10 types of Project Management Offices (PMO): structure, purpose and how to choose the right one

Q: Can a company have more than one type of PMO?

Absolutely. Many organizations combine multiple PMO types, such as having an EPMO for governance and Departmental PMOs for execution.

Does your organization need a PMO? And, if so, what would be the most appropriate model? Project Management Offices are no longer a single concept. Depending on the level of governance, control and strategic alignment a company requires, there are different types of PMOs with very different functions and approaches.

In this article, we will explore the top 10 types of PMOs, their key differences and where to implement them. From more flexible models, such as the Supportive PMO, to highly strategic structures, such as the EPMO or VMO, we will see how each PMO type responds to specific management needs.

PMO type #1: Supportive PMO

Let’s start with what is probably the most common type of PMO. A Supportive PMO functions as an advisory entity, meaning it provides guidance, templates, training, and tools to project teams without enforcing strict governance.

Structure and role

Acts as a knowledge repository, offering tools, resources, and best practices related to project management methodologies and frameworks.
Provides assistance to project teams and project managers but does not directly interfere with project execution.
Encourages collaboration and knowledge-sharing across departments.

Purpose

Improve project success rates by equipping teams with the necessary tools and resources for efficient performance.
Promote continuous learning and process improvement within the organization.
Serve as a center of excellence in project management.

Best fit for organizations that:

Operate in agile and dynamic industries, such as tech companies or R&D departments.
Have experienced and self-sufficient project managers who require only minimal guidance.
Foster innovation and autonomy within project teams.

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PMO type #2: Controlling PMO

Unlike a Supportive PMO, a Controlling PMO ensures that all teams follow defined procedures by enforcing standardized processes, regulatory compliance, and governance frameworks across all projects.

Structure and role

Defines project governance policies and oversees their enforcement.
Implements mechanisms to track project performance and ensure alignment with established standards.
Allows some flexibility for project teams in areas like risk management but enforces a structured decision-making process.

Purpose

Ensure consistent project execution across the organization.
Improve visibility into project performance and adherence to established procedures.
Focus on risk management and regulatory compliance.

Best fit for organizations that:

Operate in highly regulated industries such as healthcare, finance, or government.
Need to enforce standardized project management frameworks across the entire corporation.
Require greater accountability and structured reporting in their projects.

Supportive PMO vs controlling PMO

Feature	Supportive PMO	Controlling PMO
Governance	Low – provides guidance but no enforcement.	High – enforces compliance and processes.
Flexibility	High – project teams have autonomy.	Moderate – teams must follow defined frameworks.
Role in project execution	Advisory – offers templates, tools, and best practices.	Regulatory – ensures compliance and process adherence.
Best for	Agile and innovative environments.	Regulated industries and structured organizations.

PMO type #3: Directive PMO

A Directive PMO takes full control over projects. It directly manages project execution, resource allocation, and decision-making. This type of PMO is commonly found in organizations that require a high level of governance and rigorous control over their project portfolios.

Structure and role

Manages projects directly, with project managers reporting directly to the PMO leader.
Defines all aspects of project planning and management, including project roadmaps, task prioritization, and the project management methodologies to be used.
Ensures that all decisions align with corporate strategy and financial objectives.

Purpose

Provide a single point of control over all project activities.
Maximize the efficient use of resources.
Strengthen strategic alignment between corporate goals and project execution.

Best fit for organizations that:

Require strict governance over project execution.
Manage large and complex project portfolios where strategic alignment is critical.
Operate in highly structured industries, such as Aerospace or Defense.

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PMO type #4: Enterprise PMO

Now, let’s move on to the Enterprise PMO (also known as EPMO). EPMOs operate at the highest strategic level, ensuring that all projects align with corporate objectives. Unlike other types of PMOs that focus more on operational execution, the EPMO oversees all project portfolios, driving business transformation and long-term success.

Structure and role

Reports directly to executive leadership (CIO, CFO, CTO, etc.)
Aligns project prioritization and execution with business objectives.
Implements enterprise-wide frameworks, KPIs, and project performance metrics.

Purpose

Ensure strategic alignment between projects and business goals.
Optimize resource allocation across all project portfolios.
Strengthen collaboration and synergies across different areas and departments within the organization.

Best fit for organizations that:

Manage large and complex project portfolios with a strong strategic focus.
Need to ensure that projects contribute to long-term business growth.
Operate in industries such as Banking, Insurance, or Telecommunications.

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PMO type #5: Strategic PMO

Just like an Enterprise PMO, a Strategic PMO also ensures that projects contribute to long-term business objectives. However, there are key differences between the two.

We already mentioned that the EPMO oversees and governs all project management activities across the organization. The primary role of the Strategic PMO, however, is to select and prioritize projects based on their strategic impact on the business, ensuring they receive the appropriate resources and funding.

Structure and role

Works closely with executive leadership to prioritize projects based on their business impact.
Leverages data analytics, Artificial Intelligence, and KPI tracking to measure project success.

Purpose

Maximize business value from project investments.
Optimize resource allocation for high-priority initiatives.
Ensure projects are closely aligned with corporate objectives.

Best fit for organizations that:

Operate in fast-evolving industries such as technology or financial services.
Require seamless portfolio management to balance innovation and risk.

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PMO type #6: Departmental PMO

Unlike other enterprise-wide PMOs, Departmental PMOs focus on supporting projects within specific business units, with the most common being IT and R&D departments.

Structure and role

Reports to the head of the department in which it operates, with its primary responsibility being to ensure project alignment with the unit’s business objectives.
Implements standardized project management methodologies within the department.
Coordinates with the EPMO or executive leadership to ensure broader alignment with corporate strategy.

Purpose

Improve efficiency in project management within the department.
Strengthen collaboration between different teams within the business unit.
Align projects with department-specific KPIs and organizational needs.

Best fit for organizations that:

Have business units with unique project management requirements.
Require a tailored PMO model for highly specialized technical areas.

EPMO vs Departmental PMO: key differences

Feature	EPMO	Departmental PMO
Scope	Corporate-wide oversight.	Focused on a single department.
Governance level	High.	Moderate.
Focus	Aligns projects with corporate objectives.	Aligns projects with department objectives.
Best for	Large companies with complex project portfolios.	Companies with strong departmental autonomy.

PMO type #7: Dedicated PMO

Now, let’s move on to the Dedicated PMO. Unlike all previous PMO models, which have either a departmental or enterprise-wide scope, a Dedicated PMO is temporary and created to oversee a single, highly relevant and complex project for an organization. This PMO operates independently for the duration of the project and is dissolved once it is successfully completed.

Structure and role

Assembles a multidisciplinary team to manage a high-impact project.
Oversees budgeting, resource management, governance, and risk management for that specific initiative.
It is terminated upon successful completion of the project.

Purpose

Provide dedicated oversight for the most critical business projects.
Improve efficiency in large-scale or high-risk initiatives.
Centralize the management of key projects within the organization.

Best fit for organizations that:

Plan to execute large-scale transformation programs.
Require a temporary governance structure for certain projects to ensure regulatory compliance and effective risk management.

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PMO type #8: Agile PMO

The next type of PMO we will analyze is the Agile PMO. This model is designed for organizations that follow Agile frameworks, such as Scrum, Kanban, or SAFe. Unlike traditional PMOs, Agile PMOs prioritize flexibility, continuous iteration, and adaptive governance.

Structure and role

Promotes the adoption and optimization of Agile methodologies by providing resources and best practices.
Supports Scrum teams and Agile coaches to ensure project alignment with business strategy.
Leverages real-time data analytics and task automation to monitor project velocity and measure success.

Purpose

Enhance an organization’s agility and adaptability in project execution.
Eliminate bureaucratic barriers to facilitate team collaboration.
Ensure projects remain aligned with business objectives at all times.

Best fit for organizations that:

Operate in fast-paced, ever-changing environments, such as software development or digital transformation.
Prioritize speed, innovation, and iterative development.
Seek to scale Agile practices beyond IT and Development teams.

Agile PMO vs Strategic PMO: key differences

Feature	Agile PMO	Strategic PMO
Methodology	Agile frameworks - Kanban, Scrum, SAFe.	Hybrid project management.
Governance level	Low – emphasizes flexibility.	High – enforces alignment with corporate goals.
Focus	Speed and adaptability.	Long-term strategic alignment.
Best for	Startups, tech firms, and digital-first companies.	Enterprises with strong corporate planning.

PMO type #9: Center of Excellence (CoE) PMO

A Center of Excellence (CoE) PMO is primarily focused on developing best practices, training, and innovation within project management. It does not directly manage projects but helps enhance the maturity of project management processes across the organization.

Structure and role

Designs and implements training, certification, and mentorship programs in project management.
Establishes best practices and process improvements.

Purpose

Improve competency and consistency in project management.
Foster innovation and process optimization.
Serve as a repository of knowledge and expertise in project management.

Best fit for organizations that:

Aim to enhance project management maturity across all teams.
Want to invest in long-term capability development.
Require a standardized knowledge-sharing and best practices model across business units.

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PMO type #10: Value Management Office (VMO)

The last type of PMO we are covering in this post is the Value Management Office (VMO). This entity focuses on maximizing business value from project investments. Unlike a traditional PMO, which generally measures success based on the percentage of projects completed within defined timelines and budgets, a VMO evaluates impact in terms of strategic benefits and ROI.

Structure and role

Aligns project portfolios with business value and customer impact.
Works closely with financial controllers and executive leadership to optimize investments.

Purpose

Shift project management to a value-driven approach, using performance metrics specifically designed for this purpose.
Ensure that projects generate tangible and measurable business benefits.
Improve investment decision-making through strategic portfolio management.

Best fit for organizations that:

Prioritize decision-making based on business value.
Operate in highly competitive industries, where ROI is a critical success factor for projects.
Seek to align project management with financial outcomes and customer satisfaction.

PMO vs VMO: key differences explained

Feature	VMO	PMO
Focus	Business impact and value creation.	Governance and execution.
Governance level	High - ensures that projects maximize strategic value.	High - focus on standardization and compliance of processes.
Metrics used	ROI, strategic benefits, customer impact.	Budget, schedule, scope .
Best for	Value-driven enterprises.	Process-driven organizations.

Choosing the right PMO Type for your organization: key takeaways

Selecting the right PMO model for your organization largely depends on factors such as project management maturity, the presence of Agile teams, and the required level of governance and flexibility. Here are some key considerations to help you determine the most suitable PMO type:

Priority	PMO type
Agility and Innovation	Supportive PMO. Agile PMO.
Process standardization and regulatory compliance	Controlling PMO. Directive PMO.
Alignment with corporate objectives	Strategic PMO. EPMO.
Strategic impact and higher ROI	VMO.
Department-Specific Project Management	Departmental VMO.

However, choosing the right model is not the only key to a PMO’s success. Today’s Project Management Offices must leverage PPM tools like Triskell Software to improve decision-making and optimize portfolio management.

So, what are you waiting for? Request a demo of Triskell today and see its benefits for yourself!