Head of Project Management in London

The British Museum is looking for an inspirational Head of Project Management or Head of PMO to join and lead the team of project managers within the Information Services department. This is a pivotal role, combining people leadership with the opportunity to review, revitalise and future-proof how project management operates across the department, improving project standards.

As Head of Project Management, you will provide operational leadership for the Project Management function within Information Services. You will line manage a team of Project Managers while also leading a focused programme of improvement to our project management processes, documentation and governance. A core priority for the duration of this contract will be to review what is and isn’t working. You will guide in establishing clear, consistent and proportionate standards that support effective delivery across a diverse portfolio of technology and digital projects.

This is an exciting opportunity for a hands-on leader that enjoys balancing strategic thinking with practical delivery who is motivated by high-performing teams, strengthening governance and embedding clear, pragmatic ways of working.

• Provide operational leadership to the Project Management team, setting clear direction and expectations for delivery across a wide range of projects.
• Lead, develop, and manage Project Managers, fostering a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing team culture.
• Review, refresh and embed project management methodologies, standards and documentation, ensuring they are pragmatic, of a high standard and consistently applied.
• Improve and streamline project governance, including gate processes, reporting and engaging with boards and decision-making forums.
• Ensure project reporting across budgets, risks, progress and resourcing is of the highest standard.
• Support the development of project management capability, including standards, behaviours and professional development.
• Work closely with senior stakeholders across the organisation, influencing and advising on project delivery approaches.

• Significant experience in IT or digital project management, including leading multiple concurrent projects of varying size and complexity.
• Proven experience of line managing project managers and developing high-performing teams.
• Strong understanding of project governance, reporting, risk and assurance.
• Experience of reviewing, designing and/or improving project management frameworks and documentation.
• Confidence working with senior stakeholders and governance boards, able to influence and advise at all levels.
• Excellent communication and document-writing skills, with the ability to bring clarity to complex issues.
• A recognised project management qualification, such as PRINCE2, PMP or equivalent.
• Experience in the public sector, cultural organisations, higher education or charities is welcomed, but not essential.

At the British Museum, we believe our people are at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we’ve designed a benefits package that goes beyond the ordinary. Our full list of benefits can be found here, but we’ve outlined some highlights below:

• Free exhibition entry for you and guests, exclusive private views, ICOM and reciprocal museum access.
• 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays and 2.5 privilege days (and +5 days after 10 years).
• Social and wellbeing perks including Staff parties, social clubs, CSSC sports and leisure, and support from the Civil Service Retirement Fellowship.
• Peer support and allyship with five diversity networks for community.
• Learning and development through courses, mentoring and Athena as well as support for professional qualifications.
• Employee Assistance Programme available 24/7 for counselling, wellbeing support and more.
• Support for carers through Employers for Carers.
• Civil Service Pension Scheme with a secure, inflation-linked defined benefit.

Our values drive everything we do, from how we handle our objects to how we work in our team to fostering a culture where everyone feels heard and empowered:

• Care Deeply
• Embrace the Unknown
• Spark Curiosity
• Value Many Voices

These are a core part of how we recruit. Throughout the application, interview and selection process, we look for examples of how candidates demonstrate these behaviours in their own work and experiences. We encourage you to familiarise yourself with our values and reflect them in your application.

At the British Museum, we are committed to a fair and inclusive recruitment process where every applicant has the opportunity to present their genuine strengths and experience in their own voice. While we recognise that AI tools can be helpful when preparing applications, we expect all submissions to accurately reflect everyone’s skills and background, and we may withdraw applications that appear to be generated entirely by AI. During interviews, we want to hear directly from candidates and therefore do not permit the use of AI to generate or support answers, though assistive technologies used as reasonable adjustments are fully welcomed. If you have any additional needs that we should be aware of to support you with your application, please provide details. The Museum also adheres to the HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) for pre-employment screening of Civil Servants.