Come join us in leading complex projects and programmes that help accelerate our mission to beat cancer.

Organisational Capability PMO/Project Lead

£48,000 - £51,000 plus benefits

Reports to:  Organisational Capability Change and Delivery Lead
Directorate: COO
Contract: Fixed Term Contract (6 months)
Hours: 35 hours per week
Location: Stratford, London. Office-based with high flexibility (1-2 days per week in the office). It is anticipated that 2-3days in person work will be required.
Closing date: 11 October
Visa sponsorship: You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy. Cancer Research UK is not able to offer visa sponsorship.
Recruitment Process: Two-stage interview process
Interview Dates: 21 & 22 October

At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.

We're looking for an experienced and proactive PMO Lead & Project Manager to play a pivotal role in delivering a portfolio of strategic organisational change initiatives.

This is a unique opportunity for someone who enjoys operating across both programme governance and hands-on project delivery. You'll lead the Programme Management Office (PMO), ensuring robust governance, reporting and oversight across a portfolio of projects, while also taking ownership for delivering key projects and workstreams that contribute to organisational success.

Working collaboratively across the organisation, you'll provide challenge, support and expertise to ensure programme objectives are achieved while championing innovation, including the use of AI tools and capabilities, to strengthen delivery effectiveness.

What will I be doing?

·       Leading the day-to-day operation of the Programme Management Office (PMO), ensuring effective governance, planning, reporting and controls are in place across the programme.

·       Developing and maintaining integrated programme plans, milestones, dependencies and critical paths to support informed decision making.

·       Delivering workstream projects within the programme portfolio, ensuring outcomes are achieved to agreed time, cost and quality expectations.

·       Providing high-quality reporting on programme progress, risks, issues, dependencies, benefits and overall delivery status.

·       Managing programme RAID activities, facilitating the resolution of delivery challenges and ensuring appropriate mitigation plans are implemented.

·       Building strong relationships with programme sponsors, senior leaders and stakeholders while promoting best practice programme and project management standards.

What are we looking for?

·       Proven experience of programme management, project delivery and PMO leadership within a complex organisational environment.

·       Strong planning, governance and reporting skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.

·       Experience building collaborative and influential relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including senior leaders.

·       Excellent problem-solving skills with a practical, solutions-focused approach.

·       Experience managing risks, issues, dependencies and programme assurance activities.

·       Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and AI tools, alongside excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.

Our organisation values are designed to guide all that we do.

Act with ambition, courage and determination

Credible: Act with rigour and professionalism

Human: Act to have a positive impact on people

Together: Act inclusively and collaboratively

We’re looking for people who can believe in and embody these organisation values and can use them to drive forward progress against our mission to beat cancer.

If you’re interested in applying and excited about working with us but are unsure if you have the right skills and experience we’d still love to hear from you.

What will I gain?

We create a working environment that supports your wellbeing and provide a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high-quality tools. Our policies and processes enable you to improve your work-life balance, take positive steps in your career and achieve your personal wellbeing goals.

You can explore our benefits by visiting our careers web page.

How do I apply?

We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. CVs are required for all applications; but we won’t be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to complete the work history section of the online application form for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively.

Please note that applications can’t be edited once submitted.

For more information on this career opportunity please visit our website or contact us at [email protected].

For more updates on our work and careers, follow us on: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

There’s a place for everyone at Cancer Research UK. Our vision is to create a charity where everyone feels like they belong, benefits from and participates in, the work we do. We're committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. 

We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented, and believe that a diverse workforce will help us to beat cancer sooner. 

If you’re interested in applying and excited about working with us but are unsure if you have the right skills and experience we’d still love to hear from you. We don’t expect everyone to meet all of the criteria listed.

We want to see every candidate performing at their best throughout the job application process, interview process and whilst at work. We therefore ask you to inform us of any concerns you have or any adjustments you might need to enable this to happen by emailing us at [email protected]. 

Unfortunately, we are unable to recruit anyone below the age of 18, so that we can protect young people from health & safety and safeguarding risks.