Principal Portfolio Project Manager

Avantor

. Manage a portfolio of strategic initiatives and capital investments across Engineering, Operations, EHS, PSM, Real Estate, IT, Supply Chain, and Commercial functions .

Posted 11/12/2026full-timeRemote • United StatesLead💰 $122,000 - $196,075 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive experience in managing large-scale capital projects and strategic initiatives across diverse functions, with a strong focus on portfolio governance, financial planning, and stakeholder engagement. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive project execution from concept through operational handover.

Highest-signal resume keywords

PMP CertificationPortfolio ManagementCapital PlanningProject Management PrinciplesStakeholder Engagement

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Project ManagementCapital Investment ManagementPortfolio GovernanceRisk ManagementBudget ManagementProcess ImprovementFacility ExpansionMulti-Year Roadmap DevelopmentExecutive ReportingStage-Gate Governance

Soft Skills

LeadershipCommunicationNegotiationInfluencing Without AuthorityPresentation Skills

Certifications & Qualifications

PMP Certification

Industry Keywords

Life SciencesPharmaceuticalBiotechMedical DeviceSpecialty Chemicals

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

AssemblyPMP

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Manage a portfolio of strategic initiatives and capital investments across Engineering, Operations, EHS, PSM, Real Estate, IT, Supply Chain, and Commercial functions
Evaluate, prioritize, and balance project investments based on strategic alignment, business value, risk, resource availability, and organizational capacity
Develop and maintain multi-year portfolio roadmaps
Facilitate portfolio governance reviews, investment decisions, funding approvals, and executive prioritization discussions
Identify portfolio-level risks, dependencies, constraints, and opportunities
Develop executive portfolio dashboards and reporting
Lead multiple concurrent global programs and CAPEX projects
Drive end-to-end project execution from concept through 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
Lead facility expansions, process improvements, equipment installations, operational efficiency projects, and capital investment programs
Drive projects through structured stage-gate governance
Prepare and present business cases, project charters, gate reviews, and investment recommendations
Maintain control of project budgets, forecasts, schedules, risks, and financial performance
Manage portfolio-level capital planning, forecasting, cash flow projections, and benefit realization tracking
Develop and manage integrated schedules and mitigate cost and timing risks
Establish KPIs and benefit realization targets; track actual business performance
Manage relationships with contractors, equipment suppliers, engineering firms, consultants, regulatory agencies, and municipalities
Support procurement, vendor selection, contract negotiations, and supplier performance management
Provide direct and indirect leadership to project teams across regions and functions
Mentor and coach project managers and team members
Communicate project, program, and portfolio performance to executive leadership
Drive stakeholder engagement, communication planning, organizational readiness, and adoption activities
Operate autonomously, address complex issues, and make recommendations on investment priorities, resource allocation, and execution strategies
Serve as a subject matter expert and contribute to PMO methodology, governance, and portfolio management improvements

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Project Management, Operations, Manufacturing, Business, or related discipline
Minimum of 12 years of progressive project, program, and portfolio management experience, including leadership of global CAPEX projects and strategic business initiatives
Demonstrated success managing large-scale capital projects and cross-functional business programs
PMP certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI), or willingness to obtain within a defined timeframe
Experience in Life Sciences, pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device, specialty chemicals, or similarly regulated industries preferred
Master's degree in Engineering, Business Administration (MBA), Project Management, or related discipline preferred
Proven experience managing portfolios of strategic initiatives and capital investments
Strong understanding of portfolio governance, prioritization methodologies, capital planning, and resource optimization
Ability to balance competing priorities and recommend investments that maximize organizational value
Experience providing executive portfolio reporting and facilitating investment decisions
Strong understanding of business strategy, operations, financial planning, and organizational goals
Ability to translate complex business challenges into executable solutions
Capable of evaluating long-term implications of investment decisions
Extensive knowledge of project management principles and lifecycle methodologies
Proven ability to manage scope, schedule, budget, resources, and risk across global programs
Strong record of delivering large-scale, multi-site CAPEX initiatives
Ability to lead multiple projects and programs simultaneously
Skilled at influencing leaders and teams without direct authority
Trusted advisor to senior stakeholders
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
Strong presentation and facilitation capabilities
Ability to communicate effectively with executives, business leaders, and technical teams
Strong negotiation and relationship management skills
Experience working with contractors, vendors, engineering firms, regulators, and municipalities
Ability to develop productive partnerships across diverse stakeholder groups

Benefits

Comp & perks

Learning experiences to support career growth and success
Diverse, equitable and inclusive culture
Equal employment opportunity protections
Reasonable accommodation during the employment process