PMO Lead at Vertical Aerospace

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 As PMO Lead, you will shape and lead the Programme Management Office for Valo at the highest level of integrated programme delivery. Reporting to the VP Programme Valo, you will define how we govern, plan, track and control complex aircraft development programmes in a highly regulated environment. You will work closely with Engineering, Certification, Operations, Supply Chain and senior leadership to ensure clarity, transparency and disciplined execution as we progress toward civil certification and entry into service. This is a Bristol based role with hybrid working, requiring regular on site collaboration with cross functional teams. WHAT YOU WILL DO - Lead and grow the PMO function, building a high performing team that supports programme delivery across the business - Define, implement and continuously improve programme management processes, tools and controls across all company projects - Own the stage gate framework and governance review structure, ensuring clear decision making and executive visibility - Develop and maintain the highest level integrated programme plan, ensuring alignment across engineering, certification and operational workstreams - Establish and track programme health metrics and KPIs, providing clear, data driven reporting to senior leadership - Lead programme planning, schedule integration and baseline management to ensure realistic, aligned delivery plans - Oversee change management processes, including impact assessment and control of programme baselines - Drive robust risk and opportunity management across the programme, enabling proactive mitigation and informed decision making - Ensure programme data integrity, reporting accuracy and regulatory compliance alignment - Deliver PM training and capability development to strengthen programme management standards across the organisation WHAT YOU WILL BRING - Proven experience leading a PMO within complex, large scale development programmes - A strong track record of delivering civil aircraft certification programmes through to major regulatory milestones - Deep expertise in integrated programme planning, governance frameworks, schedule control and baseline management - Experience building and scaling PMO capability within a growing organisation - Confidence working with senior stakeholders and providing clear, data driven programme insight to executive leadership - Strong leadership skills with experience developing and managing high performing teams - Proven aerospace experience within complex, safety critical development programmes, with practical understanding of systems integration and delivery within a regulated environment - PMP qualification or equivalent programme or project management certification #LI-AH1 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.