Smiths Detection , part of Smiths Group , is a global leader in threat detection and screening technologies for aviation, ports & borders, defense, and urban security. Our expertise is spread across 5 R&D centers, 21 Global Offices and 7 Manufacturing Sites with 3000 Brilliant minds globally contributing for over 40 years at the frontline which enables us to deliver the solutions needed to protect our society from any threat and illegal passage of explosives, prohibited weapons, contraband, toxic chemicals, and narcotics. Every minute of every day, our technology and talented team members help to make the world a safer place - https://youtu.be/JmcKLJTrHLc
Job Description
To lead the strategic direction and management of the IT Project Management Office (PMO), ensuring effective governance, prioritisation, and delivery of technology programmes and projects across the Global organisation. The postholder will establish and maintain best practice project and programme delivery frameworks — including Agile, hybrid, and Waterfall methodologies — to ensure efficient, consistent, and outcome-focused delivery.
The Director of IT PMO is accountable for developing the organisation’s project delivery capability, enabling transformation and innovation through disciplined governance, agile delivery practices, and measurable business outcomes.
Duties:
- Define and implement the strategic vision for the IT PMO, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and digital transformation priorities.
- Develop and maintain a robust governance framework, integrating Agile, Waterfall, and hybrid delivery models to support diverse project needs.
- Lead the planning and delivery of enterprise-wide technology programmes, ensuring adherence to agreed scope, schedule, and budget while supporting iterative delivery where appropriate.
- Establish and promote Agile delivery principles, fostering collaboration, transparency, and continuous improvement across project teams.
- Oversee portfolio performance management, providing visibility of project health, risks, dependencies, and benefits realisation.
- Partner with senior business leaders to ensure projects deliver measurable value and support strategic objectives.
- Develop and mentor a high-performing team of project managers, scrum masters, and PMO professionals, promoting professional growth and agile capability building.
- Oversee financial management for the technology portfolio, including budgeting, forecasting, and ROI tracking.
- Champion change management, stakeholder engagement, and Agile transformation initiatives to drive adoption and cultural change.
- Drive a culture of accountability, adaptability, and delivery excellence across all programmes and initiatives.
Planning and Decision Making:
- Responsible for developing and executing the PMO strategy and delivery operating model, incorporating Agile and hybrid practices.
- Makes decisions relating to programme prioritisation, resource allocation, and delivery methodologies.
- Operates with autonomy within strategic objectives, reporting progress and challenges to the CIO.
- Provides expert advice and assurance on project performance, governance, and Agile delivery maturity.
Qualifications
Technical Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge
- In-depth understanding of IT project, programme, and portfolio management principles, frameworks, and tools.
- Proven experience applying Agile methodologies (e.g. Scrum, Kanban, SAFe, or Lean Portfolio Management) in large, complex organisations.
- Strong understanding of technology delivery, including infrastructure, applications, and digital transformation.
- Familiarity with financial management, benefits realisation, and business case development.
- Awareness of governance standards such as ITIL, PRINCE2, and PMI frameworks.
Skills
- Exceptional leadership and communication skills, able to influence at executive and operational levels.
- Skilled in strategic planning, Agile portfolio management, and performance reporting.
- Ability to blend Agile flexibility with robust governance to achieve balanced delivery outcomes.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving ability with a focus on measurable results.
- Advanced stakeholder engagement and conflict resolution skills.
- Demonstrated ability to coach and embed Agile practices and mindsets across multidisciplinary teams.
Join us for a great career and competitive compensation & benefits whilst keeping the world a safer place.
Diversity & Inclusion
We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.
At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Detection, Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website (www.smithsdetection.com/careers )
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