Head of Programme Management Office (PMO)

Posted 27 March 2025 Salary competitive Location: Birmingham Job type: Permanent - Full Time Reference: 033772 Job Function: Headquarters

Head of Programme Management Office (PMO) – Transforming Today, Inspiring Tomorrow

At Avanti West Coast, we are on a mission to revolutionise the way we operate. We believe in the power of transformation and continuous improvement to drive our success. This is a new role, and as the Head of PMO, you will be at the forefront of our transformation efforts. Your role will be pivotal in identifying opportunities for improvement, crafting strategic plans, and leading teams to achieve our ambitious goals, ensuring that our transformation programme is delivered on time, within budget, and with exceptional quality.

Your key responsibilities will include:

1. Lead Transformation: Spearhead all transformation activities, developing strategies and coordinating teams to ensure timely and budget-friendly delivery.
2. Governance and Oversight: Establish and maintain effective programme governance, risk management, and performance tracking mechanisms.
3. Stakeholder Engagement: Partner with senior stakeholders and provide regular updates to Programme Sponsors, ensuring effective communication and engagement.
4. Tool Implementation: Implement tools and systems to enhance project visibility, reporting, and performance tracking.
5. Champion Change: Drive a culture of continuous improvement and manage programme budgets within agreed targets.

Who we are looking for:

1. Proven Leader: Extensive experience in managing major and complex change programmes.
2. Strategic Thinker: Strong commercial and financial acumen, with a knack for applying programme/project methodologies.
3. Change Champion: Demonstrated success in leading a PMO and delivering impactful organisational initiatives.
4. Tech-Savvy: Expertise in implementing cutting-edge PMO tools and technologies.
5. Exceptional Skills: Outstanding leadership, stakeholder management, analytical, problem-solving, and communication abilities.

This role will be based in Birmingham with some travel across our network.

Benefits include:

1. Final salary pension
2. Free travel on Avanti West Coast for you/spouse/partner/dependents
3. Privilege Travel card (75% off other train operators fares for leisure travel)
4. 30 days holiday rising by 1 for every completed year of service to a maximum of 37 days (inclusive of bank holidays)
5. 10 free journeys on other First Group Train Operator

Apply now and shape the future of Avanti West Coast!

At Avanti West Coast, we value the differences that make each of us unique! Avanti West Coast recognises the benefits of building a diverse workforce and employing people from diverse backgrounds, which includes their race, religion, age, gender, gender identity, disability and sexual orientation.

Everyone who joins Avanti West Coast becomes part of our close-knit team. We're committed to ensuring that Avanti West Coast is inclusive, a place where people are encouraged to be themselves, and not an edited version to fit in. A place where differences are welcomed, recognised, accepted and put to good use!