Application Guide

How to Apply for Head of PMO

at Vertical Aerospace

🏢 About Vertical Aerospace

Vertical Aerospace is at the forefront of revolutionizing personal air travel with on-demand, carbon-free aircraft. As a pioneer in eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) technology, the company offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of urban mobility in a high-growth, capital-intensive environment. Working here means contributing to a mission-driven team that aims to make air travel accessible, sustainable, and efficient.

About This Role

As the Head of PMO, you will lead the development of a scalable PMO aligned to Vertical Aerospace's rapid growth. You'll own the integrated delivery system across all functions, ensuring alignment to programme outcomes, and maintain a single, authoritative Integrated Master Schedule with a clear critical path. This role is critical for embedding governance frameworks that enable efficient decision-making and prioritization, directly impacting the success of transformative aerospace projects.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a stand-up with the programme team to review critical path items and schedule risks. You'll then meet with functional leads to resolve cross-team dependencies, followed by a governance board prep session. Afternoon could involve deep-diving into schedule data, updating the IMS, and preparing a report for the executive team on programme health.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Vertical Aerospace Is Looking For

  • Proven experience establishing or significantly evolving a PMO in a complex, high-growth, capital-intensive environment, ideally in aerospace, automotive, or advanced manufacturing.
  • Strong track record of delivering complex, integrated programmes using structured programme management and influence without direct authority.
  • Deep expertise in planning and controls, including Integrated Master Scheduling (IMS) and critical path management, with proficiency in tools like MS Project or Primavera.
  • Solid understanding of governance, performance management, and delivery assurance frameworks, with experience designing and implementing these in a scaling organization.

📝 Tips for Applying to Vertical Aerospace

1

Highlight specific examples of PMO creation or transformation, quantifying impact (e.g., reduced time-to-market by X%, improved schedule adherence).

2

Tailor your CV to emphasize experience with Integrated Master Scheduling and critical path management in complex programmes.

3

Demonstrate familiarity with aerospace or aviation regulations (e.g., EASA, FAA) and how governance frameworks ensure compliance.

4

Showcase your ability to influence cross-functional teams without direct authority, using stories of stakeholder alignment.

5

Include a cover letter that explicitly connects your experience to Vertical's mission of carbon-free flight and their growth stage.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your experience in scaling PMOs in high-growth, capital-intensive environments, with concrete examples of how you've driven efficiency.", 'Your expertise in Integrated Master Scheduling and critical path management, and how it ensures programme delivery.', "Your understanding of governance frameworks and how you've embedded them to enable rapid, informed decision-making.", "Your passion for sustainable aviation and alignment with Vertical's mission to revolutionize personal air travel."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Study Vertical Aerospace's current aircraft models (e.g., VX4) and their development stage to understand programme complexity.
  • → Review recent news about their funding, partnerships, or regulatory milestones (e.g., with EASA or UK CAA).
  • → Familiarize yourself with their competitors (e.g., Joby, Lilium) and how Vertical differentiates itself.
  • → Understand the UK's aerospace innovation landscape and government support for eVTOL projects.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you established a PMO from scratch or significantly evolved one. What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
2 How do you manage critical path in a complex programme with multiple dependencies? Provide a specific example.
3 How would you design governance for a fast-growing aerospace company? What forums and escalation routes would you prioritize?
4 How do you influence cross-functional teams to align with a single integrated schedule? Give an example of a conflict you resolved.
5 What metrics do you use to measure PMO performance and how do you ensure continuous improvement?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Providing generic PMO experience without tailoring to high-growth, capital-intensive contexts.
  • Overlooking the importance of Integrated Master Scheduling and critical path management – ensure these are clearly highlighted.
  • Failing to demonstrate an understanding of the aerospace regulatory environment and its impact on programme delivery.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Vertical Aerospace!

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