PMO Manager

Job summary

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.

Job description

• 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

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.

Qualifications

Any of the following qualifications or willing to work towards:
PRINCE2 Foundation
MSP Foundation
APM PFQ
P30 Foundation
MoR Foundation

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Delivering at Pace
• Managing a Quality Service
• Leadership

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £42,665, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs contributes £12,360 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).A career in the Civil Service is like no other. If you’re looking to join a world class team and develop your career with us, then the Civil Service is the place for you! You might be wondering, “what’s in it for me”? Take a look below at some of the benefits available to you as a civil servant in Defra.

Learning and Development
Everyone in Defra is supported to develop their skills and capabilities. When you join the Directorate, you will be welcomed into your new team through an induction programme that will provide you with helpful information on the civil service, Defra, our work and our policies. Your line manager will also work with you to establish your priorities for the year, developing a performance, learning and development plan tailored to you and your role, while also working with you to connect you with a civil service mentor to help empower you in your new role with the opportunity to benefit from paid for coaching.

Most importantly, we’re keen to invest in you! As a civil servant, you will also have access to Civil Service Learning where you can participate in professional development programmes across a wide spectrum of subjects and professions.

Department Benefits

Technology
We’re a firm believer in agile and flexible working. When you join Defra, we’ll kit you out with a new Windows 10 Laptop, smartphone and rucksack to make sure that you perform your best wherever you are.

Leave
25 days' paid leave per annum rising to 30 days after five years’ service, in addition to eight public holidays and the King’s Birthday privilege day. We also offer
- competitive maternity, paternity, parental and adoption leave;
- study leave for the pursuit of academic studies;
- 3 days paid leave for volunteering per annum;
- 15 days paid leave per year for reservist training; and,
- generous paid sick leave.

Cycle to Work Scheme
Defra loans you a bike for your commute as a tax-free benefit. At the end of the loan period, you have the option to buy the bike, sav