PMO Manager; SSEP - NESO

About the role

National Energy System Operator (NESO) recognises the potential of bright and talented individuals, and we encourage you to join us as Great Britain’s energy system undergoes an ambitious, exciting, and vital transformation. Together with industry, we are creating a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

The UK Government has committed to achieving a clean, secure and affordable power system by 2035; a commitment that is supported by the Welsh and Scottish governments. Combined with the UK’s legally binding target for net zero carbon emissions by 2050, a significant increase in the amount of low‑carbon electricity generation, as well as new technologies like hydrogen will be required, while building the associated infrastructure that will enable the system to function.

The National Energy System Operator (NESO) has been commissioned to create a Strategic Spatial Energy Plan (SSEP) for the energy system, land and sea, across Great Britain (GB).

As SSEP PMO Manager you will lead a dedicated PMO team to ensure consistent high‑quality outputs and the rigorous following of PMO processes and represent the Programme Management Office at portfolio and programme level forums. You will be responsible for the coordination and management of the PMO, and integration with the wider programme and Portfolio Management Office. You will be the first port of contact for Programme Manager for understanding how the programme is functioning, and where intervention is required.

This role can be based in Warwick or Wokingham, and we continue to offer hybrid working from office and home. We are open to full‑time and part‑time applicants, as well as flexible working arrangements.

• Working with the PMO Lead to ensure a consistent single version of the truth for the programme plan, and to be the single point of contact for plan performance reports from a leadership perspective.
• Working with PMO Analysts to ensure coherent and consistent reporting of progress from across the programme, maintaining standards and processes.
• Responsible for the maintenance of all programme‑wide processes and systems, ensuring consistency and effectiveness across multiple work streams.
• Responsible for presenting the overarching status of the programme to the leadership team.
• Representing the programme status and operations at the portfolio (SEP) level.
• Proactively seeking out and implementing improvements to SSEP ways of working and operations.
• Supporting the Programme Manager in governance process.
• Leading and mentoring the PMO team, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.
• Ensuring delivery of first line assurance activities such as programme health checks and deep dives and coordinating second‑ and third‑line assurance events.
• Responsible for cost management and procurement in the programme, coordinating and mentoring the PMO Analysts in their supporting cost roles.
• Building and maintaining relationships across SSEP, Strategic Energy Planning portfolio and across NESO, ensuring requirements are met.

We’re forging the path, and we know we can’t do it alone. That’s why we need visionary minds like yours to join us on this transformative journey. In this case, we’re looking for someone who:

• PRINCE2 Practitioner
• Managing Successful Programmes Practitioner, Management of Risk Practitioner, P3O Practitioner or APM Project Management Qualification would be desirable.
• Passionate about getting the most out of a diverse team, working with and improving processes, and supporting the day‑to‑day requirements of a complex PMO.
• Experience of managing teams within a PMO environment, reporting to senior leadership.
• Demonstrable experience of using reporting dashboards and PMO systems.
• Experience with Microsoft Project is desirable.
• Strong communicator with excellent writing skills essential.
• Experience of working with senior stakeholders to understand their requirements and set clear expectations.
• Experience of leading a high performing PMO team using best practice tools and methods.

A competitive salary between £60,000 - £70,000pa – dependent on experience and capability.

As well as your base…