Head of PMO

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Head of PMO

Job Reference: HCC624668

Salary Range: £82,339 - £92,410 per annum

Contract Type: Temporary until 31 March 2028

Closing Date: 12 August 2026

Interview Date: w/c 24 August and 31 August 2026

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Head of PMO to join the Area-Wide Local Government Reorganisation Programme Team.

Are you looking for a challenging and diverse role working as part of a collaborative, high-profile programme, with an opportunity to make a real difference for residents and communities across Hampshire and the Solent?

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) is a major government-led programme that is reshaping how local councils are structured and how public services are delivered. Across Hampshire and the Solent, 15 councils are working together to create new unitary authorities that will take responsibility for delivering local government services in the future.

The aim of LGR is to simplify local government structures, improve outcomes for residents, strengthen public services and create organisations that are financially sustainable for the future. By bringing services together within new unitary authorities, the programme seeks to improve efficiency, increase accountability and enable more integrated service delivery.

This is one of the largest and most complex transformation programmes ever undertaken in local government. It involves the redesign of services, governance arrangements, technology, finance, assets, people processes and organisational structures, whilst ensuring that critical services continue to operate safely and effectively throughout the transition.

The programme brings together colleagues from multiple councils and service areas to design and deliver the future operating arrangements needed for the new authorities. This includes planning for "Day 1" readiness, when the new organisations formally come into existence, as well as supporting longer-term transformation and service improvement.

Joining the LGR programme provides a unique opportunity to contribute to a once-in-a-generation change programme that will shape the future of local government across Hampshire and the Solent. Colleagues involved in the programme gain experience of complex transformation, large-scale programme delivery, organisational design, governance, stakeholder engagement and public sector reform, whilst helping to create the foundations of the new authorities.

The Role:

Lead the central LGR PMO as the senior accountable officer for programme governance, planning and controls, reporting and MI, assurance, risk, tooling, resource management and readiness coordination, ensuring the programme has the discipline and evidence needed to deliver a safe and effective transition.

What you'll do:

• Lead and develop the central PMO, establishing clear standards, roles, routines and service expectations across the programme.
• Own the programme control framework, including integrated planning, milestones, change control, dependencies and critical path visibility.
• Lead the governance framework for boards and working groups, ensuring timely papers, decisions, actions and escalation routes.
• Oversee programme reporting and management information, providing clear insight to support executive decision making and assurance conversations.
• Own the central risk, issue, assurance and readiness approach, ensuring emerging concerns are identified early and acted on.
• Provide high-quality strategic advice to the Programme Director, Director of Implementation and boards on confidence, controls, readiness and delivery health.

What we're looking for:

• Significant leadership experience in PMO, portfolio office, programme assurance or major programme controls.
• Deep understanding of governance, planning, reporting, assurance, risk and readiness disciplines.
• Experience building or leading PMO capability in complex change environments.
• Strong strategic judgement and ability to advise senior leaders credibly.
• Experience leading managers and specialist staff.
• An authoritative, analytical and calm approach, with the ability to challenge constructively while enabling delivery.
• Play a key role in shaping the future of local government across Hampshire and the Solent.
• Gain experience working on a large-scale, high-profile transformation programme.
• Work alongside senior leaders and subject matter experts from multiple authorities.
• Develop expertise in programme management, organisational change, governance and implementation.
• Build relationships and networks across the wider local government sector.
• Make a positive, lasting impact on how services are delivered to residents and communities.

Ourbenefits package includes details of holiday entitlement, pension scheme, flexi-time scheme, family friendly policies, interest free travel loans and discounts. We offer a flexible, motivating and inclusive workplace where people can grow and develop in their roles.

If you are interested in helping deliver one of the most ambitious transformation programmes in local government, and have the skills and experience we are looking for, we would love to hear from you.

Travel Requirements:

You may be required to visit other locations within Hampshire and therefore need to have the ability to travel, as necessary.

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:

Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.

In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.

We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.