Howdens, a fast moving FTSE100 firm, are looking for a PMO Analyst to join on a 12 month FTC. Reporting to the Head of Portfolio & Programme Management this role is to provide support for understanding, definition, prioritisation and management of the Technology & People Systems portfolio. This is a fast‑paced role operating in a dynamic environment, where priorities can shift and deadlines can be tight. You will work closely with senior stakeholders and project managers to provide accurate, timely insight across the portfolio‑balancing robust governance with a pragmatic approach, addressing inconsistencies in project data, and managing competing demands. The role requires resilience, strong attention to detail and the confidence to challenge, influence and adapt as business needs evolve. The team works from our Northampton office 4 days a week with 1 from home.
For a complete understanding of this opportunity, and what will be required to be a successful applicant, read on.Responsibilities
- Provides support for demand management through a front‑door process, ensuring all initiatives are understood, documented, and prioritised appropriately, resulting in a transparent, controlled pipeline where resources are focused on the highest‑value initiatives and decision‑making is improved.
- Maintains and creates portfolio initiatives through standard templates and business cases, resulting in consistently high‑quality, well‑structured documentation that supports effective decision‑making and governance.
- Ensures the governance framework and project standards are adhered to, resulting in consistent project delivery practices and improved confidence in governance decisions.
- Documents and maintains the Technology & People Systems programme roadmap, resulting in a clear, up‑to‑date view of programme direction that supports effective planning and stakeholder alignment.
- Monitors and reports the performance of programmes and projects within the portfolio, resulting in clear insight into progress, risks, and issues that support informed and timely decision‑making.
- Supports processes for funding and execution of IT projects, resulting in well‑coordinated, clearly justified initiatives that enable smooth project initiation and effective delivery.
- Owns and manages the resource plan for the programme roadmap, working closely with Programme and Project Managers to ensure optimal use of internal and external resources.
- Undertakes other duties and responsibilities as deemed appropriate in order to fulfil the requirements of the business.
Qualifications
- Strong knowledge of portfolio and project management techniques, with working experience of both Waterfall and Agile methodologies.
- Proven experience supporting portfolio, programme and demand management, with 2+ years in a similar PMO or analyst role.
- Highly analytical, able to interpret project data, identify trends and surface risks, issues and dependencies early.
- Confident in reporting and MI, producing clear dashboards, RAID logs, status reports and portfolio summaries.
- Sound understanding of governance, assurance, and change control, ensuring standards and processes are applied pragmatically.
- Good financial awareness, including budgets, forecasts, benefits tracking and cost control.
- Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, formulas, data manipulation) and strong PowerPoint capability for governance‑level presentations.
- Experience using PM and PPM tools (e.g. Microsoft Project, Project Online, Planner or similar), alongside SharePoint and Teams for collaboration and document control.
- Excellent attention to detail, organisation and stakeholder communication skills.
- Comfortable operating in fast‑paced environments with shifting priorities, demonstrating a proactive, problem‑solving mindset.
Benefits
- Excellent pension scheme (company contribution of up to 12%).
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays with the option to buy additional days.
- Staff Discount.
- Employee Assistance Programme. xwzovoh
- Exceptional Reward and Recognition events.
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