Head of Operational and Programme Management Office (OPMO)

We’re looking for a Head of Operational and Programme Management Office (OPMO) to join our Programme Delivery Team, reporting into the Programme Delivery Director. 

This is a pivotal leadership position responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of the OPMO as well as the efficiency and compliance of our programmes, projects and delivery operations. This role encompasses the management of ISO 9001 compliance, resource management and comprehensive management reporting ensuring that all projects align with the organisation’s objectives, quality standards and within defined budgets and timelines.

As part of the Programme Delivery management team, you will also work closely with the Heads of Project Resources, Heads of Project Delivery and other senior colleagues to manage appropriate delivery resourcing and adherence to organisational governance frameworks and processes and will manage the OPMO Team.

WHAT YOU’LL DO (Duties)

• Lead, coach, manage and provide mentorship to the PMO Team ensuring effective performance management while promoting a culture of learning, excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Responsible for definition and implementation of all required governance and processes for successful programme, project and operational delivery including monitoring, controlling, and reporting and seeking opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Oversee monitoring and reporting of the portfolio of programme and project contribution to Digital Catapults impact and financial business drivers such as KPIs and financial forecasts adapting content/format for different audiences. Lead on reporting relating to resource management, utilisation and time recording.
• Responsible for compliance oversight ensuring adherence to ISO9001 standards, maintaining robust quality management system and leading on continuous improvement initiatives. Support and drive implementation of new compliance standards in line with Digital Catapult strategy.
• Act as the primary point of contact for governance, management reporting and compliance, leads organisational change initiatives and provide guidance to the wider organisation.
• Work with Heads of Project Resources to align governance frameworks, templates, tools and processes with project management delivery methodologies to ensure consistent project delivery processes.
• Responsible for the effective operation of the systems and processes that Digital Catapult uses to plan, implement and measure the effective allocation of human resources across the organisation, that leads to accurate project billing.
• Providing guidance/insight on resource planning and management in relation to programme, project and operational delivery ensuring resource allocation is optimised and ensuring the effective use of team members skills and expertise.
• Ensure all delivery activities comply with organisational standards, compliance requirements, and regulatory obligations.

Requirements

• Confident, committed and enthusiastic team leader with proven performance management skills
• Strong background in project, programme and portfolio management and a proven track record of leading a Programme Management Office function
• Experience of establishing mechanisms to identify, share and promote best practices and lessons learnt, embedding best practice to support continuous improvement to optimise delivery
• Previous experience of working with grant funding and commercial funding, governance and demand management
• Exceptional collaboration, communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Experience identifying and monitoring risks, issues and dependencies
• Experience planning, developing, maintaining and applying quality management processes compliant with ISO9001. Experience with ISO27001 an advantage
• Experience establishing protocols to manage and document change requests
• Experience of MS Dynamics (Project Operations) an advantage
• Project and / or operational management certification or equivalent is desirable

Deadline for Applications: 22nd February 2026

Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We recognise and value the advantages and opportunities that come with having people from diverse backgrounds working with us and it is our ambition to build an organisation which is representative and reflective of UK society. 

We welcome applications from neurodivergent candidates, candidates from minority and underrepresented groups and from candidates with more or less experience, provided the requisite skills can be demonstrated.

As members of the Disability Confident Scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy. Please do speak with us about adjustments that could support you through our interview process.

Digital Catapult is an equal opportunities employer.

Benefits

• We are in the UK’s Top 100 Best Workplaces and placed in the UK’s Best Workplaces in Tech and Large Organisations.
• Digital Catapult is a Disability Confident Committed Level 1 Employer.
• Excellent holiday package: 25 days annual leave, Bank Holidays and 3 days between Christmas and New Year:
• Double-matched pension up to 10% of your salary;
• Discretionary company bonus
• 4% of your salary to use towards selecting benefits that work for you, including health cash plan, Private Medical Insurance; buying holiday, topping up your pension;
• E-Vehicle Scheme; Cycle2Work; Tech Scheme; Gym Discounts; Give As you Earn; PerkPal;
• Life insurance 4x salary;
• Free to access EAP & Financial Wellbeing advice;
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave;
• Hybrid working - with great offices to work from 2 days per week with some roles needing to be onsite more regularly to ensure the successful delivery of our work;
• Investment in your ongoing learning and development with us;
• Company social events throughout the year and free office snacks!

We have a vibrant and engaging culture where all voices are heard and a variety of employee led affinity groups who champion initiatives and provide opportunities for feedback to be shared.

We use moments in the year to educate everyone at Digital Catapult on different aspects of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and to raise awareness.

We also enjoy socialising and having fun together through a variety of company-wide events held throughout the year including our football team, running and climbing groups and volunteering activities.