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- Tasks: Lead a top-tier PMO to deliver a £150m+ capital investment portfolio.
- Company: Join the prestigious University of Oxford, a leader in global education.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days annual leave, flexible working, and generous family leave schemes.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on ambitious projects within a world-renowned institution.
- Qualifications: Senior experience in PMO leadership and financial oversight required.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 65336 - 75439 £ per year.
Estates Services, Oxford
Are you an experienced programme or portfolio office lead in capital projects or construction delivery who wants to make a real difference? Join our Estates Department at the University of Oxford as Head of Project Management Office (PMO) and play a defining role in delivering one of the UK’s most ambitious and complex capital investment programmes - within a globally renowned institution.
Location: Oxford
Salary: £65,336 - £75,439 per annum
Contract: Full time, Permanent
About Us
Spanning the historic streets of the “city of dreaming spires”, the University of Oxford has been ranked the world’s leading university for ten consecutive years. A place where centuries of tradition meet world-changing innovation, we offer you the chance to shape the future while working in an inspiring environment that promotes excellence. Here, you will join a diverse, inclusive community that champions your wellbeing, development, and aspirations. The Estates Department plays a critical role in enabling this mission. From major capital developments, and refurbishments to sustainability and digitally-driven estate transformation, our work creates the physical environment in which world-leading research and teaching can thrive.
What We Offer
- 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to 10 extra days and additional leave after long service.
- One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full-pay paternity/partner leave.
- A commitment to hybrid and flexible working.
- An excellent contributory pension scheme.
- Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans.
- Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs.
About the Role
As Head of PMO, you will lead a best-in-class Project Management Office that enables the confident delivery of a £150m+ annual capital investment portfolio. You will also be responsible for overseeing the definition and administration of the minor capital plan at circa £30m per year. You will set the standards for how projects are initiated, governed, resourced, and reported - ensuring consistency, transparency, and confidence for senior leaders and stakeholders. A key part of the role is evolving towards a “One Estates PMO” model, bringing together multiple portfolios such as Engineering, Maintenance, Sustainability, and Planning into a coordinated and future-focused approach. Leading a team of up to 10 professional PMO specialists, you will champion capability development, strong financial control, and continuous improvement, while working closely with senior academics, professional services leaders, finance, and external partners to enable successful outcomes.
About You
You will bring:
- Senior-level experience leading or shaping a PMO or programme function within a complex organisation.
- A proven ability to design, embed, and improve governance, standards, and assurance at portfolio level.
- Experience leading financial oversight across complex programmes or portfolios.
- The credibility and confidence to influence senior stakeholders.
- Experience of leading, developing, and inspiring teams.
- A results-driven and improvement-focused mindset.
Sponsorship and Right to Work
This role meets the criteria for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa. The University will meet the cost of the Skilled Worker visa and NHS surcharge for applicants that require a visa.
Head of PMO (Project Management Office) in Oxford employer: University of Oxford
Contact Detail:
University of Oxford Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of PMO (Project Management Office) in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their recent developments and challenges. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help us tailor your responses to align with their goals and values.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. We can help you with common questions and scenarios specific to project management roles, so don’t hesitate to reach out!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we often have exclusive opportunities listed there that you won’t find anywhere else. So, get clicking and let’s make that dream job a reality!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of PMO (Project Management Office) in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of PMO role. Highlight your experience in leading PMOs or programme functions, especially in complex organisations. We want to see how your skills align with our ambitious capital investment programmes!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our Estates Department. Be sure to mention your experience with governance and financial oversight, as these are key for us.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We’re looking for someone who can inspire and lead a team. In your application, share examples of how you've developed teams and driven results in previous roles. This will help us see your potential to champion capability development at the University.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our amazing community and benefits.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Oxford
✨Know Your PMO Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the role of a PMO in capital projects and construction delivery. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and opportunities within the University of Oxford's Estates Department. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of PMO, you'll be leading a team of specialists. Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to inspire and develop teams. Think about times when you've successfully influenced senior stakeholders or improved governance standards, and be ready to discuss these experiences in detail.
✨Prepare for Financial Oversight Questions
Given the financial oversight aspect of the role, brush up on your knowledge of budget management and financial control in complex programmes. Be prepared to discuss your experience with financial reporting and how you've ensured transparency and accountability in past projects.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
The role requires a results-driven mindset focused on continuous improvement. Think of specific instances where you've implemented changes that led to better outcomes. Be ready to share your approach to evolving processes and how you measure success in project delivery.
