[Hiring] Principal Portfolio Project Manager @Avantor

Role Description

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
• 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.

Qualifications

• 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.

Requirements

• 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.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong presentation and facilitation capabilities.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Wellness programs, health savings, and flexible spending accounts.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Employee stock purchase program.
• 11 paid holidays and 18 PTO days annually.
• Eligible for volunteer time off and 6 weeks of 100% paid parental leave (except in states that offer paid family leave).