Head of PMO (AI) - MBB
About the Opportunity
Our client is building a world-class AI organisation responsible for delivering large-scale AI products, platforms and enterprise transformation programmes.
They are seeking an experienced Head of Delivery & Operations to establish and lead a high-performing delivery function responsible for portfolio governance, operational excellence and execution across a broad portfolio of AI initiatives.
This is a highly visible leadership role suited to someone who has built delivery organisations from the ground up and can balance strategic oversight with operational execution in a fast-paced technology environment.
The Role
The Head of Delivery & Operations will be responsible for creating and scaling the delivery engine that enables the successful execution of multiple AI products, platforms and transformation programmes.
The successful candidate will lead a team of Technical Program Managers (TPMs), establish best-in-class delivery processes, provide executive portfolio visibility and oversee key operational functions including procurement, finance, vendor management and recruitment coordination.
This role requires an exceptional operator who thrives in high-growth environments and enjoys building structure without creating unnecessary bureaucracy.
Key Responsibilities
Delivery Leadership
- Build, lead and develop a high-performing Delivery function from the ground up.
- Recruit, mentor and manage a team of Technical Program Managers embedded across product and engineering teams.
- Establish scalable delivery methodologies, governance frameworks and operational standards.
- Create a delivery culture focused on execution, accountability and continuous improvement.
Portfolio Management
- Own the end-to-end delivery portfolio across multiple AI products and strategic programmes.
- Provide real-time visibility into programme health, delivery risks, dependencies and resource allocation.
- Drive predictable delivery through effective planning, forecasting and risk management.
- Manage project intake, prioritisation and capacity planning across the organisation.
- Coordinate cross-functional teams to remove blockers and improve execution.
- Define release readiness standards and lead post-delivery reviews to continuously improve performance.
Executive Reporting & Governance
- Develop executive dashboards and AI-powered reporting capabilities that provide clear visibility across the portfolio.
- Produce regular portfolio updates, delivery reports and performance reviews for senior leadership.
- Deliver concise, data-driven insights that support strategic decision-making.
- Respond quickly to executive reporting requirements and business priorities.
Operations & Business Enablement
- Oversee operational processes supporting technology delivery, including procurement, finance and resource planning.
- Manage strategic technology partners and external vendors, ensuring delivery against agreed objectives and quality standards.
- Coordinate recruitment operations in partnership with Talent Acquisition and Engineering leadership.
- Support financial planning, budget tracking and operational reporting.
- Ensure all programmes have measurable business outcomes and clearly defined value realisation metrics.
Required Experience
- 12+ years experience leading technology delivery, programme management or operations within a software or technology organisation.
- Proven success managing complex portfolios consisting of multiple concurrent technology initiatives.
- Experience building delivery organisations, PMO functions or Technical Programme Management teams from inception.
- Strong understanding of Agile delivery methodologies and modern software development practices.
- Experience supporting AI, machine learning or large-scale digital transformation programmes.
- Demonstrated ability to simplify complex portfolio data into clear executive reporting.
- Experience working across procurement, finance, recruitment and vendor management functions.
- Strong commercial awareness and operational leadership skills.
Technical Knowledge
Candidates should demonstrate experience with:
- Agile delivery methodologies
- Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC)
- AI and Machine Learning programme delivery
- Portfolio management and governance
- Executive reporting and analytics
- Delivery planning and forecasting
- AI-enabled reporting and workflow automation
- Modern collaboration and project management platforms
Preferred Background
Experience within one or more of the following environments would be advantageous:
- Enterprise technology organisations
- AI-first businesses
- Digital transformation programmes
- Consulting firms
- Highly regulated industries
- Large-scale public sector or enterprise transformation initiatives
Personal Attributes
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- Strong leadership and coaching capability
- Excellent organisational and operational skills
- Exceptional stakeholder management
- Bias for action and execution
- Commercial thinking
- Structured problem-solving
- Calm decision-making under pressure
- Passion for building high-performing delivery organisations
Why Join
This is an opportunity to build and lead the delivery function behind a large-scale AI transformation programme, shaping how innovative AI products are delivered at enterprise scale while working alongside senior technology and business leaders.
