Project Manager / Portfolio Control Lead

Overview

We are seraching for an experienced PROJECT MANAGER / PORTFOLIO CONTROL LEAD to support several projects on site for a client in the pharmaceutical sector in the region of Brussels.

Responsibilities

Context:
The candidate will join a global CAPEX environment within a growing Project Control team that has been recently established and is still maturing. The role focuses on portfolio-level control rather than individual project execution, with a strong emphasis on implementing, standardizing, and improving project control practices across the portfolio.
Team info:
The candidate will work within a team of approximately 12 people composed of project controllers (handling both large and smaller projects), planners, and additional support roles. The candidate will act as a key reference point across this team, interacting with all members and guiding them functionally without direct hierarchical responsibility. The role includes close collaboration with managed service partners and internal stakeholders.
Day to day:

• Ensure implementation and proper use of Project Control processes (cost, planning, risk, change) across the portfolio
• Challenge and validate project data (planning, cost, risks) to ensure accuracy and consistency
• Consolidate and analyze portfolio performance data to provide reliable insights
• Prepare executive-level reporting and support decision-making through data analysis and storytelling
• Monitor portfolio risks, deviations, and change impacts; drive mitigation actions
• Manage and oversee managed service providers (operational follow-up, performance, issues resolution)
• Contribute to continuous improvement and implementation of new tools, processes, and methodologies
• Act as a coach and functional lead for project controllers, planners, and stakeholders
• Drive governance, standardization, and data integrity across the organization

Qualifications

!! Must have !!

• Around 10 years of experience in project/portfolio control or similar CAPEX environments
• Strong expertise in Project Control (cost, planning, risk, change, progress)
• Proven experience in portfolio-level control or PMO/portfolio management roles
• Ability to implement processes and drive standardization across multiple projects
• Strong analytical skills with capability to challenge data and produce reliable insights
• Experience managing or interacting with managed service providers
• Strong stakeholder management and ability to influence without authority
• Experience with project control tools (e.g. MS Project, Primavera P6, Planisware, Power BI)
• Fluent English and French
• Strong mindset in continuous improvement, transformation, and change management
• High level of autonomy and ability to operate with limited onboarding/support

Nice to have:

• Experience in pharma, petrochemical, or other heavy industries
• Project management certification (PMI, Prince2, or equivalent)
• Exposure to digital tools, automation, or advanced analytics (AI-driven solutions)
• Experience in building or maturing a Project Control function

Work model:

• Hybrid model: initial presence on site 3–4 days per week, then aligned with company policy (typically around 2 days on site)
• Full-time only

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