Head of Project Management Office

HEAD OF PLANNING & PROJECT CONTROLS (HEAD OF PMO) Contract: Government Location: London, E14 9SH Hours of work: 40 Contract Type: Permanent We are seeking a Head of Planning & Project Controls to provide overall visibility and control across a portfolio of projects. This role is responsible for bringing together key information from across the account to ensure senior leaders and clients have an accurate view of performance, risks and future requirements.

We are looking for an experienced professional to establish, lead and continuously improve the planning, scheduling, forecasting and project controls capability across the project portfolio. Working closely with project, commercial and PMO teams, the successful candidate will drive operational excellence and provide clear portfolio performance reporting to senior stakeholders and clients. Key Responsibilities

• Bring all projects together into a single overarching portfolio plan.
• Track project performance, milestones, schedules, risks and key portfolio data.
• Produce dashboards, management information and reports to support senior-level decision making.
• Review project programmes before client submission, ensuring they are accurate and achievable.
• Identify emerging risks, issues and trends, providing early warning where intervention may be required.
• Lead project governance, controls and audit processes across the portfolio.
• Develop and implement consistent project controls, planning processes and standards.
• Oversee forward planning with Procurement and the supply chain, ensuring readiness for future demand. About You
• Extensive senior experience in PMO project planning, project controls or programme management within a large or complex organisation.
• Experience supporting complex project portfolios valued at £25m+ annually (ideally within construction, engineering, infrastructure, building services, facilities management or capital projects).
• Proven senior leadership experience, managing and developing high-performing planning and project controls teams.
• Expertise in PMO governance, project lifecycle controls and portfolio assurance, including developing and improving controls, processes and reporting.
• Strong data management and analytical skills, with experience producing executive-level reporting, KPI analysis, dashboards and portfolio performance insights.
• Ability to interpret Gantt charts, project plans and programme data, with expertise in Critical Path Analysis, Schedule Risk Analysis and Earned Value Management (EVM).
• Experience in resource planning, capacity modelling, programme assurance reviews and portfolio governance.
• Good working knowledge of NEC4 and other standard forms of contract, including NEC4 programme management.
• Proficiency in Primavera P6 and/or Microsoft Project
• Experience using Power BI / Power Query for data visualisation and dashboard development.
• Degree qualified in Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, Quantity Surveying, Business Management or a related discipline, with APM PMQ, PRINCE2 Practitioner, PMP or equivalent, plus membership of APM, RICS, CIBSE or an equivalent professional body. The Company ISS is a global leader in workplace and facilities management, helping organisations create environments where people and businesses can thrive. We partner with clients across sectors—from healthcare to finance—to deliver smart, sustainable solutions that improve everyday experiences. Join ISS and be part of something bigger.