- Governance - Expert
- Benefits Management - Expert
- Risk & Issue Management - Expert
Behaviours:
- Changing and Improving - Level 4
- Managing a Quality Service - Level 4
- Leadership - Level 4
How To Apply
Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement (of no more than 1,000 words) which provides evidence of how you meet the skills, experience and behaviours listed in the Success Profile above. Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application, but all statements and examples provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, and presented as your own) applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.
If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and presentation. Sifting will commence from w/c 1st June 2026. Assessments are scheduled for w/c 22nd June 2026, however this may be subject to change.
Recruitment Principles
As a government organisation, we adhere to the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles and we investigate any complaints received in relation to recruitment cases.
About Us
The Scottish Public Pensions Agency is an Agency of the Scottish Government. Our principal role is to administer the pensions for employees in the National Health Service, Teachers’, Police and Fire-fighters’ pension schemes in Scotland for over 640,000 key workers. The Agency administers these public service pension schemes on behalf of Scottish Ministers with an annual pension spend to over 200,000 pensioners to the value of more than £3.7 billion.
Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service observing the Civil Service Code and working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland. We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits.
As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules.
Working Pattern: Our standard hours are 35 hours per week. We offer a range of flexible and hybrid working options, with two days minimum working on site at SPPA. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us.
Security Checks
Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), before they can be appointed. BPSS is comprised of four main pre-employment checks – Identity, Right to work, Employment History and a Criminal Record check (unspent convictions).
Equality Statement
We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation. Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.
Further Information: Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website. Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes. We will hold a reserve list for this post for 12 months.
Apply Before: 25th May 2026 (23:59) - This role is open to internal candidates, OGD and Common Citizenship organisations only.
Senior PMO Manager employer: Scottish Government
Contact Detail:
Scottish Government Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior PMO Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work at SPPA or similar organisations. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about the role and even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into SPPA's mission and values. Show us you understand the importance of secure pensions for Scotland’s key services and how your experience aligns with that goal.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! If you're invited to present, make sure you can clearly articulate your ideas and demonstrate your PMO expertise. We want to see your leadership shine through.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior PMO Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior PMO Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing PMOs and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how your skills align with the job description!
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to provide specific examples of how you meet the skills and behaviours outlined in the success profile. Keep it concise and focused, as we’re looking for clear evidence of your capabilities.
Be Honest About Your Experience: While it’s tempting to embellish, honesty is key. Ensure that all statements and examples in your application are truthful and reflect your actual experiences. We value integrity and want to know the real you!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re following the correct process. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Government
✨Know Your PMO Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the PMO's role within the Scottish Public Pensions Agency. Familiarise yourself with their governance structures, reporting processes, and how they ensure project success. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior PMO Manager, you'll need to lead by example. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed teams or projects. Highlight how you’ve fostered collaboration, supported team members, and ensured high standards of project management. This will illustrate your capability to build cohesion and resilience within the PMO.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage risks and issues. Think of specific scenarios where you had to navigate challenges in project delivery. Be ready to discuss how you identified risks, implemented change control, and ensured milestones were met. This will showcase your practical experience and strategic thinking.
✨Align Your Values with SPPA's Mission
The SPPA is dedicated to delivering secure pensions for key services in Scotland. During the interview, express your commitment to public service and how your values align with theirs. Share your passion for improving lives through effective project management and how you can contribute to their mission. This connection can set you apart from other candidates.