Principal Portfolio Project Manager

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Connecticut, +8 more states.

📋 Description

• Oversee a portfolio of key initiatives and capital investments across Engineering, Operations, EHS, PSM, Real Estate, IT, Supply Chain, and Commercial areas.

• Assess, prioritize, and balance project investments based on strategic fit, business value, risk management, resource availability, and organizational capacity.

• Create and maintain long-term portfolio roadmaps that align with Avantor's strategic goals.

• Facilitate governance reviews for the portfolio, make investment decisions, secure funding approvals, and lead discussions on executive prioritization.

• Identify risks, dependencies, constraints, and opportunities at the portfolio level.

• Develop dashboards and reports for executive portfolio management.

• Manage multiple simultaneous global programs and CAPEX projects.

• Oversee end-to-end project execution from concept through to commissioning, qualification, startup, and operational handover.

• Lead global cross-functional teams without direct reporting authority.

• Manage projects involving process equipment, assembly systems, manufacturing technologies, automation, and facility infrastructure.

• Spearhead facility expansions, process improvements, equipment installations, operational efficiency projects, and capital investment initiatives.

• Navigate projects through a structured stage-gate governance process.

• Prepare and present business cases, project charters, gate reviews, and investment proposals.

• Maintain oversight of project budgets, forecasts, schedules, risks, and financial performance.

• Handle capital planning, forecasting, cash flow projections, and tracking benefit realization.

• Develop integrated schedules and address cost and timing risks.

• Establish KPIs and monitor benefit realization against approved commitments.

• Manage relationships with stakeholders, external contractors, equipment suppliers, engineering firms, consultants, regulatory agencies, and municipalities.

• Support procurement, vendor selection, contract negotiations, and supplier performance management.

• Provide both direct and indirect leadership to project teams across various regions and business functions.

• Mentor and coach project managers and team members.

• Communicate portfolio health, capital deployment, project status, risks, and business outcomes to executive leadership.

• Promote stakeholder engagement, communication planning, organizational readiness, and adoption activities.

• Operate independently while tackling complex operational, financial, technical, and organizational challenges.

• Act as a subject matter expert in portfolio management, capital program execution, project governance, and PMO best practices.

• Contribute to the ongoing improvement of project management methodologies, stage-gate processes, governance frameworks, and portfolio management practices.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Project Management, Operations, Manufacturing, Business, or a related field.

• At least 12 years of progressive experience in project, program, and portfolio management, including leadership of global CAPEX projects and strategic business initiatives.

• Proven track record in managing large-scale capital projects and cross-functional business programs.

• PMP certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI), or a commitment to obtain it within a specified timeframe.

• Demonstrated experience in managing portfolios of strategic initiatives and capital investments.

• Strong knowledge of portfolio governance, prioritization methodologies, capital planning, and resource optimization.

• Ability to manage competing priorities and recommend investments that enhance organizational value.

• Experience in providing executive portfolio reporting and facilitating investment decisions.

• In-depth understanding of business strategy, operations, financial planning, and organizational goals.

• Capability to translate complex business challenges into actionable solutions.

• Proficient in evaluating the long-term implications of investment decisions.

• Extensive knowledge of project management principles and lifecycle methodologies.

• Proven capability to manage scope, schedule, budget, resources, and risks across global programs.

• Strong history of delivering large-scale, multi-site CAPEX initiatives.

• Ability to lead multiple projects and programs at the same time.

• Skilled in influencing leaders and teams without direct authority.

• Recognized as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders.

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong presentation and facilitation abilities.

• Adept at communicating effectively with executives, business leaders, and technical teams.

• Strong negotiation and relationship management skills.

• Experience collaborating with contractors, vendors, engineering firms, regulators, and municipalities.

• Ability to cultivate productive partnerships across diverse stakeholder groups.

🏝️ Benefits

• Learning opportunities to foster career development and success.

• Medical insurance.

• Dental insurance.

• Vision insurance.

• Wellness programs.

• Health savings account.

• Flexible spending account.

• 401(k) plan with company matching.

• Employee stock purchase program.

• 11 paid holidays.

• 18 paid time off days annually.

• Volunteer time off.

• 6 weeks of fully paid parental leave, except in states offering paid family leave.