At a Glance
- 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.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- 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.
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
The University of Oxford is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead the Project Management Office within one of the world's most prestigious institutions. With a commitment to employee wellbeing, generous leave policies, and a vibrant community, you will thrive in an environment that fosters professional growth and innovation. Join us in shaping the future of education and research while enjoying the benefits of flexible working and a supportive culture in the historic city of Oxford.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of PMO (Project Management Office) in Oxford
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like University of Oxford, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Head of PMO (Project Management Office) at University of Oxford.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of PMO (Project Management Office) in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Oxford
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
