Best suited to executive-level PMO leaders with complex programme delivery experience in high-growth, capital-intensive environments who thrive in remote settings.
Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.
As the Head of PMO at Vertical Aerospace, you'll be tasked with leading the development of a robust and scalable project management office, ensuring that all aspects of the company's operations, from product development to certification, are aligned and efficient. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment and is passionate about shaping the future of electric aviation.
Original posting from Vertical Aerospace via Ashby
Our Mission
At Vertical Aerospace, we are pioneering the way for electric aviation. The Valo, our eVTOL (electric, vertical, take-off and landing), 'zero emissions' aircraft will set a new safety standard for how we will navigate the sky.
We won't realise our mission following the same legacy processes and traditions our predecessors followed, instead, we want to 'redefine' aerospace best practices. We are growing quickly from a prototype business to a scaling SME, and the next few years will be critical to our success and delivering on our ambitious goals. Valo is targeting airliner-level safety certification in 2028 ahead of entering service with our airline and operator customers.
WHAT TO EXPECT
You’ll be joining a programme-oriented organisation where delivery credibility is key.
Our environment is complex and fast-paced, spanning product development, supply chain, manufacturing, certification, people, finance, and digital. This role sits at the heart of that system, bringing structure, clarity, and discipline to how we deliver.
You will have high levels of executive visibility and work directly with senior decision-makers, playing a central role in shaping how the programme evolves as we scale.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
- Lead the development of a scalable PMO aligned to organisational growth
- Own the integrated delivery system across all functions, ensuring alignment to programme outcomes
- Maintain a single, authoritative Integrated Master Schedule with a clear critical path
- Embed governance frameworks, including forums, escalation routes, decision rights, and prioritisation mechanisms
- Deliver consistent, decision-ready reporting to executive leadership
- Establish performance management disciplines (KPIs, RAG status, variance analysis, forward risk visibility)
- Develop programme control mechanisms to support the next phase of organisational scale-up
- Manage structured approaches to dependency management, sequencing, and trade-off decision-making
- Build and lead a high-performing PMO team across planning, controls, risk, reporting, and governance
- Deliver programme management training and capability development across the organisation
- Ensure programme data integrity, reporting accuracy, and alignment with regulatory requirements
WHAT YOU’LL BRING
- Experience establishing or significantly evolving a PMO in a complex, high-growth, capital-intensive environment
- Proven track record of delivering complex, integrated programmes using structured programme management and influence
- Strong expertise in planning and controls, including Integrated Master Scheduling and critical path management
- Strong understanding of governance, performance management, and delivery assurance frameworks
- Ability to influence across functions and operate effectively at all levels of the organisation
- Evidence of improving delivery outcomes in complex or scaling environments
- A direct, outcome-focused approach with a strong bias for action
What can you expect from us?
We're on a mission. Where others see limits, we see opportunity, and we work at pace. Working at Vertical isn't your average role but for those seeking a challenge, a flexible, supportive organisation and an incredible team; working here is an opportunity to do the best work of your career.
Our approach promotes ingenuity and courage, while our environment builds success through diligence in safety and being open in the way we work. The only way we're going to assure the next chapter of aviation history is by working as a team, relentlessly, towards our goal.
Our benefits
Our people matter - we're not going anywhere without them. Which is why our company benefits go beyond the essentials.
- 26 days holiday, plus bank holiday
- 5 extra days per year to buy (or sell)
- 5 extra days holiday when you get married or enter a civil partnership
- Additional 4% of your salary to spend on extra benefits
- Award-winning digital health and wellbeing service (Help@Hand)
- Company performance based bonus - rewarding company and individual performance
- Company Share Scheme - open to every Vertical employee
- Company Pension Scheme - 5% and we match it
- Breakfast on us, every day
We may just be the hardest job you've ever had, but we're confident it will be the most rewarding. Join the team today and help us shape the future of Advanced Air Mobility.
Disclaimer Statement
We encourage you to apply even if you may not have all the experience listed in the advert. We recognise that talent comes in various forms and we are committed to providing opportunities that create an environment of growth, diversity, and inclusion for everyone. As part of our desire to review and make our processes fair, we may ask you questions related to these aspects during the application process. For more information on how we will use your data, see our Legal section.