Job Title:       Head of Assurance PMO
Location:       UK Wide

Package:       Excellent Salary + Benefits Package
Role Type:     Full Time / Permanent
Role ID:          SF16703

Role Purpose

Assurance within QinetiQ exists to support the delivery of successful projects by providing analysis and peer challenge to the Project team’s approach. It focusses on increasing the likelihood of a successful project outcome.

• Provide guidance and best practice in project management assurance
• Support growth for QinetiQ’s 2nd line PM assurance capability
• Support 3rd line PM assurance activities as required
• Support development of assurance expertise within the Sectors
• Attend Sector project reviews as necessary
• Attend and speak at external conferences as required
• Support the development and conduct of training for relevant topics
• Conduct assurance of bids or projects through the project lifecycle for assigned projects

Accountabilities of Head of Assurance PMO

• Support the implementation of best practice and consistent assurance approach within the businesses and functions
• Support the delivery of complex projects, programmes and change initiatives through timely, expert assurance and advice, particularly in the business winning and key set-up and implementation phases in order to achieve agreed outcomes
• Be an ambassador for the Project Lifecycle Framework (PLF); developing the understanding and adoption by the Sectors
• Build competence within the P3M Assurers Community through training, engagement, effective and timely communication, harnessing lessons learnt and collaboration
• Design, develop and deliver training related to PM assurance in order to improve competence and performance of the PM, Business Winning, Assurance and Delegated Authority communities
• Lead the efficient P3M Assurer assignment across the Sectors and internal projects
• Develop capability and support success by being an ambassador for the P3M profession and engage with the community of practice at all levels to support QinetiQ in building our P3M assurance capability
• Gather, analyse and communicate lessons from previous projects and programmes
• Attend relevant conferences
• Deputise for the Group Head PM Assurance in their absence
• Represent Assurance at PE, GTOE, business and function meetings as required

Key Capabilities/Knowledge of the Head of Assurance PMO

• Leadership; able to lead on PM initiatives across QinetiQ
• PM Ability; strong programme and project management skills
• Assurance; well-developed review skills focussed on holistic delivery of projects and programmes
• Communication; confident and articulate with well-developed communication, facilitation and presentation skills
• Stakeholder Management; able to identify, plan and implement actions to positively engage parties with an interest in, or influence over, the required outcomes
• Teamwork; able to foster an environment where people with diverse personalities, skills, experiences and perspectives are empowered to collaborate towards a common goal
• Change Management; able to develop and enact a structured approach and set of tools for leading the people side of change to achieve a desired outcome
• Training; able to design, develop and conduct training related to assurance

Experience & Qualifications of the Head of Assurance PMO

• A background in project management at an intermediate level for a large PLC / Government organisation or consultancy including delivery of complex projects
• Assurance and compliance experience including leadership of PM aspects
• PMQ or equivalent project management qualification
• Strong track record of proactive stakeholder management to achieve desired outcomes
• Proven communication, facilitation and presentation skills

Please note that all applicants must be eligible for SC clearance as a minimum. UKSV National Security Vetting Solution: guidance for applicants - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Our Benefits

• Flexible, adaptive working
• Generous holiday allowance
• Health Cash Plan, Private Medical Insurance and Dental Insurance
• Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance
• Employee discount portal: Personal Accident Insurance, Travel Insurance, Restaurants, Cinema Tickets and much more
• Holiday Trading is a benefit that allows most employees to buy up to 5 days’ additional leave. 
• We are proud to support the Armed Forces community by honouring the Armed Forces Covenant
• Payroll Giving and Volunteering - helping charities and local community

Why join QinetiQ?

As we continue to grow into new markets around the world, there’s never been a more exciting time to join QinetiQ. The formula for success is our appetite for innovation and having the courage to take on a wide variety of complex challenges.

You’ll experience a unique working environment where teams from different backgrounds, disciplines and experience enjoy collaborating widely and openly as we undertake this exciting and rewarding journey. Through effective teamwork, and pulling together, you’ll get to experience what happens when we all share different perspectives, blend disciplines, and link technologies; constantly discovering new ways of solving complex problems in an diverse and inclusive environment where you can be authentic, feel valued and realise your full potential. Read more about our diverse and inclusive workplace culture here.  

Joining QinetiQ offers you an opportunity to work on a broad range of interesting defence-based projects with vast career progression across a global organisation in addition to competitive personal and professional benefits.  You’ll receive a highly competitive salary and benefits package: our basic salaries are very attractive as we constantly review what’s happening in the market. The range of benefits that we offer include, adaptive and flexible working, generous holiday entitlements, Health Cash Plan, Private Medical Insurance and Dental Insurance and much more. 

About QinetiQ

As a company of over 6,000 dedicated professionals, we are a world-centre of excellence in research and development and act as a catalyst for fast-track innovation, offering outstanding experimentation facilities, and technical, engineering and scientific expertise. QinetiQ is made up of dedicated experts in defence, aerospace, security and related markets, all working together to explore new ways of protecting what matters most. Being part of QinetiQ means being central to the safety and security of the world around us. Partnering with our customers, we help to save lives; reduce risks to society; and maintain the global infrastructure on which we all depend. Come and find out how you can play a role.

Please note that many roles in QinetiQ are subject to national security vetting. Applicants that already hold the appropriate level of vetting may be able to transfer it upon appointment, subject to approval. A number of roles are also subject to restrictions on access to information that mean factors such as nationality, previous nationalities held and the country in which you were born may have an effect on the roles that you can be employed in.