Head of PMO

Job responsibilities

About You

The successful candidate will have significant experience in PMO leadership, preferably within the NHS or a complex public sector organisation. You will bring:

• Proven expertise in programme management, portfolio governance, and transformation.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Knowledge of NHS governance structures and experience in healthcare improvement programmes.
• A strategic and analytical approach, with the ability to oversee multiple complex programmes.
• Relevant professional qualifications in portfolio and programme management (e.g., MSP, PRINCE2).

This is a unique opportunity to shape and lead a newly established PMO, playing a key role in delivering SECAmbs strategy and driving transformation across the Trust.

SECAmb is committed to upholding its core values of Kindness, Courage, and Integrity, fostering a positive and inclusive working environment where staff are supported to deliver the best possible care to our communities.

For further information or an informal discussion about this role, please contact Matt Webb, Deputy Director of Strategy & Transformation.

Education/ Qualifications

Essential

• Programme/Project Management qualification or equivalent experience (e.g., MSP, PRINCE2).
• Master's degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field.
• Advanced professional certifications in portfolio management.
• Evidence of continuous professional development.

Desirable

• oFormal management qualification in leadership or business management.

Experience

Essential

• Significant experience implementing programme and project management methodologies, delivering complex programmes, and leading multi-disciplinary teams.
• Proven track record of managing large-scale, multi-programme initiatives, including full lifecycle management of high-profile projects.
• Senior management experience within a complex programme/project environment, including line management of professional staff.
• Demonstrated ability to manage highly complex and politically sensitive information in diverse organisational contexts.
• Experience in strategic planning, governance, and embedding change management processes.

Desirable

• Experience managing programmes in NHS or similar complex public-sector environments.

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

• Advanced leadership and team management skills, with a focus on achieving measurable outcomes.
• Strategic thinking and decision-making to address highly complex and contentious issues.
• Advanced analytical skills to assess complex data, interdependencies, and risks, and develop evidence-based recommendations.
• Proven ability to plan and adapt complex activities in rapidly changing circumstances.
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills to influence senior stakeholders and present complex or sensitive information effectively.
• Expertise in programme governance, resource allocation, and business case development.
• Skilled in managing relationships with diverse stakeholders, including NHS England, ICBs, partner providers, and clinical/academic staff.
• Proficiency in IT tools, including MS Office and project management software.
• Demonstrates knowledge of equality, diversity, and inclusion, embedding these principles into programme delivery.

Desirable

• Detailed understanding of the NHS regulatory landscape.
• Advanced problem-solving skills in complex healthcare settings.

Personal Attributes

Essential

• Resilient, self-motivated, and adaptable to changing demands.
• Collaborative and approachable, with strong stakeholder management skills.
• Compassionate and inclusive leader who fosters collaboration, trust, and team development, acting as a role model for Trust and NHS values.
• Able to work under pressure and meet challenging deadlines.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).