SIers and major consulting firms are actively recruiting PMO consultants.
The role of a PMO consultant has become more common in the business world over the past decade or so, and many people still don’t know what kind of responsibilities it entails or what types of companies hire for this position.
This article explains the roles, salary, advantages and disadvantages, and common negative perceptions surrounding PMO consultants — a great career advancement or career change option for PMs, SEs, and other consulting professionals.
【関連記事】大手コンサルティング会社一覧｜未経験からコンサルタントに転職する方法｜第二新卒でコンサルタントに転職する方法｜コンサルタントの種類一覧｜コンサルタントの仕事内容｜ITコンサルタント求人の一覧｜未経験OKのコンサル求人一覧｜リモート可のコンサル求人一覧
What Is a PMO Consultant?
PMO stands for “Project Management Office,” which refers to a department or organization that supports the management needed to properly operate a project. A PMO consultant is a consultant who works within a Project Management Office.
In recent years, it has become common to refer to PMO consultants simply as “PMO.” Many companies today are running large-scale projects related to management strategy and DX (digital transformation) across various business functions.
PMO consultants are responsible for connecting the departments involved in a project and managing quality, deadlines, human resources, and costs to ensure project success.
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The Role of a PMO Consultant
The role of a PMO consultant is to support and assist the PM (Project Manager).
Specific responsibilities are wide-ranging and include standardizing project quality and timelines, managing human resources and costs, and overseeing the overall progress of the project. Identifying and resolving risks during project execution, as well as acting as a bridge between upper management and team members, are also key responsibilities.
The volume of work assigned to PMO consultants is substantial, and they are sometimes required to manage across multiple departments. As a result, job titles within the PMO may vary depending on the position.
They are often divided into the following three roles:
- PMO Administrator: Responsible for administrative tasks and progress management
- PMO Expert: Responsible for environment setup and rule formulation to standardize multiple projects
- PMO Manager: Oversees the entire project including budget management and staffing
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Is Being a PMO Consultant Boring?
The PMO exists to support the PM in making decisions and to back up project management in line with the direction and goals set by the PM. In the consulting industry, it’s sometimes said that “having PMO experience means you’ll never go hungry,” but in practice, the role is very much behind the scenes.
Because the workload is heavy but PMO consultants are not in the spotlight when a project succeeds, the role is sometimes described as “boring.”
However, as with any job, whether it feels boring or interesting largely depends on the individual’s mindset and approach. While the busyness of a PMO consultant can vary depending on the project phase, it is generally a higher-than-average paying role.
Rather than focusing only on the negatives — “boring,” “unrecognized,” “overworked” — it’s more productive to find your own sense of purpose in the work. As you build experience, or if you find that PMO work suits you, it is also possible to expand your career as a freelance consultant.
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The Difference Between a Good PMO Consultant and a Bad One
In project management settings, “good PMO” and “bad PMO” sometimes come up as topics of discussion. However, what counts as “good” or “bad” depends on individual values, compatibility, and how well the PMO fits the project content and its members.
Evaluations will also differ depending on the perspective — whether from the company, within the PMO team, the PM, or the project team members. Since this is not a job where results appear overnight, it’s also important not to worry too much about how others evaluate you.
A PMO consultant who is considered “good” is someone who builds on the direction set by the PM, listens to opinions from members across different roles, and incorporates them into the next steps. This approach requires logical thinking and strong listening skills, but the key is also having a sense of “ownership.”
For PMO consultants who often join projects as external members, maintaining a continuous sense of ownership is not easy. If you’re currently a PMO consultant and feel that your support of the PM or communication within the team isn’t going well, it may be worth reflecting on whether you’re approaching your work with a sense of ownership, or whether you’re so caught up in administrative tasks that you’re neglecting the people on your team.
Advantages of Being a PMO Consultant
The main advantages of being a PMO consultant are income and career prospects.
Currently, large-scale IT projects are being planned and operated not only in the IT industry but also in a wide range of industries including healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics. Since having a PMO in place is considered essential for large projects to succeed and be maintained, demand for PMO consultants is also growing.
Additionally, while Japan as a whole has been working hard to develop IT talent, progress has been slow. Even within large companies, efforts are being made to retain IT professionals with favorable conditions, but the most skilled PMO consultants often go independent or move on to even better opportunities as they build their track record.
As a result, there is no shortage of companies willing to offer high compensation and highly favorable working conditions to attract PMO consultants with proven experience, qualifications, and skills — professionals who are now considered indispensable to large-scale IT projects.
The stagnation of average wages and poor working conditions in Japan has been a major social issue for years, yet PMO consultants are among those who can find employment and advance their careers under very favorable terms — which is a significant advantage of the profession. Demand for PMO consultants is expected to continue growing.
Furthermore, as new systems and management strategies are expected to be announced across all sectors going forward, the number of companies that need PMO consultants is only expected to increase, not decrease.
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Disadvantages of Being a PMO Consultant
The main disadvantage of being a PMO consultant may be that the work can become extremely demanding depending on the project phase.
While roles are divided, PMO consultants are responsible for maintaining and improving quality and managing timelines, staffing, and costs. Beyond their own assigned tasks, they are also expected to step in and help when team members are overburdened and quality cannot be guaranteed. To prevent such situations from arising in the first place, PMO consultants must constantly take a bird’s-eye view of the entire project, identify risks, and work quickly to resolve issues when they surface.
Risks and issues can arise simultaneously in multiple departments. In such cases, there may be an expectation for PMO consultants to work beyond their contracted hours. Being pushed into overwork due to circumstances outside your own control or poor planning by others can naturally feel unfair to anyone.
Another potential disadvantage is that, despite these demanding aspects, PMO consultants tend not to be highly valued when the project is running smoothly. Since the PMO’s role is fundamentally to assist the PM’s decision-making and execution, during periods when there are no risks or issues, the PMO is focused on supporting routine project operations, which can mean a lot of administrative or support tasks and a feeling that your contributions aren’t being recognized.
If these moments lead you to think “this is meaningless” or “this is boring,” you may come to see PMO consulting as a job with more downsides than upsides. On the other hand, if you can tell yourself “the project is running smoothly because of my work,” you’re more likely to find meaning and satisfaction in the role.
Skills Required of a PMO Consultant
The skills commonly required of all PMO consultants include knowledge of IT trends, advanced computer skills, logical thinking, and strong listening ability. Since smoothly communicating with people in different roles — including the PM, other PMO consultants, team members, and company executives — and keeping the project moving forward is a key responsibility, communication skills are essential.
In recent years, development projects with a two-location setup — such as “PMO in Japan, tech team overseas” — have also been increasing. PMO consultants with business-level English or higher will find their opportunities expanding further.
The specific skills required can also vary slightly depending on the role within the PMO. For example, a PMO Administrator needs document creation skills, progress management skills, information management skills, and strong time management ability.
A PMO Expert needs expertise as a development lead, along with progress management and risk management capabilities.
A PMO Manager is expected to handle strategy formulation, budget management, staffing, and oversight of multiple projects, so extensive PM and PMO experience as well as business acumen are required.
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Related Certifications for PMO Consultants
For PMO consultants, experience speaks louder than certifications.
However, for those looking to enter PMO work without prior experience, those transitioning from another industry, or current PMO consultants who want to participate in projects under better terms, obtaining a certification that demonstrates your PMO capabilities is recommended. Here are some of the most recognized PMO certifications in Japan.
Project Management Associate Certification
The Project Management Associate Certification (PJM-A) is a certification operated by the Japan PMO Association (一般社団法人日本PMO協会), positioned as an entry-level qualification for new PMO professionals.
It is also known as one of the prerequisites for taking other advanced certifications offered by the Japan PMO Association, including the PMO Specialist Certification. Holding the Project Management Associate Certification demonstrates that you “understand the basic concepts of project management and can contribute effectively in the field,” and some companies list it as an entry requirement for positions.
Studying for the certification uses materials and e-learning content provided by the PMO Association. Since the exam is also completed entirely online, the preparation method is highly practical.
To earn the certification, you must answer 75% of the exam questions correctly, making it a fairly challenging qualification. Certified individuals are allowed to list it on business cards and resumes, which can serve as a stepping stone for career advancement or a career change. Note that the certification must be renewed every two years.
After obtaining the Project Management Associate Certification, many professionals aim for the PMO Specialist Certification — also operated by the Japan PMO Association — two years later.
PMO Specialist Certification
The most authoritative PMO certification in Japan is said to be the “PMO Specialist Certification (NPMO-certified PMO-S™)” operated by the Japan PMO Association.
To take the PMO Specialist Certification exam, you must first hold the Project Management Associate Certification. Like that certification, the PMO Specialist Certification involves e-learning coursework and a web-based exam, allowing the entire process to be completed online.
The exam content assumes a foundational understanding of project management and tests deeper PMO knowledge, including the role of the PMO, case studies, PMO implementation processes, and mission management.
The PMO Specialist Certification requires a passing score of 80% or higher, making it an especially rigorous qualification. As a result, it carries significant weight in domestic job searches and when freelance consultants apply to their desired projects.
However, the PMO Specialist Certification also requires renewal every two years after it is obtained. Renewal involves attending courses and seminars, through which you can stay up to date with the latest trends in PMO.
What Kind of Person Is Suited to Being a PMO Consultant?
PMO consultants are sometimes described as “the unsung heroes” of a project. They are also called the backbone or the backstage crew, serving as the support system for both the PM and project team members. Since it is difficult to make your contributions visible when things are going well, people who crave the spotlight are not well-suited to this role.
Collaborative individuals who find meaning in the team succeeding as a whole are better suited to PMO consulting. When problems or unexpected issues arise, people who focus on solving the issue rather than finding someone to blame are more highly valued. In terms of personality, calm yet action-oriented individuals tend to thrive in this role.
It is also said that professionals with experience as an SE (System Engineer) participating in projects are highly valued in PMO roles, because they can understand the progress of a system at the same level as technical staff. A PMO who deeply understands the challenges and current situation of SEs is needed to mediate between SEs, PMs, PMO members, and company executives.
On the other hand, people who are highly capable in their own individual work but struggle to align with a team are also not suited to PMO roles. These types would be better off maximizing their strengths as technical specialists or PMs rather than pursuing a PMO career.
Services to Register With When Looking for PMO Consultant Jobs and Projects
Among job placement and project introduction services for consultants today, the number of listings for PMO consultant positions stands out above the rest. However, if you want to find a project with favorable terms, you need to carefully evaluate which service to use.
Mirai Works Co., Ltd. offers services tailored to various working styles including full-time employment, freelance, and side jobs. Please consider registering with the service that best fits your preferred way of working.
ConsulNext.jp
For those looking to change careers to become a PMO consultant, we recommend “ConsulNext.jp,” operated by Mirai Works Co., Ltd.
ConsulNext.jp publishes a wide range of job listings in the consulting industry as well as many useful columns for consultants. Since the platform also handles non-public job listings, those wishing to transition to a consulting firm or pursue a career as a PMO consultant are encouraged to register.
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FreelanceConsultant.jp
For consultants already working as freelancers, we recommend “FreelanceConsultant.jp,” operated by Mirai Works Co., Ltd. FreelanceConsultant.jp is known as one of Japan’s largest matching agencies for senior professionals, with one of the highest numbers of registered freelance consultants in the country.
Its mission is to provide talented professionals with new opportunities and high compensation, contributing to the growth and development of companies across Japan.
At FreelanceConsultant.jp, each registered user is assigned a dedicated experienced agent who supports them through project introduction, application, and onboarding. In addition to preventing mismatches between companies and registered professionals before a project begins, the dedicated agent continues to provide support to ensure a stable working environment even after the project starts. If you’re looking for PMO projects, be sure to register.
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Q&A About PMO Consultants
Here is a summary of common questions and answers about PMO consultants.
What is the difference between a PMO consultant and a regular consultant?
Within the same project, there may be both PMO consultants and consultants specializing in other areas required by the project. In this context, “PMO consultant” refers to consultants — such as PMO Administrators, PMO Experts, and PMO Managers — who are responsible for supporting the PM and the project.
On the other hand, professionals referred to simply as “consultants” most often mean IT consultants or systems consultants.
It may be helpful to think of it this way: a PMO consultant supports project management, an “IT consultant” formulates and supports IT strategy, and a “systems consultant” handles system planning and operations — each with a distinct role.
Is PMO consulting tough? Boring?
One reason PMO consulting is said to be tough relates to the success rate of large-scale IT projects where PMO is considered essential. According to surveys covering IT projects across Japan, the success rate was 26.7% in 2003, rose to 31.1% five years later in 2008, and only exceeded 50% in 2018 at 52.8%.
The reason for the improvement in success rates is often attributed to the widespread adoption of PMO. As expectations for PMO consultants have risen, the pressure on each individual participant has become quite intense.
In addition, many companies bring in PMO consultants from outside. Because they are external resources, PMO consultants can sometimes become passive in their roles, or companies may overload them with tasks and leave them buried in documentation creation, making it difficult to proactively manage their workload.
What should you do if you don’t want to be a PMO consultant?
PMO consulting suits some people more than others. If you feel it doesn’t suit you or you simply don’t want to do it, one option is to request a different position or role. In that case, clearly communicating your reasons to your supervisor — and articulating what position you do want — can be very helpful.
However, saying “I don’t want to do PMO” without having actually tried it may not always be convincing. Experience as a PMO consultant can be a significant asset when planning your medium-to-long-term career, so giving it a try is also a worthwhile option.
If there is something proactive you can do to avoid becoming a PMO consultant, one approach is to build expertise in high-demand areas such as SAP, RPA, or SCM, or develop knowledge in growing fields such as healthcare or CSR, and make the case that you want to leverage those skills in your work.
Do PMO consultants earn a high salary?
Japan is a country where average wages have not risen in about 30 years. Even so, IT professionals stand out for their high salaries — and PMO consultants, even as salaried employees, fall into a high-earning category, with the most common salary range being 4 to 7 million yen per year. PMO consultants earning over 10 million yen per year as employees are not uncommon.
For freelance PMO consultants, the average monthly compensation for full-time (100% utilization) projects is approximately 1.2 million yen, making it a career with excellent income potential.
That said, salaries can vary depending on the specific PMO role, track record, and certifications held. Since demand for PMO consultants continues to be strong, if you’re dissatisfied with your current salary or working conditions, applying to other PMO projects at different companies to move up is also a viable option.
What should you do if a PMO consultant isn’t performing well?
When a hired professional is perceived as “not useful,” it can be rephrased as “not performing beyond expectations.” However, if the expectations for the PMO were not clearly defined before hiring, or if they were not properly communicated to the PMO consultant, there’s a chance the consultant isn’t able to demonstrate their true capabilities.
Both before and after hiring, it’s important for the company and team bringing in a PMO consultant to clearly understand “what falls within the PMO consultant’s scope of work, and what type of PMO professional should be assigned to which tasks” — and to revisit this understanding from time to time.
If concerns about the PMO consultant’s performance continue to surface within the team, the issue may be that the PMO consultant is not a good fit for the project or team, or that there is a shortage of resources or budget. It may be necessary to reassign the PMO consultant to a different position or to revisit deadlines, staffing, and budget allocations.
Are there remote-friendly PMO consultant projects?
Since the COVID-19 pandemic that began in early 2020, the number of remote-friendly projects for freelance PMO consultants has been increasing. Some PMO consultants have left projects that don’t allow remote work and moved on to projects that offer remote options.
However, depending on the PMO role and project phase, there may be situations in the future where on-site attendance is required. Also, since smooth communication with the PM, team members, client companies, and external organizations — as well as detailed task management, scheduling, and cost control — are all core responsibilities of the PMO, working fully remotely can make it harder to grasp team morale and emerging issues.
Staying in close contact with related roles, and occasionally coming into the office even under a fully remote contract, can help bridge these gaps effectively.
In Closing
A PMO consultant is a consultant whose primary role is to support the PM and whose mission is to carry out project management together with the PM. Even within the same project, the scope of work and reason for involvement differs from that of an IT consultant — who formulates IT strategy — or a systems consultant — who leads system development.
Since the role involves working tirelessly for not only the PM but also other consultants, SEs, and company executives involved in the project, it’s said to be well-suited to individuals who find satisfaction in being the “unsung hero” behind the scenes.
The value and significance of PMO consultants are increasingly being recognized year by year, making it a career with strong income potential and excellent future prospects. If you’ve been looking for the right opportunity, register with FreelanceConsultant.jp, a platform with strong expertise in PMO projects and PMO talent.
