Head of PMO

Job summary

We are currently recruiting for a Head of PMO to join our Corporate Planning and Oversite team. Working on a hybrid basis, two/three days from our Coventry headquarters and the remainder remotely, this is an exciting opportunity to lead and shape AHDB's portfolio of programme, project and change management capability, ensuring the successful delivery of strategic priorities across the organisation.

This is an opportunity to lead and shape how AHDB delivers change. As Head of PMO, you will have oversight of our portfolio of programme, project and change initiatives, helping to ensure strategic priorities are translated into successful outcomes for the organisation and the levy payers we serve.

Working at the heart of the business, you will partner with senior leaders to drive effective project and programme governance and a consistent approach to delivery. You will lead the PMO function, build organisational capability and provide the leadership needed to ensure our most important initiatives are delivered successfully.

We are looking for an accomplished portfolio and PMO leader with the ability to influence, inspire and challenge at all levels. You will thrive in a complex environment, enjoy solving strategic delivery challenges and be passionate about helping organisations achieve their goals through effective programme, project and change management.

About AHDB

We are the independent, impartial public body that unlocks success in British agriculture. Funded by a levy from over 100,000 British producers in the beef, lamb, pork, dairy and cereals sectors, we support and champion farmers, growers and processors, often where no one else can or will.

We share the expert, evidence-based research and reports that inform on-farm decision making. We promote British produce to the UK public through domestic marketing campaigns, and we identify and open new global export opportunities to help farm businesses grow.

We help levy payers learn more, sell more and export more to remain sustainable and profitable. Together, we deliver the insights, the influence and the impact that farmers need.

Job description

• Lead and develop the PMO function, providing strategic leadership, governance and oversight of the organisation's portfolio of programme, project and change initiatives
• Develop and continuously improve our programme, project and change management framework, embedding consistent ways of working across the business
• Maintain oversight of programmes and projects, ensuring alignment to organisational priorities, effective resource planning and successful delivery of benefits
• Provide portfolio insight, reporting and assurance to support effective decision making by the Leadership team, board and governance groups
• Work with senior leaders to prioritise investment and delivery activity, balancing organisational capacity and strategic objectives
• Lead organisational capability development in project, programme and change management through coaching, guidance and best practice
• Build strong relationships across AHDB, acting as a trusted adviser on governance, delivery, organisational change and continuous improvement
• Lead, motivate and develop the PMO team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration and high performance

Person specification

• Degree-level qualification or equivalent professional experience, supported by a recognised project or programme management qualification such as PRINCE2, MSP, APM PMQ or PMP
• Significant experience leading a PMO, Portfolio Office or Project Delivery function within a complex organisation
• Proven experience managing portfolios of programmes, projects and change initiatives, including governance, assurance, risk management and benefits realisation
• Demonstrable experience delivering organisational transformation, business change and strategic delivery outcomes
• Strong leadership, stakeholder management and influencing skills, with experience working at executive and senior leadership level
• Excellent communication, analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and drive continuous improvement

Benefits

The benefits…

We believe in rewarding our people for their hard work, so we have a great mix of benefits and opportunities to give you the recognition you deserve:

• 35 hours per week, Monday–Friday
• 33 days of annual leave plus one privilege day (inclusive of bank holidays)
• Life assurance cover (4x salary)
• A market-leading defined contribution pension scheme with Legal & General
• Enhanced pay of 20 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave, subject to length of service
• A paid day each year to volunteer and make a difference in your community
• Comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
• Excellent training and development opportunities and an agreed development plan
• Recognition awards throughout the year
• Reward Gateway membership – this gives you a huge number of online discounts and savings

Please note that we reserve the right to close the vacancy early should we receive a significant number of suitable applications. For any queries or support with your application, you can contact us at recruitment@ahdb.org.uk.

At AHDB, we are committed to developing, maintaining and supporting a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion, including flexible working opportunities. This applies to both our workforce and the practices we follow.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

To apply, simply upload your CV and Cover Letter via our careers portal by clicking the ‘Apply’ button on this page. Our hiring managers will review your application, and we’ll be in touch with the outcome shortly after the closing date.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an initial interview via MS Teams. If successful, a second-stage face-to-face interview will be held at our HQ in Coventry, Warwickshire, following our competency-based framework.

Please note that we reserve the right to close the vacancy early should we receive a significant number of suitable applications.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

Please note this Post is NOT regulated by the Civil Service Commission.The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : recruitment@ahdb.org.uk
• Email : recruitment@ahdb.org.uk
• Telephone : 02476 935722

Recruitment team

• Email : recruitment@ahdb.org.uk

Further information

If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles of the Civil Service, and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact the Head of HR via email: hr@ahdb.org.uk