Vice President, Project Management Office (PMO)

Avantor

About The Position

The Opportunity: The Vice President, Project Management Office (PMO) is a senior executive responsible for establishing and leading a global PMO that drives strategic capital projects, facilities management, and real estate initiatives across the enterprise. This role provides leadership for Project Engineering, Facilities/Real Estate, Factory Automation/Digitization, and Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) governance, ensuring that all projects are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with the company’s strategic objectives. As the architect of the PMO function, the VP will define and implement best-in-class project management methodologies, governance frameworks, and performance metrics to ensure operational excellence and financial discipline. This leader will oversee the execution of complex, multi-million-dollar projects, including new facility construction, major equipment installations, site expansions, and real estate transactions, while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and sustainability goals. The VP will serve as an advisor to the executive leadership team, influencing decisions on project prioritization, resource allocation, and risk mitigation. This role requires a visionary leader with deep expertise in engineering, facilities management, and capital planning, capable of driving innovation through advanced technologies, digital tools, and data-driven insights. The VP will champion continuous improvement initiatives to optimize project delivery, reduce cycle times, and maximize return on investment. In addition to operational oversight, the VP will build and lead a high-performing global PMO organization, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and excellence. This includes mentoring senior leaders, developing talent pipelines, and ensuring succession planning for critical roles. The successful candidate will combine strategic foresight with hands-on execution, ensuring that the PMO function not only meets current business needs but also positions the company for long-term growth and competitiveness.

Requirements

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Project Management, Business Administration, or a related field required.
Experience: 15+ years of progressive experience in project management, engineering, facilities, or capital planning, with at least 10 years in senior leadership roles.
Proven track record of leading large-scale, complex projects and managing global CAPEX portfolios exceeding $300M+.
Demonstrated success in establishing PMO governance frameworks, implementing project management methodologies, and driving operational excellence.
Experience in real estate strategy, facilities management, and sustainability initiatives.
Strong background in financial planning and analysis, including budgeting, forecasting, and ROI evaluation for capital projects.
Strategic Vision: Ability to define and execute a global PMO strategy aligned with corporate objectives.
Financial Acumen: Skilled in managing multi-million-dollar budgets and optimizing capital investments.
Global Leadership: Experience managing diverse teams across multiple geographies and cultures.
Change Management: Ability to lead organizational transformation and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
Stakeholder Engagement: Exceptional ability to influence and collaborate with C-suite executives, boards, and external partners.
People Development: Skilled at coaching and mentoring team members.
Travel: Up to 50% of global travel is required.
Advanced knowledge of project management methodologies (PMI, Agile, Lean).
Strong analytical and decision-making capabilities with a focus on data-driven insights.
Excellent communication and presentation skills for executive-level reporting.
Proficiency in digital tools and technologies for project management and portfolio tracking
Culturally aware and knowledgeable of how to operate in diverse global geographies.
Comfortable working across all levels and functions.
Superior skills in strategic analysis, planning, organizing, and communication.
Strong understanding of financial and accounting metrics and tools.
Superior interpersonal skills.
Significant background in influencing internal stakeholders in a matrix environment.
Significant experience in leading large, complex negotiations.
Able to plan and execute complex projects.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (MBA or Master’s in Engineering/Project Management) strongly preferred.
Professional certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional), PgMP (Program Management Professional), or Lean Six Sigma are highly desirable.
Experience in manufacturing, chemical, pharmaceutical, or industrial environments preferred.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership Develop and execute a global PMO strategy that aligns with corporate objectives and supports growth, operational efficiency, and sustainability.
Establish governance frameworks, policies, and standards for project management, engineering, and capital investment.
Serve as an advisor to executive leadership on project prioritization, resource allocation, and risk management.
Work closely with operational excellence team to ensure projects are aligned with Operations Strategy.
Project Engineering Oversight Lead the planning, design, and execution of major engineering projects across manufacturing, R&D, and corporate facilities.
Ensure adherence to engineering standards, regulatory requirements, and safety protocols.
Drive innovation in project delivery through advanced technologies and best practices.
Facilities & Real Estate Management Oversee global facilities operations, maintenance, and optimization to ensure safe, efficient, and sustainable environments.
Manage real estate strategy, including site selection, and space utilization planning.
Implement sustainability initiatives in facilities design and operations to reduce environmental impact.
Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) Governance Develop and manage the global CAPEX portfolio, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and financial targets.
Implement robust processes for project budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
Monitor project performance and ensure accountability for cost, schedule, and quality.
Operational Excellence Standardize project management methodologies (e.g., PMI, Agile, Lean) across the organization.
Establish KPIs and dashboards to track project performance, resource utilization, and ROI.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and reduce project cycle times.
Leadership & Talent Development Build and lead a high-performing PMO team, including project managers, engineers, and facilities professionals.
Provide mentoring, coaching, and career development opportunities for team members.
Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation.
Stakeholder Engagement Partner with cross-functional leaders (Operations, Operational Excellence, Sourcing, Finance, EHS, Supply Chain) to ensure alignment and integration of projects.
Communicate project status, risks, and outcomes to executive leadership and key stakeholders.
Represent the company in external forums related to engineering, facilities, and project management best practices.