Overview
Senior Manager, Project Management Office (FCS139)
Contract: Permanent. This role recognises flexible working arrangements. Location: Manchester. The role will be based in Manchester; hybrid working is supported, with regular on-site contact days with the team (normally 1–2 days a week).
Salary: £50,468 per annum plus benefits including a final salary pension scheme, generous annual leave, and flexible and hybrid working.
We are seeking an experienced PMO Lead to continue to develop a Programme Management Office (PMO) to support the next phase of the Arts Council’s transformation programme. The programme includes several complex and interdependent projects. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of a growing Programme Management Office (PMO) function, helping to bring clarity, consistency and momentum to a portfolio of complex change initiatives. You will be part of a collaborative and evolving team focused on improving how we deliver change across the organisation.
Arts Council England invests in creativity and culture so that everyone in England can experience and benefit from it. Joining us means being part of a mission-driven organisation that values inclusion, collaboration and continuous improvement.
Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain a newly established Programme Management Office (PMO) to support the delivery of a complex transformation programme.
- Shape PMO processes, governance and ways of working, adapting them to suit service owners who may be less familiar with structured project or agile approaches.
- Maintain oversight of plans, milestones, dependencies and risks across multiple projects to help teams manage complexity and sustain momentum.
- Make programme and project management accessible and practical by explaining concepts in clear terms and adapting tools, language and approaches for varying experience levels.
- Introduce flexible ways of working that reflect the needs of different teams, co-developing simple, effective tools and templates with delivery colleagues.
- Provide concise, insightful programme reporting that enables senior leaders to understand progress, risks and issues without technical detail.
- Build strong, collaborative relationships across Digital, Transformation and the wider organisation; adapt communication style for senior stakeholders while remaining supportive to teams.
- Support the introduction of more consistent ways of working in a practical, empathetic manner, recognising that meaningful change takes time and partnership.
- Work with colleagues across IT, Finance, HR, Data, Procurement and Digital Transformation; may involve occasional travel, including overnight stays, to support programme delivery, stakeholder engagement and training.
- Uphold the Nolan Principles of Public Life and the organisation’s values, with a strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
Experience and Qualifications
- Significant experience of programme and PMO leadership, ideally within environments where structures and processes are still evolving.
- Ability to operate without fully established systems or governance, using pragmatic and politically aware approaches to navigate organisational complexity and competing priorities.
- Strong ability to simplify complex information and communicate clearly in plain English; tailor approach to different audiences.
- Confidence in influencing across teams and disciplines without direct line management responsibility.
- Solid grounding in programme and project management with the ability to make informed decisions and offer constructive challenge while applying knowledge flexibly.
- Experience in the public sector or similarly complex, values-led organisations is beneficial, especially where formal governance and multiple stakeholders are involved.
- Understanding of digital or organisational transformation programmes, particularly those delivered alongside live service environments.
- Experience supporting individuals or teams who are newer to project, programme or agile ways of working is valued.
- A genuine interest in building capability and developing confidence in others to establish more consistent and effective ways of working over time.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Equality Diversity and Inclusion Statement: Arts Council are committed to being an inclusive employer, building an inclusive workplace, and recruiting a workforce that is as diverse as the communities we serve. However you identify, and whatever background you bring with you, we welcome you to apply for a role at Arts Council.
If adjustments are needed to support your application, please let us know when you apply. If you are disabled, Evenbreak can provide support with your application. More information is available on their website.
We participate in the Offer an Interview scheme, which means we offer an interview to any disabled candidates who meet the essential criteria for the role, subject to application volume. Disabled candidates, those living with a long-term condition and/or neurodivergent candidates may be eligible for this scheme. The scheme uses the Equality Act 2010 definition of disability to determine eligibility. More information is in the application guidance.
Additional Information
About us: Arts Council offers benefits including hybrid and flexible working, a generous annual leave allowance, and the Arts Council Retirement Plan (final salary scheme). More information is available online.
Our Code of Ethics requires that Arts Council employees are not able to receive Arts Council grant, investment or loan funding in various capacities. There are also limitations on board or CEO positions employees can hold in funded organisations. For more information, please talk to the recruiting manager or contact recruitment@artscouncil.org.uk.
We strive for an inclusive and transparent recruitment process. Find out what to expect with our application guidance and information about diversity on our website.
Job ref: FCS139
Closing date: 17:00 Thursday 09 April
1st Interview: virtual Thursday 23 April
2nd Interview: virtual Friday 01 May
Note: We do NOT accept CVs or cover letters as part of our recruitment process. If you require any documentation in an alternative format, please contact recruitment@artscouncil.org.uk
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