PMO Project & Programme Manager Review
at PHOENIX Medical Supplies
Degree Apprenticeship
Project Management
Runcorn
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
4.8 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
4.6/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
I am responsible for managing projects and programmes through the PMO framework, ensuring business change is delivered safely, consistently, and in line with agreed governance. My role covers the full lifecycle, from shaping ideas and supporting feasibility and business cases, through planning and delivery, to closure and benefits realisation.
On a day‑to‑day basis, I maintain strong control over delivery by managing plans, risks, issues, dependencies, and change requests, while providing clear, decision‑ready reporting to senior stakeholders. I work closely with sponsors, business leads, and workstream owners, and proactively resolve issues to keep delivery on track.
Alongside delivery, I act as a custodian of PMO standards, coaching stakeholders and aspiring project managers in good project practice, supporting continuous improvement of tools and processes, and helping ensure that change is aligned to business priorities and delivered with minimal risk to operations.
On a day‑to‑day basis, I maintain strong control over delivery by managing plans, risks, issues, dependencies, and change requests, while providing clear, decision‑ready reporting to senior stakeholders. I work closely with sponsors, business leads, and workstream owners, and proactively resolve issues to keep delivery on track.
Alongside delivery, I act as a custodian of PMO standards, coaching stakeholders and aspiring project managers in good project practice, supporting continuous improvement of tools and processes, and helping ensure that change is aligned to business priorities and delivered with minimal risk to operations.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I am really enjoying the programme and have gained a significant amount of knowledge that I am already applying in my day-to-day role. While the programme is challenging, it is well structured and engaging, and the level of support I receive from both the University and PHOENIX has been excellent. This support has helped me balance the demands of the programme alongside my role, giving me confidence in applying new learning in a practical and meaningful way
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have gained valuable learning across a wide range of areas, including Marketing, Finance, People Management, and Professional Practice. I have been able to actively apply this learning, particularly through reflecting on my own performance and professional standards. As a result, I have seen a noticeable improvement in both my confidence and my understanding of areas where I had previously identified development needs. This has helped me to better recognise my strengths, address gaps, and approach my role with increased assurance and capability.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The programme has experienced some challenges with lecturer turnover; however, overall the structure has been strong. Clear deadlines and expectations are set out early, which has allowed me to plan my time effectively and manage the demands of the programme alongside my role.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
My line manager is very supportive and regularly offers assistance, including proof‑reading work and sharing relevant previous experience. In addition, the flexibility within my role to manage my own diary has been extremely helpful, allowing me to attend lectures, organise ad‑hoc sessions with subject matter experts, and effectively manage assignment deadlines alongside my day‑to‑day responsibilities.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
There is a strong level of support available from Arden. My learning coach has been fantastic and is always readily available to help with any queries I have. They bring excellent knowledge and experience, particularly around portfolio building, as well as providing helpful support with spelling and grammar. In addition, Arden offers a wide range of supplementary courses with one‑to‑one support, covering areas such as referencing, critical thinking, and academic writing, which has been extremely valuable in strengthening my academic skills.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
Developing a deeper understanding of different areas of the business has helped me to become a more effective project manager. For example, the Financial Practice for Managers module covered concepts such as Net Present Value and Discounted Cash Flow, which I now actively apply when completing feasibility studies. Previously, I did not fully understand these methods and would simply report the outcomes as they were presented. I am now able to confidently explain the process, challenge assumptions where appropriate, and respond to ad‑hoc questions from board members during reviews, which represents a significant step forward in both my capability and confidence.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
These opportunities are available if you know where to find them; however, they are not widely promoted by the organisation. For example, the PHOENIX Group hosts an annual football tournament in Germany, bringing together colleagues from across Europe. This provides a great opportunity to network informally and build relationships while having fun, although spaces are limited. Other networking opportunities are also available in certain roles, such as attending the various sales conferences held throughout the year; however, access to these events is often restricted to specific roles within the company.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend PHOENIX Medical Supplies to a friend?
Yes
Why?
PHOENIX is a great company to work for, offering a competitive salary, strong benefits, and a genuinely supportive workforce. Working in project management gives me clear visibility of how much people are willing to support one another and what can be achieved when everyone is aligned and working towards a shared goal. This collaborative culture makes a real difference to delivery and reinforces why PHOENIX is such a positive environment to be part of.
Additionally, the level of investment PHOENIX has made in my professional development is something I speak very positively about. The organisation has actively supported me in completing a number of qualifications throughout my journey, demonstrating a genuine commitment to developing its people. This focus on growth and long‑term development is one of the key reasons I would strongly recommend PHOENIX as an employer.
Additionally, the level of investment PHOENIX has made in my professional development is something I speak very positively about. The organisation has actively supported me in completing a number of qualifications throughout my journey, demonstrating a genuine commitment to developing its people. This focus on growth and long‑term development is one of the key reasons I would strongly recommend PHOENIX as an employer.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to PHOENIX Medical Supplies?
Ensure your CV is kept up to date and tailored specifically to the role you are applying for, clearly highlighting relevant experience, achievements, and transferable skills rather than using a generic template. Prior to interview, carry out thorough research into PHOENIX as an organisation, including its values, culture, and the area of the business you are applying into, as this demonstrates genuine interest and alignment with how the company operates.
When preparing for interviews, particularly competency‑based interviews, it is strongly recommended to use the STAR method to structure your answers. This involves clearly explaining the Situation, outlining the Task you were responsible for, describing the Action you took, and finishing with the Result or outcome achieved. Using this approach helps keep answers clear, focused, and evidence‑based, and allows interviewers to clearly see your contribution and impact.
At PHOENIX, there is a strong emphasis on collaboration, professionalism, and delivering outcomes, so candidates should be prepared to share examples that demonstrate teamwork, problem‑solving, accountability, and adaptability. Being able to reflect honestly on what went well, what you learned, and what you would do differently is viewed positively and shows a willingness to develop.
Finally, approach the process with openness and authenticity. PHOENIX values individuals who are keen to learn, take ownership of their development, and contribute positively towards shared goals. Showing enthusiasm for the role, flexibility in your approach, and alignment with the company’s values can make a real difference during the recruitment process.
When preparing for interviews, particularly competency‑based interviews, it is strongly recommended to use the STAR method to structure your answers. This involves clearly explaining the Situation, outlining the Task you were responsible for, describing the Action you took, and finishing with the Result or outcome achieved. Using this approach helps keep answers clear, focused, and evidence‑based, and allows interviewers to clearly see your contribution and impact.
At PHOENIX, there is a strong emphasis on collaboration, professionalism, and delivering outcomes, so candidates should be prepared to share examples that demonstrate teamwork, problem‑solving, accountability, and adaptability. Being able to reflect honestly on what went well, what you learned, and what you would do differently is viewed positively and shows a willingness to develop.
Finally, approach the process with openness and authenticity. PHOENIX values individuals who are keen to learn, take ownership of their development, and contribute positively towards shared goals. Showing enthusiasm for the role, flexibility in your approach, and alignment with the company’s values can make a real difference during the recruitment process.
