Portfolio PMO Manager

About EUROGATE Group Automation

EUROGATE Group Automation (EGA) spearheads the transformation of German terminals with an ambitious automation programme aimed at enhancing safety, reliability, and operational efficiency. The team unites specialists in engineering, operations, automation, and digital technology to execute intricate automation projects, fostering a culture centered on lean practices, continuous progress, and practical learning.

Role Overview

The Portfolio PMO Manager is pivotal in driving the performance of EGA's project portfolio by leveraging insights and governance to facilitate effective decision-making and remove project delivery barriers. Reporting to the Group Head of Automation, the role involves leading a hybrid PMO model that combines centralized governance with collaborative links to project-specific PMOs, ensuring alignment across all automation initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee a hybrid PMO framework to standardize governance and performance while maintaining integration with project-level PMOs to synchronize delivery.
• Manage portfolio performance by ensuring schedule adherence, risk mitigation, and trustworthy reporting mechanisms for leadership.
• Collaborate closely with Controlling teams on tracking investments and benefit realization, maintaining ownership of project controls and portfolio insights.
• Facilitate portfolio review cycles using leading indicators, Objectives and Key Results (OKRs), and visual management tools to focus the organization on impactful outcomes.
• Incorporate lean and evidence-based methodologies such as Hoshin Kanri for strategy deployment, Kaizen for ongoing improvement, the 5 Whys root-cause analysis, and The 4 Disciplines of Execution into PMO practices.
• Gather lessons learned to continuously refine governance standards and enhance project delivery quality.
• Coach and influence Project Directors and PMOs to adopt systemic thinking, decisive action, and data-driven leadership.

Required Expertise

• Over 10 years of experience in PMO, portfolio, or transformation leadership within large-scale transportation, automation, or infrastructure projects.
• Proven capability managing PMOs on large capital projects exceeding 50 million Euros in budget.
• Strong command over project controls covering cost, scheduling, risk, and progress within high-value portfolios.
• Experience in designing or leading hybrid PMOs that balance centralized governance with embedded delivery teams.
• Deep understanding of governance frameworks, performance measurement, and portfolio-level risk oversight.
• Practical knowledge of lean performance systems including leading indicators, OKRs, and visual dashboards.
• Competence in continuous improvement and root-cause problem solving through Kaizen and 5 Whys techniques.
• Collaborative experience with Finance and Controlling for investment governance and benefits tracking.
• Skilled facilitator and communicator capable of leading portfolio discussions and executive meetings.
• Relevant certifications (such as PMI, APM, MSP, Lean Six Sigma) are beneficial though not mandatory.

Personal Traits and Behaviors

• Analytical and pragmatic, focusing on actionable insights rather than protracted debate.
• Empowering and trustworthy, fostering governance as a helpful support system rather than oversight.
• Curious and consistently seeking improvements that generate significant impact.
• Transparent and articulate communicator who builds trust through clarity and openness.
• Collaborative and culturally sensitive, adaptable to various sites, functions, and multicultural settings.
• Maintains composure and solution orientation when facing complex challenges.

Success Indicators

• Project PMOs confidently function within the hybrid governance framework.
• Portfolio reviews emphasize proactive metrics, improvement plans, and future-oriented value rather than past discrepancies.
• Quarterly enhancements in the predictability of schedule, cost control, and benefit realization.
• Continuous improvement practices become embedded in standard operational routines.
• The PMO is acknowledged as a catalyst for performance acceleration, moving beyond administrative tasks.

Additional Information

• This position is based in Germany and requires regular visits to EUROGATE's multiple sites in Bremen, Bremerhaven, Hamburg, and Wilhelmshaven.
• English fluency is mandatory, with proficiency in German strongly favored.