Senior PMO Manager
- Ensure appropriate governance arrangements are in place and are operating smoothly, with SROs and relevant groups receiving meaningful and timely reports which support effective decision making and delivery of measurable benefits and improvements.
- Act as a role model for portfolio, programme and project hygiene, providing support to project teams on planning, resource forecasting, change control, milestone management and risk, and issue and dependency identification and management. Ensure standardised documentation is accurate, high quality, relevant and timely.
- Develop a suitable library of tools and processes in areas such as RAID, quality and benefits management and work closely with project teams to embed high standards of portfolio, programme and project management across the SPPA. Provide constructive challenge to ensure delivery of milestones and achievement of outcomes.
- Lead and coordinate portfolio, programme and project assurance activities (e.g. Gateway and audit) and contribute to the management of related frameworks and standards.
- Support the Head of Programme Delivery in preparing timely and meaningful advice to the Chief Transformation Officer and Chief Operating Officer, ensuring emerging issues and risks are escalated as required.
- Build cohesion and resilience within the PMO, supporting the personal development of Band B team members and ensuring they contribute fully.
Proof of qualifications will be checked at the assessment stage.
Success profile
- Governance - Expert - Governance is the ability to clearly define roles, responsibilities and accountabilities and establish controls and approval routes appropriate to each stage of the project to monitor project progress and compliance.
- Benefits Management - Expert - Benefits management is the ability to identify, quantify, map and track project benefits to justify investment in the project, and to provide assurance that the benefits identified can be realised.
- Risk & Issue Management - Expert - Risk and issue management is the ability to systematically identify and monitor risks and issues, planning how to mitigate / respond to those risks and issues and implementing the responses.
- Changing and Improving - Level 4
- Leadership - Level 4
Stage one (Initial Review):
An initial review will be conducted using the CV and Supporting Statement on the below Lead Criteria:
Candidates who pass the initial review will have their applications fully assessed against all remaining criteria in the Success Profile, including the behaviours and technical skills detailed above.
Stage two (interview and assessment):
If successful at application review, you will be invited for assessment, which will consist of an in-person interview and presentation at the SPPA office in Tweedbank, where we will test all criteria listed above.
Sifting will commence from w/c 28 September 2026.
Assessments are scheduled for w/c 19 October 2026, however this may be subject to change.
Recruitment Principles
As a government organisation, we adhere to the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles and we investigate any complaints received in relation to recruitment cases.
About Us
At the SPPA, we are committed to The Fair Work Framework
This means offering:
- Security and stability
- Flexible and hybrid working options
- Opportunities to learn and develop
- A respectful and inclusive working environment
At the SPPA we want our workforce to be representative of Scottish society and we strive to be a workplace where people are welcomed and valued for the contribution they make.
We support flexible working and encourage applications from people from all backgrounds, including those starting their careers, changing careers, or returning to work.
We are committed to removing any barriers to applying for our jobs and aim to offer support and make reasonable adjustments to allow full participation in the recruitment process.
Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service observing the Civil Service Code and working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland.
We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer.
As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules.
You can also find out more about careers at the SPPA here - SPPA Careers | SPPA (pensions.gov.scot)
Working Pattern
Our standard hours are 35 hours per week. We offer a range of flexible and hybrid working options, with two days minimum working on site at SPPA. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us.
Security Checks
Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), before they can be appointed. BPSS is comprised of four main pre-employment checks – Identity, Right to work, Employment History and a Criminal Record check (unspent convictions).
You can find out more about BPSS on the UK Government website, or read about the different levels of security checks in our Candidate Guide.
Sponsorship
Skilled Worker sponsorship is not available for this role. As a result, we are unable to appoint candidates who require Skilled Worker sponsorship now or in the future. Applicants must have an existing and ongoing right to work in the UK.
Equality Statement
We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.
Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.
Further Information
Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website.
Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.
We will hold a reserve list for this post for 12 months.
Apply Before: 27 September 2026 (23:59)