PMO Manager

The PMO Manager is responsible for the overall IT Project Portfolio Governance process as well as the project management framework and project execution for all IT projects. In addition to the ownership of the PMO program and continuous improvements for this area this role also performs the critical project management responsibilities on key IT initiatives. This role also oversees the IT project manager and project coordinator roles for the organization.

The PMO Manager leads the intake process for project requests, works with project sponsors, business stakeholders, and IT managers to ensure that business cases and project charters are appropriately documented and meet project standards and practices within PMI. The PMO manager leads the IT Portfolio Governance process including planning and facilitating the monthly IT Governance approval meeting. This role also leverages the project management framework to execute IT projects through the project lifecycle to deliver business value. In addition, this role defines and executes on the continuous improvement roadmap for the PMO capabilities for the organization. The responsibilities of the PMO Manager include managing the day-to-day activities in the PMO, providing guidance on PMO policies and processes, overseeing project management staff, project governance, and collaborating with other project managers – and leads to develop projects and programs.

The PMO Manager, should demonstrate strong leadership and communication skills. Ultimately, a top-notch PMO Manager should be well organized and able to work under pressure.

PMO Manager Responsibilities:

1. Accountable for the IT Portfolio processes including IT planning, portfolio governance, project methodology framework, and resource capacity management
2. Ensure project management standards are being executed across the IT project portfolio
3. Drive improvements into the PMO program and ensure industry best practices are leveraged
4. Perform team member supervision including performance management, career growth and development
5. Create and maintain staffing plans. Ensures the team is properly trained and staffed to handle the projected workload, both from an internal staffing and external staffing support. Makes recommendations to management regarding long-term contractors and/or additions to staff.
6. Analyse project proposals to determine time frame, funding limitations and appropriate process for accomplishing projects.
7. Provide leadership and motivation to project team members throughout the project life cycle and confer with project staff to outline work plan.
8. Implement project communications, including project steering committee meetings and status reports

1. Manage project risks and issues and implement mitigation plans.
2. Ensure that project goals are accomplished and in line with business objectives.
3. Direct and coordinate activities of project personnel to ensure project delivers on schedule and within budget.
4. Collaborating with other department leaders to define, prioritize, and develop projects.
5. Planning project management, including setting deadlines, prioritizing tasks, and assigning team members to various deliverables.
6. Analysing financial data, including project budgets, risks, and resource allocation.
7. Providing financial reports and budget outlines to Executives.
8. Overseeing the development of the project and ensuring that team members are carrying out their tasks efficiently while upholding the company's standards.
9. Drafting new and improving existing project management office policies and processes.
10. Continuously evaluating projects to ensure they are meeting company standards, adhering to budgets, and meeting deadlines.
11. Accurately documenting the project's creation, development, and execution as well as documenting the project's scope, budget, and justification.

PMO Manager Requirements:

1. A Bachelor's degree in Business, Administration, or a related field.
2. A minimum of 8+ years’ experience performing in a project management role on complex projects
3. Experience in Business Analysis discipline
4. Experience with Lean concepts and applying them in a technology environment
5. Experience managing an IT Portfolio or Project Management Office.
6. Experience in a supervisory or management position.
7. Experience managing external partner relationships and contract staff
8. Excellent leadership, interpersonal skills and organization skills.
9. Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to speak and write about technical issues for both technical and non-technical audiences.
10. Demonstrated ability to set and meet goals, asses' resource needs, develop schedules, monitor and communicate status, and develop processes and procedures.
11. Ability to take ambiguity and clarify for self and others
12. A Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification may be advantageous.
13. A minimum of five years' experience in a supervisory position may be advantageous.
14. Strong leadership skills.
15. Strong attention to details and technicalities.
16. Excellent organizational and technical skills.
17. Good interpersonal and multi-tasking skills.