Job Description

The role:

We are looking for a PMO Manager to join our Transformation department in Bristol or London.

This is an exciting opportunity to join Simmons & Simmons at a pivotal moment in its transformation journey. As part of our newly established Transformation function, you will play a leading role in shaping how change is governed, prioritised and delivered across the firm. From strategic transformation programmes and AI-enabled initiatives to operational and technology projects, you will help provide the structure, insight and delivery discipline that enables meaningful and lasting business change.

Reporting to the Head of Programme Management, the PMO Manager will lead the day-to-day operation of the PMO, providing oversight across the firm's portfolio of change initiatives. Working closely with senior stakeholders, project teams and sponsors, you will ensure that leadership has clear visibility of investment, progress, risks, dependencies, resource demand and business outcomes, supporting informed decision-making at every level of the organisation.

This is more than a traditional PMO role. It is an opportunity to help build and shape a growing PMO capability at the centre of the firm's transformation agenda. You'll have the chance to influence governance, improve delivery practices and establish processes that will underpin how the firm delivers change for years to come.

What will you do:

The primary duties and responsibilities of role will be to:

• Lead the day-to-day operation of the PMO, supporting the successful delivery of the firm's change portfolio.

• Maintain a single, integrated view of all transformation, operational, technology and business-led projects and programmes.

• Partner with senior stakeholders to provide insight on portfolio performance, priorities, risks, dependencies and investment decisions.

• Oversee portfolio governance, ensuring projects are delivered in line with agreed standards, methodologies and approval processes.

• Drive high-quality portfolio reporting and management information for executive leadership and governance forums.

• Lead resource planning, capacity management and portfolio prioritisation activities.

• Oversee financial governance, including budget tracking, forecasting, investment reporting and benefits realisation.

• Manage portfolio-level risks, issues, dependencies and change control processes.

• Facilitate governance forums, stage gate reviews and portfolio review meetings.

• Identify opportunities to improve delivery performance, governance effectiveness and project management maturity across the firm.

• Coach and support Project Managers and Senior Project Managers, helping embed best practice delivery disciplines.

• Contribute to the ongoing development of the Transformation function, PMO operating model and enterprise project delivery capability.

What we are looking for:

We're looking for an ambitious PMO leader who is excited by the opportunity to build, influence and shape the future of project delivery within a growing Transformation function. You'll enjoy working in dynamic environments, bringing structure to complexity and helping organisations translate strategy into successful delivery.

You will be equally comfortable operating at a strategic level with senior leaders and at an operational level with delivery teams. You will have a passion for continuous improvement, strong commercial awareness and a desire to create an environment where projects can succeed.

You will bring:

• Proven experience leading PMO, portfolio management or delivery governance functions within complex organisations.

• Experience supporting large-scale transformation, business change, technology or operational improvement initiatives.

• Strong understanding of portfolio management, project governance, resource planning, financial management and benefits realisation.

• Experience developing and improving PMO frameworks, methodologies, reporting and governance processes.

• Ability to provide actionable insight and challenge to senior stakeholders and decision-makers.

• Excellent analytical, organisational and problem-solving skills.

• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with experience engaging senior business leaders.

• Experience leading, coaching or developing project delivery professionals.

• A collaborative, pragmatic and delivery-focused approach, capable of balancing governance with pace and agility.

• Professional qualifications such as P3O, MoP, APM, PRINCE2, MSP or equivalent are desirable.

Career Level:

The career level assigned to this role is level 4. The career level framework provides a formal structure for the business services functions at the firm. The framework, which ranges from level 1 to level 7, clearly defines the responsibilities, skills and competencies required at each level.

Here at Simmons & Simmons:

At Simmons, we are proud of our collaborative, open and non-hierarchical culture, where everyone is treated with respect and dignity and the wellbeing of our people is paramount. Our dynamic minds work as one integrated team, partnering with leading organisations on inspirational and thought-provoking projects that matter. From day one, irrespective of job title, qualification or background, everyone’s voice is heard, and you are encouraged to have an enquiring mind and share ideas that drive the firm forward. Through innovative learning and development opportunities, you will have a platform to excel, exceed your career ambitions, and achieve things you never thought possible.

Some key information:

• We offer a competitive package including bonuses dependant on role/level, private medical insurance and pension contribution.

• Our global skills academy provides our people, regardless of their role and location, with excellent learning opportunities (including live workshops, podcasts, short videos and practical learning experiences).

• We have adopted a hybrid working approach with a requirement for a minimum of three days in the office with flexibility dependant on role/team/client demands.

• We are proud to rank as a Times Top 50 Employer for Gender Equality, a Stonewall Top Global Employer, and a Top 75 Employer for Social Mobility.

• We have a range of social and sports committees, summer and winter parties and monthly get togethers.

• We have a range of diversity networks to connect people and celebrate our differences which is integral to our inclusive culture.

• All UK offices have their own artwork collections – including Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin pieces in the London office. We have a long-standing history in supporting the art community especially up-and-coming artists.

• We have recently introduced a Strategic Advisory Council which is a mix of associates and business services who will propose strategic initiatives that align with our firm's mission and support the delivery of our business plan, shaping the future of our next-generation law firm.

• Our in-house generative AI tool, Percy, won the ‘Innovation in Automation and AI Tools’ category at the 2024 FT Innovative Lawyers Europe Awards. This achievement highlights our commitment to technological innovation and client service.

• We have been commended in The Times Best Law Firms 2026 across three categories: construction, employment, and intellectual property. Our profile is highly positive, highlighting our sector specialisms and notable case and transactional work.

Equal opportunities:

We are committed to fostering equality, diversity and inclusion within our firm and to ensuring equal employment opportunities. We believe that this commitment creates a vibrant and rewarding work environment. We are therefore committed to:

• Upholding equal opportunities, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, sex, gender reassignment, gender identity, marital status, or pregnancy, including maternity and paternity. This commitment extends to addressing any instances of perceived or associative discrimination and harassment. We also ensure fair treatment during recruitment and selection processes for those who are serving or have served in the armed forces, along with their families.

• Accommodating requests for flexible working arrangements whenever possible. We encourage you to discuss your needs with us if this is something you require.

• Making our roles accessible to individuals with diverse abilities. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know so we can meet your needs.

• We offer a range of employee networks to support our colleagues. More information about these networks can be found in the D&I Information booklet that candidates are sent when invited to interview.

We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every single requirement. We are looking for individuals who are passionate and eager to learn and grow with us. Your unique experiences and perspectives could be a great addition to our team.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

If you’re interested in finding out more about this position, please contact the Recruitment Team. To apply for the role, click on the link at the top of the page or visit our careers page for more details.