Principal Portfolio Project Manager

Avantor is seeking a highly experienced Principal Portfolio Project Manager to lead a portfolio of complex, global programs and capital investments within its Life Sciences business. This role is responsible for both portfolio management and project execution, ensuring strategic initiatives are appropriately prioritized, funded, governed, and delivered to achieve business objectives.

The position oversees multiple large-scale CAPEX and business transformation initiatives simultaneously, including projects related to manufacturing, engineering, operations, EHS, PSM, IT, real estate, supply chain, and commercial functions. The successful candidate will operate within a matrixed global organization, coordinating cross-functional teams, external vendors, municipalities, and suppliers to deliver projects that meet or exceed approved business case objectives.

In addition to leading individual programs and projects, this role will manage a portfolio of strategic investments, balancing priorities, resources, risks, and capital allocation to maximize business value. Projects may range up to $100M, requiring strong executive communication, strategic leadership, disciplined governance, and a proven track record of delivering measurable business outcomes.

How you will thrive and create an impact

o   Lead and manage multiple concurrent global programs and CAPEX projects across manufacturing and operational domains.

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

o   Ensure programs align with Avantor's strategic objectives, operational priorities, and Life Sciences growth initiatives.

o   Lead global cross-functional teams without direct reporting authority to achieve program objectives.

o   Drive projects through a structured stage-gate process, ensuring appropriate documentation, stakeholder engagement, approvals, and governance at each phase.

o   Prepare and present business cases, project charters, gate reviews, and investment recommendations to senior leadership.

o   Support enterprise portfolio governance processes to ensure projects are appropriately prioritized, funded, and aligned with corporate objectives.

o   Lead executive reviews and provide recommendations regarding project continuation, acceleration, modification, or termination.

o   Maintain rigorous control of project budgets, forecasts, schedules, risks, and financial performance.

o   Manage portfolio-level capital planning, forecasting, cash flow projections, and benefit realization tracking.

o   Ensure projects achieve approved business case objectives and KPI targets.

o   Develop and manage integrated schedules, proactively identifying and mitigating risks affecting cost and timing.

o   Optimize allocation of capital and resources across competing initiatives.

o   Collaborate with stakeholders across Engineering, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Procurement, Finance, Commercial, EHS, and IT organizations.

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

o   Support procurement activities, vendor selection processes, contract negotiations, and supplier performance management.

o   Provide direct and indirect leadership to project teams across multiple regions and business functions.

o   Influence stakeholders and leaders within a highly matrixed organization.

o   Foster collaboration, accountability, transparency, and execution excellence.

o   Mentor and coach project managers and team members on project management best practices.

o   Communicate project, program, and portfolio performance clearly and effectively to executive leadership.

o   Deliver concise, data-driven reporting on portfolio health, capital deployment, project status, risks, and business outcomes.

o   Build strong relationships with senior leaders and external partners.

o   Present complex technical and business issues in a manner that supports informed decision-making and organizational alignment.

o   Drive stakeholder engagement, communication planning, organizational readiness, and adoption activities.

o   Ensure business operations are prepared to successfully transition into new processes, systems, and facility capabilities.

o   Support sustainable implementation and realization of expected business benefits.

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

o   Contribute to continuous improvement of project management methodologies, stage-gate processes, governance frameworks, and portfolio management practices.

o   Provide coaching, mentoring, and informal training across the PMO organization.

What we're looking for

o   Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Project Management, Operations, Manufacturing, Business, or related discipline.

o   Minimum of 12 years of progressive project, program, and portfolio management experience, including leadership of global CAPEX projects and strategic business initiatives.

o   Demonstrated success managing large-scale capital projects and cross-functional business programs.

o   PMP certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI), or willingness to obtain within a defined timeframe.

Preferred

o   Master's degree in Engineering, Business Administration (MBA), Project Management, or related discipline.

o   Experience in Life Sciences, pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device, specialty chemicals, or similarly regulated industries.

o   Extensive knowledge of project management principles and lifecycle methodologies.

o   Proven ability to manage scope, schedule, budget, resources, and risk across global programs.

o   Strong record of delivering large-scale, multi-site CAPEX initiatives.

o   Ability to lead multiple projects and programs simultaneously.

o   Skilled at influencing leaders and teams without direct authority.

o   Trusted advisor to senior stakeholders.

o   Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.

o   Strong presentation and facilitation capabilities.

o   Ability to communicate effectively with executives, business leaders, and technical teams.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position. Avantor is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

The expected pre-tax pay for this position is

Actual pay may differ depending on relevant factors such as prior experience and geographic location.

We are an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employer and VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/province, or local law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at recruiting@avantorsciences.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please view the Know Your Rights poster.

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By submitting candidates without having been formally assigned on and contracted for a specific job requisition by Avantor, or by failing to comply with the Avantor recruitment process, you forfeit any fee on the submitted candidates, regardless of your usual terms and conditions. Avantor works with a preferred supplier list and will take the initiative to engage with recruitment agencies based on its needs and will not be accepting any form of solicitation.

Avantor offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage, wellness programs, health savings and flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with company match, and an employee stock purchase program. Employees also receive 11 paid holidays, accrue 18 PTO days annually, are eligible for volunteer time off and 6 weeks of 100% paid parental leave (except in states that offer paid family leave). These benefits may not apply to employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement or those subject to other eligibility rules.