Role Title: Director of Project Management Office (PMO)
Location: Hybrid, reporting to our Stone office, twice a week.
Package: Competitive Salary, Flexible Working, Development & Opportunity (Personal & Technical), Private Medical (Optical & Dental options), Matching Contributory Pension, 25 Days Leave + Public Holidays + Buy and Sell Scheme, Life Insurance, Referral Scheme, Employee Assistance Program, Benefits Hub.
Status: Permanent, Full Time
Who is Instem? I nstem is a global leader in SaaS solutions for the life sciences industry, providing cutting-edge technology to pharmaceutical companies, contract research organizations (CROs), and academic institutions. Our solutions accelerate drug discovery, study management, and regulatory submission, helping researchers make better, faster decisions.
Why Join Instem?
At Instem, we are more than just a SaaS company - we are enabling life sciences organizations to accelerate drug discovery and bring innovative therapies to market faster.
What’s the culture/environment like? Although we’re a fast-growing organisation, we do have an incredibly supportive, communal, family-feel environment. We promote solution-based thinking, with full flexibility and empowerment - we want you to be accountable for your success! We’ll invest in you as a person and encourage you to take part in companywide sessions for wellbeing, mental health, critical conversations, and strengths.
This position reports directly to Instem’s Chief Operating Officer. The Director of Project Management Office (PMO) is responsible for leading and overseeing the Preclinical Project Management function across the organization. This role requires a strategic leader with a strong background in project management methodologies, collaboration skills, and the ability to work closely with other leaders and stakeholders.
The Director of PMO ensures the efficient and effective execution of projects/initiatives for our customers (internal and external). This role involves the strategic alignment of projects with business objectives and owning all aspects of Operation’s end of month process. The Director of PMO is a member of the Operations Senior Leadership/Management team.
What to expect?
• Elevate the PMO: evaluate and improve, or rebuild, the PMO; ensure the implementation of PMO processes and methodologies that drive consistent and high-quality project outcomes across the organization.
• Ensure the proper coaching, training, mentorship, and career development of PMO staff, fostering a collaborative, results driven, and high-performance team culture.
• Develop and execute the PMO’s strategic vision, ensuring alignment with broader organizational objectives.
• Establish and oversee the tracking, monitoring, and reporting of KPIs, PIs, and financials.
• Lead the management of estimating, forecasting, and financials for PMO operations; own the end of month process (EOM).
• Analyze project performance, EOM data, provide insights, and recommendations for improvement
• Develop high-level reporting frameworks that provide actionable insights for senior leadership decision-making.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget.
• Optimize the allocation and utilization of project resources; manage the intake, prioritization, and scheduling of projects to ensure proper resource allocation.
• Identify and address resource gaps and ensure the PMO has the necessary tools and capabilities to succeed.
• Develop, implement, and maintain a capacity planning solution.
• Develop, Implement, and maintain a solution for addressing project escalations and conflicts.
• Develop and implement risk management strategies to identify, assess, and mitigate project risks
• Ensure risk management practices are integrated into the project management process.
• Collaborate with other senior leaders to ensure alignment.
• Champion continuous improvement, driving innovation and improvements in project management processes, tools and standards.
• Implement best practices and industry standards for project management across the organization.
• Review project hours monthly to ensure accurate time reporting and adherence to budgets.
• Review utilization monthly to ensure staff are properly allocated.
• Produce top-notch written communications and deliver high quality and effective presentations.
• Travel to client sites where required.
• Adherence to the Company’s Quality Management System to ensure that all work is handled Securely, Professionally and Diligently
• Demonstrate our CADET Values – Customer, Accountability, Dedication, Execution, and Teamwork.
• Visionary member of staff, detail-oriented, and great communicator.
• Strategic thinker: sees the big picture and knows how to align project with organization goals.
• Innovative problem solver: thrives on tackling challenges and finding creative solutions.
• Collaborative leader: excels in bringing people together and inspires trust.
• Proactive mindset: anticipates problem and solve before they arise.
• Flexible and Resilient: adaptable and thrives in a fast-paced environment and bounces back quickly from setback.
• Customer Obsessed: keep internal and external stakeholder at the heart of every decision.
• High emotional intelligence: navigate interpersonal dynamics with empathy and tact.
• Passion for excellence: hold yourself and your team to high standards, driving results with integrity and care.
Skills / Experience you’ll need:
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business Administration, Project Management, or related field.
• At Proven track record of project management experience.
• Several years of PMO leadership experience with a track record of successful project delivery in a senior role.
• PMP (Project Management Professional), PRINCE2, or equivalent project management certification, with a strategic vision to continuously enhance processes.
• In-depth experience with project management tools, financials, and reporting end of month.
• Strong leadership and people management skills with the ability to influence and engage at all levels of the organization.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to drive change and lead through influence.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and project management software and tools; NetSuite Suite Projects Pro a plus.
• Experience with Power BI, NetSuite, Salesforce.
• Familiarity with health or life sciences information and understanding of implementing software a plus.
• Strong understanding of data analysis, data visualization, and business intelligence concepts.
We hire exceptional, enthusiastic people, and everyone is empowered to think solo, take the initiative and be innovative. We invite you to explore a world of opportunities with us, and to have influence in helping us achieve our goals, by being you!
An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. #LI-KL #LI-HYBRID
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