Bogdan Ciocoiu - BAE systems - project management office

Robust PMO capabilities for transformation at BAE systems

BAE Systems is at the forefront of enhancing the UK’s defence, aerospace, and security capabilities in an age of evolving global security challenges.

To address these needs effectively, BAE Systems regularly embarks on transformation programmes centred around investments in national security, aerospace, and defence capabilities and partnerships with local, national, and international organisations.

Implementing a robust Project Management Office (PMO) is critical for BAE Systems to deliver on these high-stakes initiatives, ensuring that each project within the programme aligns with strategic goals, is well co-ordinated, and operates efficiently.

PMO enablement

  1. A robust PMO provides the framework to manage complexity, mitigate risk, and drive timely execution in such a multifaceted transformation programme. Here’s how a PMO can empower BAE Systems to achieve its mission.
  2. Strengthening national security requires meticulous coordination across multiple projects, from R&D investments to manufacturing enhancements. A PMO brings critical oversight to these projects, tracking progress, costs, and risks in real time. With PMO support, BAE Systems can ensure that these initiatives deliver timely improvements in national security, from advanced surveillance technology to cybersecurity advancements, all while meeting compliance and regulatory standards.
  3. BAE Systems’ investment in aerospace capabilities encompasses developing and deploying cutting-edge technology to maintain airspace superiority. A PMO facilitates efficient resource allocation and aligns project teams with critical milestones, ensuring the research, development, and deployment phases stay on track. This centralised oversight prevents delays, optimises resource use, and ensures that the aerospace programme aligns with national strategic priorities.
  4. Enhancing national defence involves large-scale, complex projects with significant resource needs and risk management requirements. A PMO provides the governance framework to oversee these projects, maintaining alignment with national defence strategic goals while managing project risks and dependencies. A PMO also provides the capability to shift resources from one project to another in a controlled fashion based on international priorities. Through a robust PMO, BAE Systems can streamline processes, ensure cross-functional collaboration, and drive project execution, all contributing to a more robust, resilient national defence capability.
  5. Partnering with local organisations with shared security interests brings additional resources and expertise to BAE Systems. The PMO is a central hub for partnership management, tracking performance, aligning objectives, and ensuring compliance with BAE’s mission and regulatory standards. This approach builds synergy with local stakeholders, enabling BAE Systems to achieve security outcomes that serve national interests.
  6. A strong relationship with law enforcement agencies is crucial for the success of BAE Systems’ domestic security and surveillance initiatives. The PMO facilitates this relationship, providing structured communication, collaboration, and project-tracking processes. This approach ensures that BAE’s projects align with law enforcement needs, fostering cooperation on shared security goals.
  7. Global security challenges demand international partnerships. A PMO ensures that BAE Systems’ international engagements are managed, focusing on shared security objectives and aligning with the UK’s strategic interests. The PMO oversees these relationships, ensuring they are mutually beneficial, legally compliant and supportive of global security goals.

PMO capabilities at BAE Systems

A powerful PMO provides BAE Systems with more than just project oversight; it delivers:

• Enhanced risk management for ongoing initiatives

• Resource optimisation

• Agility and responsiveness to adapt to international threats


A powerful PMO is essential to achieving the objectives of BAE Systems’ transformation programmes.

By centralising governance, ensuring alignment with national and international goals, and fostering effective partnerships, the PMO enables BAE Systems to deliver a strengthened national security, aerospace, and defence capability.

A robust PMO will streamline project delivery and position BAE Systems as a critical enabler in the UK’s security infrastructure, supporting its mission to protect national and global security.