What Is a PMO in Project Management: A 2024 Guide

A PMO, or project management office, is a specific group within an organization that provides project management support. It ensures that the best project management practices and standards are met and helps the company deliver maximum value through its projects. 

As you investigate your PMO career options, stay abreast of how the field of project management evolves. For example, Statista reports that 82 percent of organizations worldwide have a project management officer [1]. Also, the Project Management Institute (PMI) shares in its Pulse of the Profession 2024 report that more organizations are seeking out flexible and digitized project management solutions, and those that provide supportive mentoring and training programs see an 8.3 percent increase in project performance [2].

Continue reading to learn about the different PMO roles, education requirements, and required skills to succeed, as well as PMO certification and training opportunities.

What is a PMO?

PMOs are groups within businesses, government agencies, or other organizations that maintain and define standards for project management. A PMO can be responsible for multiple projects across the organization. 

The PMO has several functions, like ensuring that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required standard. The main tasks include:

• Project planning: Documenting steps, scope, and milestones for completing a project

• Project process improvement: Outlining how a project's processes can be improved in the future

• Project resourcing: Allocating resources to complete a project, including people, financing, software, and materials

• Project monitoring: Tracking a project's metrics, progress, and tasks to make sure the project will be completed on time and within budget

• Project control: A set of processes for tracking potential threats, issues, and opportunities for enabling project decision-making

The PMO also provides support to project managers in the form of templates, best practices, and training. In some cases, the PMO may also be responsible for resource allocation and management.

PMO vs. project manager

As a project manager, you’ll handle all the day-to-day management of the project. You'll work with the project team to ensure tasks are completed on time and within budget. 

The PMO is responsible for setting and maintaining project standards. As a member of the PMO staff, you’ll help support project teams and project managers while also working with other departments to ensure that projects are coordinated and aligned with organizational objectives. 

PMO roles

A specialized team makes up the project management office that supports project managers in delivering projects. If you work in a PMO, your job will likely include providing centralized coordination and support for specific or all projects of an organization. 

To facilitate the management of the organization's resources and best practices, the PMO provides process expertise, administrative support, and knowledge of management coordination. This may include a variety of roles within the office, including:

• Administrative support staff to work on report generation and software support

• Process-focused staff to provide support through training, leading projects, assuring quality, and developing project management methodologies

• Knowledge management staff to keep records of methods, standards, and lessons learned in a project database

• Resources managers to ensure that resources are suitable for project requirements, manage and balance scarce resources, forecast and assist in resource acquisition plans, and secure key resource assignments

The PMO may also provide oversight and governance to ensure that projects align with organizational strategy and goals and are executed effectively and efficiently. 

4 Types of jobs in a PMO

The PMO team normally works collaboratively, sharing information so that projects stay on track. Consider some of the different roles in the project management office:

1. PMO manager 

Average annual base salary (US): $116,010 [2]

A PMO manager manages the entire PMO and is responsible for ensuring that the processes are followed and effective. In this role, you oversee project managers so that they follow the correct procedures. You often liaise with senior managers to ensure they're updated on progress and that any project risks or issues are promptly addressed.

2. PMO analyst

Average annual base salary (US): $103,880 [3]

A PMO analyst collects and analyzes data to help the PMO manager and project managers make decisions about projects. In this position, you also create reports and presentations to communicate their findings to project stakeholders.

3. PMO process specialist

Average annual base salary (US): $116,895 [4]

A PMO specialist is responsible for providing expert knowledge and advice to the PMO manager on all aspects of project management. PMO specialists are responsible for the implementation and coordination of PMO processes. This role works closely with the PMO manager to ensure that the processes are followed and effective. PMO specialists may also be involved in training and mentoring other members of the PMO team.

4. PMO coordinator 

Average annual base salary (US): $90,305 [5]

The PMO coordinator is responsible for supporting the PMO manager in all aspects of the PMO. This includes maintaining project documentation, coordinating meetings and events, and communicating with project stakeholders. As a PMO coordinator, you work closely with the PMO manager to promptly complete all activities.

Reasons to consider working in a PMO

PMO roles can give you a foundation for career progression into strategic roles and project leadership. You can develop competencies, gain exposure, build your reputation, and contribute to the success of diverse projects. This can be a fulfilling career move, an advancement to work in project management, or may enhance your career prospects in various ways.

Develop your project management skills.

A PMO can be an opportunity to enhance your project management skills and professional networks by working on various projects and learning from experienced project managers. Working in a PMO may also provide opportunities to work on diverse aspects of project management and help you establish a rounded project skill set.

Gain exposure to portfolio management. 

Working in a PMO can expose you to portfolio management, help you understand how different projects fit together, and show you ways to optimize resources across multiple projects. You'll also have the opportunity to learn about how resources are allocated to different areas or projects, changing project priorities, and the project management lifecycle. 

Increase your visibility across the organization’s portfolio.

A role in a PMO can increase your visibility across all of the organization’s projects to help you identify potential problems and recommend solutions. This may help you gain more exposure to project management, influence your organization, and improve your career prospects. Being a part of the PMO offers valuable insight and experience with an organization’s strategic side, which you might not be able to gain in individual elements of a project.

Improve processes for more effective project management.

Working in a PMO, you’ll be responsible for continuously improving the organization’s project management processes and procedures. This will help ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget. 

What are the requirements for working in a PMO?

The required qualifications for working in a PMO vary depending on the organization and position you’re applying for. Some common things many employers look for include having a degree, professional experience, and relevant skills.

Consider obtaining a bachelor’s degree.

A bachelor’s degree in project management, business, or a related field is typically required to work as a manager in a PMO. You can develop suitable skills in various backgrounds or by studying various types of degree programs. To work as an analyst in a PMO, for example, you may benefit from a computer science or data analysis-related degree. 

Read more: Do I Need A Project Management Degree?

Get experience in projects.

Employers typically require you to have experience working on projects when looking to work in a PMO. You can gain this experience through working on a software team, infrastructure team, or project management team. Some PMO positions require several years of experience working on projects. 

Build skills.

Different PMO roles require different skill sets. Some of the main skills you should look to demonstrate on your resume when applying for PMO roles include:

• Excellent writing, communication, and interpersonal skills

• Strength in working both independently and as part of a team

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Detail-oriented with the ability to see the big picture

• Flexible and adaptable to change

• Organized, efficient, and able to meet deadlines

• Knowledge of business goals

• Ability to meet project goals

Pro tip:

Research in-demand skills for different PMO roles on career sites like Zippia and ZipRecruiter, which compile data from thousands of resumes and job descriptions. For example, ZipRecruiter reports that top skills listed in PMO manager job descriptions include program management, oversight, project management methodology, and enterprise resource planning [6].

Consider a master’s degree. 

A master’s degree in project management or a related field can be beneficial when looking at PMO roles. If you’re looking to advance into more senior roles, a master's degree may give you a competitive edge. Advanced degrees can help you to stand out as you move up the career ladder.

Certifications for PMO job roles

Certifications aren’t necessary in every case, but getting one may help boost your career. By becoming a certified project manager, you'll learn best practices, get insights into the latest trends and technologies, and put yourself ahead of the competition.

Whether you're looking for a new PMO role or want to advance your career in your current PMO role, here are five PMO certifications that can distinguish you from the crowd:

1. Certified Manager Certification (CM)

• Cost: $110 to $700

• What it covers: Management essentials, planning and organizing, leading and controlling

• Website: CM

2. Certified Scrum Master (CSM)

• Cost: $250 to $2,495

• What it covers: Lean and Agile methods, Scrum framework, estimating and forecasting, Scrum team roles including Scrum Master, requirements and specs

• Website: Certified Scrum Master

3. Information Technology Infrastructure Library Foundations Certification (ITIL4)

• Cost: varies according to ATO (accredited training organization)

• What it covers: IT and digital service delivery, value streams, cultural and behavioral principles, service management terms and concepts

• Website: ITIL©4

4. PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP)

• Cost: $670 for non-members, $520 for members

• What it covers: Risk strategy and planning, risk identification, risk analysis, risk response, monitoring and closing risks

• Website: PMI-RMP

5. Project Management Professional (PMP)

• Cost: $595 for non-members, $425 for members

• What it covers: building a team, project management processes, and managing projects within a business environment

• Website: PMP

Read more: 10 PMI Certifications to Level Up Your Project Management Career

Advance your PMO career with Coursera.

A PMO (project management office) is a team that supports project managers and ensures projects are completed on time and within budget and meet organizational goals. PMO roles offer diverse opportunities to develop project management skills, gain exposure to portfolio management, and improve project processes. To work in a PMO, a bachelor's degree, project experience, and skills like communication and problem-solving are common requirements. Certifications can also enhance your resume.

A career move into a PMO can be a good choice for building project skills and experience. In a PMO, you’ll have the opportunity to use and improve your skills while also playing a key role in ensuring that projects are completed successfully.

If you’re starting your career in project management and want to learn job-ready skills, consider the Google Project Management: Professional Certificate on Coursera. You don’t need a degree or any experience to complete it; it can help you gain valuable skills and experience that employers value.