Project Management Office Manager

About Umicore

Reducing harmful vehicle emissions. Powering the cars of the future. Giving new life to used metals. We are the leading circular materials technology company fulfilling its mission to create materials for a better life. With ambitions like this, imagine what you could do?

About Corporate Research & Development

Driving progress through research. Providing material solutions for the world’s most pressing challenges and anticipating the needs of our customers requires a high level of investment in research. Umicore’s Group Research capabilities focus on new materials and processes to address the megatrends of resource scarcity and clean mobility. The nature of research and development means that we cannot stand still. We need to find new ways to do things, discover new solutions and develop new ideas. Which is where you come in.

What you will be doing

We are currently looking for a PMO Manager to join the Corporate Research & Development (CRD) team in Olen, Belgium (preference) or Hanau, Germany. Reporting to the Technology Innovation Director you act as a steering and monitoring body within the CRD organization to ensure that project governance is followed, progress is reported and issues are flagged to the relevant responsible if needed.

Responsibilities:

• Analyze and report on CRD and global Umicore R&D project portfolios, ensuring strategic balance and alignment.
• Conduct ad hoc portfolio analyses based on management inquiries.
• Track innovation project data and status across CRD and Umicore.
• Define and manage CRD budget and expense reporting in collaboration with controlling teams.
• Prepare monthly CRD reports and deliver regular portfolio updates to senior management and TID/SVP.
• Lead and coordinate innovation excellence activities, ensuring KPI tracking, alignment, and timely execution.
• Maintain and improve innovation KPIs in line with evolving strategic priorities.
• Develop and implement standardized R&D governance processes and tools.
• Roll out prioritization models and templates to support project evaluation and decision-making.
• Organize and support Innovation Boards and steering committees.
• Administer and benchmark the PMO tool and governance system.
• Provide documentation and support for CRD portfolio decision-making and gate reviews.
• Align CRD innovation objectives with broader strategic goals and manage associated risks.
• Mentor and train project/program managers globally, including organizing training and ideation sessions.
• Build external networks, benchmark innovation practices, and introduce new methodologies (e.g., agile, digital).

Who we are looking for

• 3-5 years of relevant experience in project management or in a similar role – experience in the domain of research projects is a plus
• Master’s degree in Innovation Management, in exact or applied sciences
• Program management, organizing, planning and coordination skills
• Business acumen and good understanding of R&D finance
• Thorough knowledge of MS office products (with focus on Excel and PowerPoint).
• Knowledge of project scheduling programs is a plus (e.g. MS Project)
• Demonstrated ability to inspire effective teamwork and motivate staff in a global matrix structure
• Experience in managing global research programs with significant financial value and complicated structure
• Ability to utilize resources effectively on global scale including programs with multiple budgets
• Good presentation skills and confidence presenting to senior management
• Ability to make sound decisions in ambiguous or difficult situations, synthesizing information from multiple sources and use it for effective decision making
• Fluent writing and speaking in English
• Analytical thinking, problem-solving ability and strong drive for innovation and change
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and to work independently under general direction, having a good sense of prioritization of assigned goals and manage time accordingly
• Good communicator, strong interpersonal skills, promoter of inter-team cooperation

What we offer

We aim to lead the way. Not just for our customers, but for our employees too. That is why we strive to create a collaborative environment in which we can all succeed, and a culture through which we can all share ideas, develop our expertise and advance our careers. We engage in building an inclusive work culture that offers equal opportunities for all employees irrespective of their diverse backgrounds. As you would expect from a world-leading organisation, we will also reward your contribution with a competitive salary and benefits. With all this and more, imagine what you could do?

If our research can help tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges, IMAGINE WHAT YOU COULD DO?

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