PMO Business Manager in Reading

FIXED TERM CONTRACT - 6 MONTHS

The PMO Business Manager role reports to the Head of PMO Operations and contributes significantly to strategic planning, coordination, and the successful running of the PMO function. The role interacts with functional and business unit leadership to align the PMO transformation plan and budget with overall business objectives and priorities.

The Business Manager works horizontally across the PMO team to support the lead team in coordinating and pulling together the overarching PMO strategy and ways of working across the broader PMO and Finance function.

What you’ll be doing as a PMO Business Manager:

• Work closely with the PMO Director and Leadership team to ensure effective coordination of all key business planning and BAU activities, including monthly governance forums, MBRs, quarterly Capital Allocation Reviews and general budget planning activities – ensuring all key inputs are planned, prepared and ready in sufficient time for the PMO director/leadership team to review.
• On behalf of the PMO Director and leadership team, own and maintain the overall PMO Transformation /Continuous improvement plan and support regular progress reviews, escalating risks and issues to ensure timely and efficient resolution by those accountable.
• Support the prioritisation of key activities across the team (transformation and BAU) to ensure full alignment across the team.
• Support interface with Transformation Office and wider corporate change initiatives to ensure full alignment with PMO transformation plan.
• Take ownership and lead a range of special projects for PMO. Projects may range from short‑term tactical reviews of PMO performance to leading initiatives with external partners and longer‑term strategic projects, to shape the future of our business and the role of the PMO.
• Own and manage the PMO resource plan and contract administration for supply chain resources.
• Represent the PMO Director / Leadership Team at meetings with key internal stakeholders.
• Produce professional and engaging presentations/materials for internal and external audiences.
• Coordinate and review communications on behalf of the PMO Leadership team, working with our communications business partner.
• Build an extensive network across Thames Water, maintaining and utilising these relationships to ensure PMO and Thames’ desired outcomes are achieved as effectively as possible.
• Act in accordance with Thames Water Values and principles in everything you do.

What you should bring to the role:

• You will be tactful, positive and trustworthy with a friendly, sociable approach, expressing a passion for Thames Water’s Purpose, Values and Behaviours.
• Passion for delivering transformational change and able to manage multiple projects at any one time, keeping calm, adapting, and responding to inevitable change.
• Experience of working in a PMO environment, improving areas such as governance, assurance, and reporting.
• Deliver exceptional results through an enthusiastic and positive approach, taking accountability for your role while working accurately and flexibly within a busy team.
• Show initiative with a desire for change and making a difference.
• Ability to build strong, working relationships, utilising your excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to learn “on the job” and adapt to new and evolving challenges.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary of £70,000 per annum, depending on experience.
• Annual Leave – 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service (plus bank holidays).
• Car Allowance.
• Performance‑related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets.
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
• Private Medical Health Care.
• Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of you and your family’s health and wellbeing, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.

Who are we?

We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive. It’s a big job, and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.

Learning about our purpose and values Working at Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.

If you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region, and our planet. Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family.

Why choose us?

We’re committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, whether that’s extra time, accessible formats, or anything else, just let us know. We’re here to help and support.

When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business and meet colleagues.

Disclaimer: Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.