PMO Director – Defence Technology | High-Growth Environment | South Coast / Hybrid
Our client is seeking an experienced and strategically minded PMO Director to lead and evolve their Programme Management Office as they transition from a high-growth start-up to a mature enterprise. This is a critical leadership position, responsible for embedding excellence in project and programme delivery across the organisation. The successful candidate will ensure alignment with strategic goals while enabling scalable and consistent execution across a complex and fast-paced technological and commercial portfolio.
The PMO Director will play a key role in driving business activity and delivering a unified approach to governance, planning, resourcing, reporting, and risk management. Working in close partnership with the executive leadership team, product owners, design and engineering, business development, business intelligence, finance, and delivery teams, this individual will be instrumental in ensuring the successful delivery of priority programmes that support both product development and customer commitments.
Key Responsibilities:
* Provide senior leadership and direction to the PMO, defining its vision, structure, and roadmap in line with the organisation’s strategic objectives.
* Oversee the development, execution, and evaluation of multiple programmes and projects, managing the full project lifecycle with a focus on prioritisation, resource allocation, and risk mitigation.
* Establish and refine governance frameworks to track project health, budgets, timelines, dependencies, and risks—balancing agility with the structure required for innovation and operational discipline.
* Further develop the risk management function to support the delivery of large-scale defence contracts.
* Deliver regular, data-driven reporting to executive stakeholders, offering insights into performance, alignment, and risks.
* Promote a culture of accountability and evidence-based decision-making, championing continuous improvement.
* Lead cross-functional senior leaders to align priorities and harmonise internal activity across multiple departments.
Qualifications & Experience:
* A proven track record of establishing or leading a PMO within a technology-driven, complex, or regulated environment.
* Deep expertise in programme and portfolio management methodologies.
* Strong knowledge of risk management principles and best practices.
* Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
* Proficiency in project management and data visualisation tools; certifications in Project and/or Risk Management are advantageous.
* High attention to detail with strong analytical capabilities.
* Commercial acumen with the ability to understand and respond to broader business challenges.
* Strong influencing, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
* Resilience and the ability to perform under pressure in a dynamic setting.
Security Requirements:
Due to the nature of the work, candidates must meet the necessary security criteria. As a minimum, this includes:
* Existing right to live and work in the UK
* Ability to obtain Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance
* Eligibility for Security Check (SC) level clearance for specific projects
Our Client’s Values:
Our client believes their people are their greatest asset. They are committed to providing an environment that empowers individuals to thrive. The business fosters a professional, agile, and inclusive culture grounded in trust, collaboration, and commercial excellence.
What Our Client Looks For:
* A collaborative approach and mutual respect
* Initiative and self-motivation
* Integrity and professionalism
* Commercial awareness and adaptability
* A commitment to continuous learning and development
Diversity & Inclusion:
Our client is committed to building an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone can succeed. Should you require any support or adjustments during the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to make this known.