Head of PMO

Join our team at the Guardian and be a part of a diverse and inclusive global organisation that delivers fearless, investigative journalism, and holds power to account. Our team of award-winning journalists, cutting-edge commercial professionals, and industry-leading digital experts are committed to making a difference and represent a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. We offer a challenging and exciting environment for career development, with a focus on training, growth and fostering an inclusive culture.

As Head of PMO, you will be a strategic leader within the Enterprise Technology team, responsible for establishing, optimising and maintaining overall project governance and delivery for the Group Technology & Data (GT&D) business area. Your role will be crucial in ensuring GT&D operates smoothly, contributing to its success in serving the Guardian News & Media (GNM).

You will lead and coach the PMO team, overseeing project performance in alignment with organisational goals, best practices and resource allocation. Additionally, you will act as the primary escalation point for risks and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

About The Role

• Support the senior leadership team (SLT) to define the GT&D strategy, ensuring roadmaps are collated, aligned and regularly reviewed. 
• Ensure all GT&D initiatives & products are planned, resourced, delivered and service transitioned successfully, alongside SLT and associated project or product teams.
• Lead, coach and develop the PMO team comprising the PMO Manager and PMO Analyst, fostering a collaborative environment and high-performing team.
• Utilise roadmaps to inform the capital plan input on an annual basis, preparing board papers to support this financial process and managing initiatives within the change envelope alongside Finance. 
• Encourage best practice through ensuring GT&D teams use the defined Ways of Working (WoW) guidelines, processes and templates, establishing, refining and enforcing project management standards and best practices to ensure efficient project delivery
• Manage resource allocation, forecasting and utilisation and supply/demand balance according to defined processes and in close cooperation with the supplier performance manager. 
• Defining and managing risks identified at the GT&D Level, reporting mitigating actions and status

About You

• Demonstrated experience in project and programme management at a similar level, including management of governance and delivery standards, leading a high-performing team.
• Expert in project/programme/portfolio management practices. 
• Experience in resource forecasting, budget management, and risk management. 
• Inspiring and motivating as a leader, able to foster a culture of collaboration of high performance 
• Able to develop and implement a PMO strategy that aligns with GNM’s overall goals, demonstrating strong strategic vision and planning capabilities
• Committed to continuous improvement, seeking ways to enhance the PMO’s performance and effectiveness. 

We operate in a hybrid environment working 3 days a week from our offices in Kings Cross and 2 days a week remotely. 

We value and respect all differences (seen and unseen) in all people. We aspire to have inclusive working experiences and an environment that reflects the audience we serve, where our people have equal access to career development opportunities, their voices are heard and can contribute to our future. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. Many of our staff work flexibly and we will consider all requests for flexible working arrangements.

How To Apply

To apply, please upload your latest CV and a cover letter which outlines why you’d love to take on this role, and why you’re a great match for what we’re looking for. 

We appreciate the time taken to prepare each application we receive. We do not use AI-assisted technology to review applications; every application is reviewed by a member of our recruitment team.

The closing date for applications is Tuesday 14th October 2025.

All roles at the Guardian are open for everybody to apply. It is important to us that you feel supported and comfortable throughout your recruitment process, in order to perform your best. Please let us know if there are any changes we could make to help your application, this includes providing documents in accessible formats or personalising the process to better support your needs. Please contact Anna Vipers on anna.vipers@theguardian.com to discuss further so we can work with you to support you through your application.

Benefits at the Guardian

You'll have 30 days of annual leave per year (plus bank holidays) with the option to purchase an additional 5 days. Our pension scheme is generous; if you contribute 5% then we will contribute 8-12% (depending on your age). We believe in giving back, which is why employees are given 2 volunteering days annually and the option of payroll giving. Season ticket loans are also available.

You are entitled to private healthcare, life cover, income protection, and eye tests. You can also opt in to dental insurance.

We have enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave policies in place. We also support our employees by offering an IVF, menopause, baby loss, and trans equality policy.

Culture And Wellbeing

We want everyone to feel like they belong at the Guardian and we champion diversity of thought. Our various employee forums provide a platform to use their voice to foster an inclusive workplace. We became the first major media organisation to achieve B Corp status.

We offer tools to help you prioritise your wellbeing including access to our employee benefits platform which provides tailored support for health and wellbeing. In addition, we also offer free yoga and pilates classes. These run alongside our corporate gym membership and cycle to work scheme.

Our canteen has views overlooking the Regents Canal and caters for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Learning And Development

We encourage personal and professional growth. Employees have access to a broad range of tools and solutions, and we are happy to support the pursuit of professional qualifications through vocational courses and apprenticeships.