PMO Manager

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is the UK government department responsible for safeguarding our natural environment, supporting our world-leading food and farming industry, and sustaining a thriving rural economy. Our broad remit means we play a major role in people's day-to-day life, from the food we eat, and the air we breathe, to the water we drink.

Water is a top priority for the Secretary of State, who has been clear that we need to expand our capacity at pace. The Independent Water Commission published its final report in summer 2025 and recommended establishing a new integrated water regulator that combines the functions of Ofwat, the Drinking Water Inspectorate, and the water functions of the Environment Agency and Natural England. The government is committed to responding via a White Paper, ahead of laying landmark reforming legislation in 2026. In addition, important work is underway on the existing projects in Water, which also require close project management. 

We are seeking a SEO Senior PMO Support Officer to join the Water Directorate. As a Senior PMO Support Officer, you will maintain and improve project management standards within the Water Directorate. This includes implementing and sharing best practices, as well as developing and applying project procedures, tools, and techniques to standardise methodologies. You will provide expert guidance, support, and insight across the multiple project streams you are working on. You will be a source of all project information and metrics. This role is aligned to the Project Delivery Capability Framework (PDCF). 

Encouraging diverse applicants

We recognise the challenges that people with (multiple) protected characteristics may experience on the job market and in their career progression. We are fully committed to being an inclusive employer and ensuring equal opportunities. We are keen to make our workforce as diverse as possible, and we hope to attract applications from underrepresented groups.

Location

This role can be based at any Main Defra Policy Hub. You will be expected work in the office at least 60% of the time.

• Lead the PMO to deliver the agreed outcomes within time, cost, and quality constraints, whilst ensuring that the Directorates projects do the same.
• Manage the day-to-day operations of the PMO, whilst providing support to both project & wider teams.
• Build plans, apply appropriate delivery methodologies, set controls, and track & report against milestones.
• Identify benefits, ensuring they are understood, measured, tracked, owned, monitored, and that there is longer-term delivery of benefits against the business case.
• Develop effective relationships with key stakeholders both inside and outside the Directorate.
• Identify and monitor risks & issues. Develop mitigation actions and adhere to escalation routes & processes.
• Provide reports, support effective governance and decision-making.
• Support project assurance, audit, and gateway reviews.
• Establish best practice processes across the Directorate.
• Be an active member of the Defra Project Delivery Profession Community.

Person Specification

We are seeking a self-motivated PMO professional with strong organisational abilities who can work effectively with colleagues, delivery leads and senior leaders. The role requires the ability to work collaboratively across organisational boundaries, building strong relationships across DEFRA, organisational partners and wider government stakeholders whilst working remotely within a geographically distributed team.

The post‑holder will not be expected to be a subject‑matter expert in all areas, but will be expected to join the dots, spot emerging issues, and ensure that information is accurate, timely, and decision-ready.

Essential criteria:

Proven experience working in project, programme or portfolio management, including delivery in a complex or fast‑paced environment.

Experience in leading the management of core PMO activities such as governance, planning, risk and issue management, stakeholder engagement, assurance, change control, benefits management and knowledge management.

Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple activities effectively and adapt flexibly, providing support wherever and whenever required.

Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to challenge effectively and professionally to ensure the correct information is presented at the right level and at the correct time.

Excellent attention to detail, using sound judgement to ensure accuracy and quality of work.

The ability to identify, communicate and influence a wide range of senior stakeholders and partners, both internal and external to the business area.