Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
PMO Manager
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Bristol, London, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, York
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
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.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
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
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.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
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, saving 30% of the original cost.
Season Ticket and Bicycle Loan
We offer interest-free season ticket loans, to all Defra employees with more than three months’ service, for purchasing train and bus season tickets, as well as station car parking. For those unable to take advantage of tax-free benefits, we also offer an interest-free bicycle loan to enable the purchase of a bicycle for commuting.
Gym, Social and Sports Activities
Our offices have a range of different onsite facilities, including gym, fitness facilities, games room, showers and cycle storage. There are also a variety of networks and social groups to join. Ask your line manager for more information.
Restaurant and Café Facilities
A range of our offices offer onsite restaurant and café facilities.
Civil Service Benefits
Pension
Your pension is a valuable part of your total reward package, and you will be given the chance to join one of three different pension plans. You can find more information on the Civil Service Pension on the MyCSP Website at www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk
Civil Service Sports Council
The Civil Service Sports Council (CSSC) organises a wide choice of activities throughout the UK, from art, gliding, abseiling and orienteering to cabaret weekends and quiz and curry nights. Your CSSC membership will provide you with FREE access to hundreds of national and local sites, in addition to savings at many high street stores, cinemas, restaurants and historic houses.
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Experience.
Application Process
As part of the application process you will be asked to complete a CV and Personal Statement (750 words). You will also be assessed on your experience in Project Management or Project delivery skills.
Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
Sift
Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the Personal statement. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview.
Interview
If successful at application stage, you will be invited to interview where
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills
Location