Our client, operating within the Defence & Security sector, is seeking a skilled PMO Lead to join their London-based team on a contract basis. This role is integral to the Project Operations (ProjOPS), focusing on the design, establishment, and leadership of a centralised Project Management Office (PMO). The PMO Lead will provide oversight, governance, and capacity building to enhance delivery capabilities for a portfolio of complex internal and strategic change initiatives.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the design and establishment of a central PMO, embedding it as a core function within Project Operations
- Own the ongoing management and continuous improvement of the PMO to support delivery of large, complex projects
- Strengthen project management capability across the organisation through capacity building
- Develop and maintain the PMO operating model, standards, and toolkits
- Establish consistent governance, oversight, and performance reporting across all project types
- Maintain oversight of live project delivery, providing regular performance and risk reporting to senior management
- Support senior leaders with resource planning and deployment of project managers, understanding stakeholder demand
- Embed robust project management principles into key operational processes
- Act as a PMO coach and advisor, supporting project managers and senior colleagues
- Drive continuous improvement and support functional and cultural change in partnership with Organisational Change teams
Job Requirements:
- Proven experience setting up and leading a PMO within complex programme or operational environments
- Strong background in PMO governance, reporting, risk/issue management, and assurance
- Experience supporting senior management with performance insight, decision making, and resourcing
- Ability to operate credibly at senior levels, influencing without formal line management
- Strong analytical, organisational, and communication skills
- Comfortable working across ambiguity and driving standardisation and improvement
- PRINCE2, MSP, PMP or equivalent project/programme management qualifications are desirable
Additional Information:
- This role is Inside IR35
- No line management responsibility, but significant functional leadership and influence
- Must be able to start quickly
- DV Clearance is mandatory
If you are an experienced PMO Lead with a strong background in the Defence & Security sector and are ready to take on a challenging role, we would love to hear from you. Apply now to join our client's dynamic and impactful team in London.
