Head of Programme Management Office (PMO)

Chief Finance Officer’s Directorate

Supports the Mayor’s Office and wider GLA on a variety of different aspects: from managing daily financial decisions to setting long-term objectives; budget setting; and observing and recognising projects and opportunities in the market that may be worthy of development or investment. 

Shape the future of London’s delivery agenda.

The Greater London Authority (GLA) is launching a new Programme Management Office (PMO) to drive excellence across a diverse and complex portfolio of Mayoral Delivery Programmes. We’re looking for a visionary and experienced Head of Programme Management Office (PMO) to lead this transformation — embedding best-in-class governance, delivery assurance, and strategic alignment across the organisation.

This is a rare opportunity to build a centralised PMO from the ground up, ensuring that every programme delivers meaningful outcomes for Londoners.

What you’ll lead:

• Development and implementation of consistent, high-quality programme and project management practices across the GLA
• Oversight of performance, risk, and delivery across a large and varied portfolio of Mayoral programmes
• Technical assurance and expert support to programme teams, ensuring delivery feasibility and impact
• Pipeline development and lifecycle assurance for new and emerging programmes
• Representation of the Assistant Director at key governance forums, with delegated authority on strategic matters
• Leadership of a new high-performing team, fostering development, accountability, and resource efficiency

Skills, knowledge and experience

What we’re looking for:

• Proven experience in leading programme or portfolio management in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment
• Deep understanding of governance frameworks, delivery assurance, and public sector programme lifecycles
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills — able to influence at executive level
• Strategic mindset with a passion for improving outcomes for Londoners

Please find the full JD here

The GLA Competency Framework Guidelines further detailing each competency and the different level indicators can be found here: GLA Competency Framework

How to apply

If you would like to apply for the role you will need to submit the following:

-        Personal statement with a maximum of 1500 words as part of the application form. Please ensure you address how you demonstrate the essential criteria outlined above in the advert.

If you have questions about the role

If you wish to talk to someone about the role, the hiring manager Michelle Wells would be happy to speak to you. Please contact them at [email protected]

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, contact the GLA Engage Recruitment Team ([email protected]) who support the GLA with recruitment.

Assessment process

Once you have submitted an application, your details will be reviewed by a panel.

If shortlisted, you’ll be invited to an interview/assessment.

The interview/assessment date is: Week Commencing 8^th December 2025

Equality, diversity and inclusion

London's diversity is its biggest asset, and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects London's diversity at all levels. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability.

We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are currently underrepresented in our workforce.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and we are happy to consider flexible working arrangements. We would welcome applications from candidates who are seeking part time work as this role is open to job share. 

Please note we are a Disability Confident Employer so for candidates who wish to be considered under the scheme and meet the essential criteria, they will automatically be invited to interview. Please note, should you require any adjustments through the process, we will accommodate as much as possible. Please contact the recruitment team for further information if required.

Benefits

GLA staff are hybrid working up to 3 days a week in our offices and remotely depending on their role. As part of this, you will need to split your time between home working and coming into the office.

In addition to a good salary package, you will be paid every four weeks, providing frequent salary payments. We also offer an attractive range of benefits including 30 days’ annual leave, interest free season ticket loan, interest free bicycle loan and a career average pension scheme.

Additional Information

Please note, all candidates will need to confirm that the information provided in this application form is true and correct. Should a candidate deliberately give false information, including the use of AI software, they understand that this would disqualify them from consideration.

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record (DBS) check but some roles may require additional security screening. 

Find out which DBS check is right for your employee - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Security Vetting in order to apply for the posts.