Head of PMO

£800 Per Day (Inside IR35)

6 month Contract

Based in Oxford

To Start ASAP

Your new company

Step into a major leadership role at a large, upper tier local authority that is in the midst of one of the most ambitious and complex transformation agendas in the sector. With major programmes including a high profile Local Government Reorganisation shaping the future of services, funding and organisational identity, this is a council undergoing real, system wide change. The organisation is investing heavily in strengthening its transformation and delivery capability. As part of this, it is now seeking an exceptional Head of PMO who can bring clarity, authority and discipline to a vast and evolving programme portfolio. Local Government experience is an absolute must.

Your new role

This is not a traditional PMO role, this is the senior leadership position responsible for holding an entire organisation to account for the successful delivery of its biggest programme. You will become the council's central source of truth for LGR programme performance, governance strength and delivery confidence. You will have the authority to challenge Programme Directors and senior leaders on direction, decisions and delivery discipline across the whole portfolio, including the most politically sensitive and high risk programmes. You will provide senior level insight, foresight and strategic challenge, delivering portfolio reporting that not only informs leadership but influences decisive action. When programmes need re scoping, reprioritising or even stopping entirely, your voice will be the one that shapes that conversation. You will also lead the evolution of the organisation's PPM capability, designing and embedding portfolio frameworks, dashboards and assurance models that drive maturity across every directorate. Alongside this, you will lead a talented PMO team and work closely with Members, SROs and corporate leadership to ensure transformation activity is aligned, realistic and future proof. This is a role for someone who thrives in complexity, enjoys operating at pace and relishes the opportunity to reshape how a major authority delivers its most critical change.

What you'll need to succeed

You will bring a powerful blend of senior level portfolio leadership, political awareness and real strategic presence. You will have deep expertise in governance, assurance, risk and financial planning and the confidence to challenge and influence at the highest levels. You will be adept at simplifying complexity, turning data and performance insights into compelling narratives that drive action. You will also be an experienced leader of senior specialists, capable of elevating capability and embedding consistency in all environments. Experience working within large, complex public sector or political environments is essential, and exposure to major transformation or reorganisation programmes will be a significant advantage.

What you'll get in return

This contract places you at the centre of one of the most consequential transformation portfolios in the region. You will gain unparalleled access to senior decision making, real influence over organisational direction and a platform to drive meaningful, lasting change. You'll join a collaborative, forward thinking environment with a competitive day rate and significant potential for extension as the transformation portfolio evolves.

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.

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