Who we are & what we stand for
Do you want to help shape and maintain the governance and assurance environment for some of the North East’s most complex and high‑profile programmes? If that sounds like you, keep reading – we might be the perfect match.
We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a pivotal time, as we deliver a significant programme of regeneration, infrastructure and place‑based investment across Gateshead.
We are ambitious, forward‑thinking and committed to delivering programmes that are well governed, transparent and fully assured. At Gateshead Council, you’ll be part of a team that values consistency, collaboration and high standards in everything we do.
Supporting services that make a difference to our communities
The Economy, Innovation and Growth Group is delivering a large and complex portfolio of regeneration, housing, transport and energy programmes.
As PMO Manager, you will play a key role in embedding and maintaining consistent governance, assurance and PMO standards across this portfolio, working closely with the PMO Lead and programme teams.
This is an opportunity to help ensure that major programmes are delivered in a controlled, compliant and well‑managed way, supporting confident decision‑making and successful outcomes across the borough.
What you will get to do
- Support the PMO Lead in embedding and maintaining the Place Portfolio PMO framework, ensuring alignment with national and regional assurance requirements
- Act as the operational link between the central PMO and programme‑level PMO teams, ensuring consistent application of governance, reporting and assurance standards
- Support the implementation of governance and assurance processes, including stage gates, readiness checks and compliance with assurance frameworks
- Ensure programmes meet constitutional and statutory requirements, including documentation, reporting and publication standards
- Coordinate and assure the portfolio RAID environment, ensuring consistency and alignment with assurance and governance expectations
- Support the development of integrated portfolio reporting, working closely with PMO colleagues and programme teams to ensure accuracy and consistency
- Work with internal stakeholders (e.g. Finance, Legal, Procurement, Planning and Governance) to ensure programmes meet compliance and assurance requirements
- Support the management of evidence, document control and audit trails to maintain a robust and audit‑ready environment
- Monitor adherence to PMO standards and extend any issues or non‑compliance appropriately
- Contribute to building PMO capability across the portfolio, promoting consistency, good practice and continuous improvement
What you will bring
- PMO and governance knowledge
- Understanding of PMO frameworks, governance structures and assurance processes within programme or portfolio environments
- Experience supporting complex programmes
- Experience of working within PMO or programme environments across multiple projects or programmes
- Governance and assurance experience
- Experience supporting governance cycles, assurance processes and preparing documentation for boards or reviews
- Standards and compliance awareness
- Understanding of public sector governance requirements and the importance of compliance with statutory and constitutional processes
- Coordination and organisation skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, coordinate activity across teams and maintain consistent standards
- Stakeholder engagement and communication
- Ability to work effectively with a range of stakeholders and communicate clearly across technical and non‑technical audiences
- Qualification or equivalent experience
- Degree‑level qualification or equivalent experience in programme, project or portfolio delivery
What’s in it for you
- Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
- Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don’t just offer a great salary – we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
- Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
- Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
- Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work‑life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
- Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
- Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
- Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax‑efficient cycle to work programme.
- Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand‑new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions – a cost‑effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
- Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel and services – plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).
Our commitment to you
We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.
How to apply
To apply, you’ll need to complete the Council’s online application form. You’ll also be asked to provide a personal statement. This is your opportunity to tell us why you’re a great fit for the role.
In your application and personal statement, please:
- Clearly explain your relevant experience, skills and knowledge
- Show how you meet the responsibilities of the role
- Demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the advert
- Provide clear, specific examples from your work or experience
We recommend structuring your personal statement so it is easy to follow and directly linked to the role requirements.
If you have any questions about your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our recruitment team via recruitment@gateshead.gov.uk.
Please note:
As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high‑volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.
Additionally, the Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications.
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