At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and coordinate PMO services for innovative water projects.
- Company: Join Southern Water, transforming the UK's water industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission to enhance life through water and sustainability.
- Qualifications: Experience in PMO management and project delivery is essential.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 75000 £ per year.
Location: flexible within our region with weekly site visits required (driving licence essential)
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 37 hours per week
Salary: £70-75,000 per annum, depending on skills and experience
The Environment & Innovation team is at the forefront of Southern Water’s drive to enhance and protect the environment. Deploying the latest innovative solutions and working in partnership with our customers and stakeholders, the team takes a holistic approach to managing water quality and flow across the region. The portfolio has rapidly expanded from £50 million to over £2 billion in the next 10-year period. This is a fast-paced team that is now expanding to continue to deliver a larger programme of sustainable and innovative solutions.
A brand new position has been created to join our Environment & Innovation team as a PMO Lead.
About the role
The Programme Management Office (PMO) provides the central ‘hub’ for the projects and programmes within the Environment & Innovation directorate. This includes delivery lifecycle governance, financial management, reporting and analytics, assurance / quality control, toolkit, standards, processes and templates.
What you will be responsible for:
- Co-ordinate project and programme level reporting, including analytics to identify issues, trends, gaps and improvements required.
- Ensure the team capture and manage demand through the delivery lifecycle processes, from idea through to closure, in collaboration with Business Owners and Business stakeholders, PMs, tracking and prioritising initiatives.
- Drive adoption of the Environment & Innovation delivery lifecycle, standards and processes ensuring projects and programmes are compliant.
- Be a key point of contact with other PMO teams in SW to ensure sharing best practice and learnings.
- Co-ordinate, track and report risks, issues, changes and dependencies at a programme and portfolio level.
- Management of permanent and contract Senior PMO Analysts and PMO Analysts in the successful delivery of PMO services.
What you’ll bring to the role:
- Significant demonstrable experience of shaping, scoping and delivering PMO services.
- Experience of managing a PMO team with a portfolio of Business and IT Projects and Programmes.
- Experience of the full delivery lifecycle and project management tools and techniques.
- Experience of managing resource demand and assignment, identifying opportunities and risks.
- Experience of financial management including tracking and reporting, purchase orders, invoicing and finance system updates.
- Experience of project, programme and portfolio reviews, reporting and analytics.
- Regulated industry exposure is highly desirable.
Southern Water is at the forefront of transforming Britain’s water industry, investing significantly to enhance resilience, sustainability, and service excellence. With £7.8bn planned investment for 2025-30, this is an unparalleled opportunity to join a business committed to delivering a generational shift in the way water services are managed.
Our mission is to protect and enhance life through water—and we need passionate people to help us achieve it. If you’re inspired by our purpose and believe you can contribute, apply today. You don’t need to meet every criterion; what matters most is your drive to make a difference.
If this role isn’t quite what you’re looking for but are keen to be contacted about opportunities at Southern Water, you can register your details here: Introduce Yourself.
Our Commitment to Diversity
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or any other protected characteristic. If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.
Additional information
In line with Southern Water’s security requirements, successful candidates will be required to provide evidence of their identity, eligibility to work in the UK, criminal record check (DBS) and verification of their employment and/or education history for the past three years. Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of all pre‑employment checks, including security vetting. Please note that if a candidate does not meet the required security standards or fails to pass the vetting process, Southern Water reserves the right to withdraw the offer of employment. Some positions may also require higher levels of security vetting, which may involve providing additional documentation.
PMO Lead in Chatham employer: SouthernWaterServices
Southern Water is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can lead transformative water and wastewater projects that make a real difference in communities. With a strong commitment to employee growth, a collaborative culture, and a focus on sustainability, you'll find ample opportunities to develop your skills while contributing to a vital mission. Located in the vibrant areas of Falmer and Durrington, our flexible hybrid working model ensures a healthy work-life balance, making it an ideal place for passionate individuals looking to drive change in the water industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PMO Lead in Chatham
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like PMO Lead at SouthernWaterServices!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like SouthernWaterServices or be willing to refer you for that PMO Lead position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from SouthernWaterServices who’s on the lookout for their next PMO Lead star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time PMO Lead role at SouthernWaterServices!
We think you need these skills to ace PMO Lead in Chatham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at SouthernWaterServices. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at SouthernWaterServices
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at SouthernWaterServices. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
