What Is a PMO in Project Management: A 2024 Guide

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

Eighty-nine percent of organisations in the UK have at least one PMO, and 50 percent have more than one, according to annual research conducted by Wellingtone [1]. Research also suggests that businesses are increasingly embracing PMO implementation, so if you’re interested in working in this field, learn about the different PMO roles, education requirements, and required skills to succeed.  

What is a PMO?

PMOs are groups within businesses, government agencies, or other organisations that maintain and define standards for project management. A PMO can be responsible for multiple or a single project across the organisation. 

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

• Project process improvement

• Project resourcing

• Project monitoring

• Project control 

The PMO also provides project managers with support in the form of templates, best practices, and training. Sometimes, 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. Project managers work with the 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 organisational objectives. 

PMO roles

A specialised 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 centralised coordination and support for specific or all projects of an organisation. 

To facilitate the management of the organisation'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 methodologies.

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

• Resources managers 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 organisational strategy and goals and are executed effectively and efficiently.

4 Types of jobs in a PMO

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

1. PMO manager 

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

Average annual base salary (UK): £55,130 [2]

2. PMO analyst

As a PMO analyst, collect and analyse data to help the PMO manager and project managers make decisions about projects as a PMO analyst. Create reports and presentations to communicate their findings to project stakeholders.

Average annual base salary (UK): £37,265 [3]

3. PMO process specialist

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

Average annual base salary (UK): £35,547 [4]

4. PMO coordinator 

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 stakeholders. The coordinator works closely with the PMO manager to promptly complete all activities.

Average annual base salary (UK): £31,718 [5]

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 find ways to optimise resources across multiple projects. You'll also learn about how resources are allocated to different areas or projects, changing project priorities, and the project management lifecycle. 

Increase your visibility across the organisation’s portfolio.

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

Improve processes for more effective project management.

Working in a PMO, you’ll be responsible for continuously improving the organisation’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?

There isn’t a single set of requirements for working in a PMO. The required qualifications vary depending on the organisation 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 degree.

A degree in project management, business, or a related field is typically required to work as a manager in a PMO. However, there is no definitive degree or career route to working in a PMO. You can develop suitable skills in various backgrounds or by studying various degree programmes. To work as an analyst in a PMO, for example, you may benefit from a computer science or data analysis-related degree. 

Get experience in projects.

Anyone looking to work in a PMO typically requires experience working on projects. You can gain this experience by working on a software, infrastructure, or project management team. Some PMO positions require several years of experience working on projects. 

Required skills.

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

• Excellent written, communication, and interpersonal skills

• Adaptability and 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

• Flexibility and adaptability to change

• Organisation, efficiency, and ability to meet deadlines

• Knowledge of business goals

• Ability to meet project goals

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 strictly necessary, but they may help boost your career. With appropriate courses, 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 eight PMO certifications that can help you stand out from the crowd:

• Advanced Project Management Certified Professional

• Certified Manager Certification (CM)

• Certified Scrum Master (CSM)

• IT Information Library Foundations Certification (ITIL)

• ITIL Foundation

• Managing Programs and Projects with Project Server 2013

• PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI)

• Project Management Professional (PMP)

Next steps

A career move into a PMO can be a good choice for building project skills and experience. In a PMO, you’ll be able 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 provide you with valuable skills and experience that employers value.