Overview

We are representing a distinctive UK university undergoing a major digital transformation spanning IT, Student Management, Finance, HR, and Data. The PMO Manager will reset and rebuild governance and delivery capability, introducing stronger governance processes, reporting, and stakeholder engagement to drive cultural change and organisational delivery.

The offer

• Contract: 18-month FTC (Highly likely for the role to become permanent).
• Salary: £55,000 - £65,000, with potential to £70,000 for an exceptional candidate.
• Location: Milton Keynes (3 days per week on site).
• Reporting line: Transformation Director, with a dotted line to the Registrar.
• Start date: Ideally asap but can accommodate notice periods.
• Process: 1-stage interview process with a second stage reserved as contingency.

Role focus

The PMO Manager will re-energise the team, improve governance adoption, and establish stakeholder trust through consistent, meaningful reporting. It is a hands-on role with a progression toward embedding strategic governance across the organisation.

Key priorities (first 6–12 months)

• Establish an effective organisational PMO with consistent reporting and improved engagement.
• Motivate and re-energise the transformation and project teams that are non-digital.
• Improve governance adoption by addressing missed milestones and ensuring true RAG status.
• Deliver efficiency and continuous improvement across projects and processes.
• Build credibility and stakeholder confidence through quick wins (better communication and engagement within 3–6 months).

About you / Requirements

You’ll need to bring:

• 5+ years of experience in PMO management.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
• Proven ability to embed effective PMO processes and drive cultural change.
• Experience navigating complex organisations with multiple stakeholders and high expectations.
• Line management experience with the ability to motivate and develop others.

Desirable

Higher education or smaller-organisation experience, Power BI and data visualisation skills, Agile/benefits tracking exposure.

How to apply

If you’re ready to lead a PMO reset, bring energy to a transformation team, and build credibility through delivery, please get in touch. Reach out on +44 (0)161 5498006 or email y.okubet@gravitasgroup.com for more information/confidential chat.

Location details

Milton Keynes, England, United Kingdom