Job Title: Technology PMO Manager |
Reports to: Head of Technology PMO |
Function: Technology Portfolio Management Office (TPMO) |
Department: Global Technology |
Location: UK or Hamburg |
Category: Manager |
Date: April 2024 |
Travel: Occasional |
Role Summary
In Bauer Media Group, we are currently running and planning projects that will fundamentally transform our technology base. What these projects all have in common is that they have a heavy involvement of the Group Technology function. The projects are not only sponsored by Group Technology but also by various other sponsors in the organisation, including Group Business Partners as well as the Business Areas and the Executive Board.
Critical to the technology transformation agenda is the capability to plan, prioritise, define and deliver the change initiatives that underpin the strategic objectives. To this effect, we have established a Technology Portfolio Management Office (TPMO) to ensure that we have a standardised approach to planning and scheduling projects as well as ensuring the successful implementation across all functions.
The TPMO does not replace the function of the PMOs in projects, but rather complements their work. In aviation terminology, the TPMO has the function of an Air Traffic Controller, while the PMOs will remain the Pilots of their projects.
The TPMO Manager reports to the Head of Technology PMO and is responsible for providing support to the Technology Project Portfolio Office and for the direct oversight of a sub-portfolio of projects, monitoring and reviewing delivery plans for cost, risks, issues, inter-project dependencies and impact on current business activities, having a clear view of the overall delivery milestones and changes to the agreed baseline.
Primary Accountabilities:
- Together with the Head of Technology PMO, ensure that the commercial progress of projects is tracked and can be reported in an accurate and timely way
- Actively seek out and interpret relevant insights & information which may have an impact on portfolio performance. Ensure regular information is captured from projects and programmes (status reporting, financial, resource forecasting, risks, issues, dependencies, milestones)
- Confidently challenge the status of projects to ensure the information provided is an accurate reflection of the declared status
- Maintain a view of the overall portfolio delivery plan
- Support the management and reporting of portfolio financial & benefits information
- Using data from projects, help identify dependencies and impacts to other initiatives across the portfolio
- Contribute to the identification and management of portfolio level risks and issues, addressing issues or concerns for projects to ensure successful delivery of the portfolio and alignment to Bauer’s Change Delivery Framework
- Support the Demand process and the day-to-day management of requests for technology solutions
- Support the production and submission of business cases to enable ideas to progress to approved and funded projects
- Provide support and consultancy, advocate and demonstrate the skills, knowledge and expertise which reflect the provision of PMO services within Group Technology
- Build and maintain relationships with project leads, business leads, sponsors and key internal stakeholders, influencing and identifying/resolving issues between stakeholder groups and individuals so that portfolio objectives are delivered effectively and risks are minimised
- Support and promote Bauer’s Change Delivery Framework by monitoring projects against the defined standards & processes to ensure projects remain compliant and are operating within the governance & controls set out by the TPMO
- Support the development and updating of MI, metrics & KPIs produced by the TPMO
- Work with Project Leads to ensure resource forecasts are produced and updated
- Drive continuous improvement in processes and controls, working into the Technology COO Office to drive consistency and transparency across Bauer Technology
Knowledge, Skills & Experience:
- Prior experience of working in a central portfolio management office, supporting project and product delivery, using both bespoke and out the box tools and applications to support the management of resources, implementation planning and reporting
- Good knowledge in the application of portfolio management techniques
- Change, Project Management or PMO Certifications expected
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills. Forming strong stakeholder relationships, with a proven ability of influencing and persuading internally and externally
- Be able to build trust with a range of stakeholders across all levels of the organisation
- Strong analytical skills to critically evaluate information from multiple sources, reconcile conflicts, decompose high level information into details and abstract low-level information to a more general understanding
- Experience of working within a hybrid delivery environment with Programmes, Projects and Product teams, recognising priorities and guide others towards the accomplishment of strategic business goals and objectives
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and respond and adapt to ad-hoc and last-minute requests
- Demonstrate excellent communication skills in English (both written and orally)
- Ability to explain complex or technical issues clearly, accurately and simply (technology background would be advantageous)
- Demonstrable experience of effective project or programme financial & benefits management
- Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, MS Project)
- Ability to work under pressure and meet professional obligations through efficient work habits such as, meeting deadlines, honouring schedules, coordinating resources and meetings in an effective and timely manner, and demonstrate respect for others