Global Projects Portfolio Manager - Fixed term contract

SGS

  • Nairobi
  • Contract
  • Full-time
  • 23 hours ago
  • Apply easily
Company DescriptionWe are SGS – the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 99,500 employees operate a network of 2,500 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.Job DescriptionThe position is 12 months fixed term contract and it is renewable.As the Global Projects Portfolio Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing the delivery, governance, and strategic alignment of the finance project portfolio. This includes process improvements, system implementations (e.g., ERP, planning tools), compliance initiatives, and organizational changes. The role ensures that all finance-related projects are prioritized, resourced, executed, and tracked to deliver measurable business value.Key responsibilities encompass, but are not limited to:1. Portfolio Management:
  • Maintain a central view of all finance initiatives across regions, functions, and programs.
  • Prioritize and balance projects based on strategic value, dependencies, and capacity.
  • Ensure resource allocation aligns with portfolio priorities and timelines.
2. Governance & Execution oversight:
  • Define and manage portfolio governance frameworks, templates, and reporting standards.
  • Monitor project status, risks, budgets, and timelines across all finance initiatives.
  • Facilitate portfolio review boards and support executive decision-making.
3. Performance Tracking:
  • Track KPIs reflecting performance of projects (timeliness, productivity etc.)
  • Lead portfolio-level reporting, dashboards, and executive updates.
4. Stakeholders & Change Management:
  • Act as key liaison between Finance leadership, project sponsors, PMs, and global functions.
  • Drive alignment across Finance, IT, HR, and other supporting functions.
  • Support communication plans and organizational change activities for key initiatives.
5. Project Delivery Support:
  • Coach and support finance project managers and SMEs to apply best practices.
  • Standardize and improve finance project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall).
  • Lead or co-lead complex or cross-functional finance transformation initiatives as needed.
6. Reporting & Insights: Provide timely and insightful reports on project status, KPIs, and interdependencies7. Methodology Enablement: Train and support project managers in applying PMO methodologies and agile/hybrid practices8. Change Management Support: Partner with change teams to ensure stakeholder readiness and adoption in the region9. Tool & System Stewardship: Ensure correct usage of project management tools (e.g. MS Project, Kanbanize, Service Now)10. Capability Building: designing, adjusting and deploying PM standard and driving PMO maturity growth leveraging internal and external resourcesQualificationsMandatory:
  • Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, Economics, or related field (MBA or PMP is a plus)
  • Minimum 3+ years of experience in project/portfolio management (preferably within Finance) and 5+ years in Project Management with exposure to various functional projects and c-level stakeholders.
  • 5+ years in leadership roles or managing a team as Project Manager
  • Fluent English speaking and writing
  • Experience in multinational corporations (MNCs) or large matrixed organizations ($5B+ revenue)
  • Proficient in portfolio/project tools (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet, Power BI, JIRA)
  • Strong stakeholder management skills, including working with senior finance leadership
  • Strong understanding of and ability to apply best practice for portfolio governance & reporting
  • Resource & capacity planning
  • Risk, Issue and dependency management
  • Benefits tracking & KPI management
  • Ability to present in a comparable way project value to enable prioritization of the pipeline
  • Cross functional collaboration and a good team player
Preferred:
  • PMP / Prince2 / Agile preferred
Additional Information
  • We provide hybrid working environment.
  • Opportunity to work with a global leader in inspection, verification, testing, and certification.
  • Collaborative and inclusive work environment.
  • Opportunities for professional growth and development.
  • The position is 12 months fixed term contract and it is renewable.

SGS