Closing Date
2026-04-17
Job Title: PMO Lead
Location: Ideally within our region (Hybrid/Flexible)
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 37, Monday to Friday
Salary: up to £70,000 depending on skills and experience
As part of Southern Water’s drive to enhance and protect the environment, the Environment & Innovation team are 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, with a portfolio that 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 new and sustainable solutions.
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 as well as assurance / quality control.
The PMO Lead manages and leads a team of PMO Analysts in the delivery of the portfolio services.
What you will be responsible for:
1. Champion the delivery lifecycle, ensuring teams follow agreed standards, templates, and processes.
2. Coordinate and prepare content for project and programme reviews.
3. Track and report risks, issues, changes, and dependencies across the portfolio.
4. Oversee financial tracking, reporting, analytics, POs and system updates.
5. Ensure project progress, RAID updates, and financials are captured and included in all reporting packs.
6. Work closely with Strategic Leads to embed a supportive and consistent PMO approach.
7. Line‑manage PMO team, providing day‑to‑day direction and support.
8. Facilitate governance meetings and ensure agreed actions are delivered.
9. Partner with the Governance & Reporting Manager to embed the governance framework.
10. Lead lessons learned and post‑project reviews.
11. Be the key PMO contact for the directorate
What you’ll bring to the role:
12. You will have significant project management experience as well as demonstrable experience of shaping, scoping and delivering PMO services.
13. Experience of managing a PMO team with a portfolio of waterfall and agile Projects and Programmes.
14. People management experience including performance reviews, career development, coaching and mentoring.
15. Experience of project, programme and portfolio reviews, reporting and analytics.
16. Experience of financial management including tracking and reporting and finance system updates.
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.
You will be joining at a time of significant change, working alongside a highly skilled leadership team with a clear vision for the future. We offer an environment where senior professionals can make a meaningful impact, influence major strategic decisions, and drive long-term value creation.
"At Southern Water, we believe diverse perspectives drive innovation. If you’re passionate about making a positive impact and think you can bring value to our team, we’d love to hear from you—even if you don’t tick every box. Your unique skills and experiences could be exactly what we need."
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 (myworkdaysite.com- 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 preemployment 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.
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