PMO Manager, Senior II
Head Office, Kampala · Full-time · Organisation and Project Management
Job Summary
Join our dynamic organization as a PMO Lead, spearheading the establishment and leadership of our Project Management Office. This pivotal role is central to driving strategic project execution and operational excellence across all departments, directly contributing to our company's growth and success.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, implement, and continuously refine a robust project management framework, methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall, Hybrid), and best practices tailored to organizational needs.
- Establish and enforce comprehensive project governance standards, including policies, procedures, templates, and tools for project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, control, and closure.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of project managers and project coordinators, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Oversee the entire project portfolio, ensuring strategic alignment, effective resource allocation, proactive risk management, and the achievement of key performance indicators (KPIs).
- Implement and manage standardized project portfolio reporting mechanisms, providing clear, actionable insights into project status, performance, budget adherence, and key metrics to executive leadership.
- Facilitate cross-functional collaboration and communication among departments to ensure seamless project delivery, effective stakeholder engagement, and alignment on project goals.
- Drive the adoption and optimization of project management software and tools (e.g., Jira, Asana, Microsoft Project) to enhance efficiency, transparency, and reporting capabilities.
- Conduct post-project reviews and 'lessons learned' sessions, identifying areas for improvement and integrating findings into future project methodologies and organizational processes.
- Manage the PMO budget, ensuring cost-effective operation and optimal utilization of resources.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Project Management, Information Technology, or a related field; Master's degree or MBA preferred.
- Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in project management, with at least 5 years specifically establishing and leading a Project Management Office (PMO).
- PMP (Project Management Professional) or PgMP (Program Management Professional) certification required.
- Agile certifications (e.g., Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), SAFe Agilist) are highly desirable.
- Demonstrated track record of successfully leading and delivering complex, cross-functional projects and programs on time and within budget.
Required Skills
- Expert proficiency in various project management methodologies, including Agile, Waterfall, Scrum, and Kanban.
- Strong leadership, coaching, and team-building capabilities, with a proven ability to inspire and develop project professionals.
- Exceptional strategic planning, organizational, and execution skills, capable of translating organizational vision into actionable project plans and governance.
- Superior communication, presentation, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills across all levels of an organization.
- Advanced proficiency in project management software and portfolio management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Jira, Asana, Smartsheet).
- Robust analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate complex challenges and make data-driven decisions.
- Demonstrated ability to establish, communicate, and enforce robust project governance frameworks effectively.
Benefits
- Competitive salary package commensurate with experience and market rates.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans for employees and their families.
- Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and company holidays.
- 401(k) retirement plan with a strong company match.
- Significant opportunities for professional development, training, and continuous learning initiatives.
- Flexible working arrangements to promote work-life balance.
- Performance-based bonuses and recognition programs for outstanding contributions.
Working Conditions
This role is primarily based in a modern office environment, offering a hybrid work model that balances in-office collaboration with remote flexibility. Standard business hours generally apply, though occasional extended hours may be required to meet critical project deadlines or address urgent matters. Moderate travel (up to 20%) may be necessary for stakeholder meetings, vendor engagements, or professional development conferences.