Rotterdam

Sr Program Manager – Rivers

Back to Careers
POSTED: August 13, 2024
STARTING DATE: As soon as possible
FULL-TIME, ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS

MISSION TO METRICS
The mission of The Ocean Cleanup is to develop and scale technologies to rid the world’s oceans of plastic. One part of the solution is to design, develop, and deploy cleanup systems to stop plastic from reaching our oceans by intercepting it in rivers. 
"In Rivers Project Management, we steer the project design and implementation, by leveraging knowledge, funneling effort, motivating and guiding teams to successful deployments, and preventing plastic from reaching our oceans. Be part of our team and bring your skills to a fast-paced, enjoyable, and innovative environment" - Sinéad O Flanagan, Head of Project Management - Rivers.
 
JOB SUMMARY
As Senior Program Manager Rivers, you will manage a portfolio of River Projects toward successful plastic interception. You will be responsible for the project controls management of the Rivers team, with a strong focus on planning, progress monitoring, forecasting, and implementation of effective work processes. You will report to the Head of Project Management and work closely with the project leads to achieve your objectives.  

RESPONSIBILITIES
The Ocean Cleanup runs complex projects to develop technology to rid the world’s oceans of plastic. The Senior Program Manager Rivers will support the Project Leads by proactively monitoring their progress, supporting risk management; and supporting the overall program by enacting processes to ensure we achieve our objectives. Your responsibilities include:
  • Program monitoring, controlling, and forecasting of progress (incl. planning, risks, and finance)
  • Drive the reporting process, challenging the Project Managers (on budget, timelines, and risk) and providing strategic assessments 
  • Hands-on support to build annual budgets, ensuring elements are not omitted
  • Partner with the RTT (Rivers Technical Team) for information or bottlenecks encountered by Project Managers
  • Analyzing high-level trends across the portfolio, tying projects back to strategic goals 
  • Reporting status to and fielding queries from leadership
  • Improving internal processes and project management structures  
  • Managing the document control process 
  • Stakeholder management; communication of the portfolio status to senior management
  • Drive continuous learning in the department 
  • Hands-on support to the project leads to help achieve their tasks and objectives 
  • Mentoring some Project Management team members, and aligning with the Head of Project Management.
  • Supporting the Head of Project Management
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS  
  • Master’s degree or bachelor’s degree, preferably with engineering affinity or background, with additional training in project management  
  • At least 5 years of relevant experience in program/portfolio management 
  • 10+ years of relevant experience in hands-on project management and/or project controls, preferably in a field where you have experience that prepared you for this job (e.g., in engineering, construction, innovation, ship-building, maritime industry, etc.).
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) / PRINCE / SCRUM / AGILE certification is a plus 
  • Proficient use of project and program management scheduling and dashboard software; advanced skills with MS Project, MS Project for the Web, MS Planner; MS Teams (& associated Apps); MS Excel; MS Power BI; and SharePoint.
  • Proven track record in setting structure, creating and managing portfolio plans, budget control, risk management, and driving and tracking progress.
  • Fluent in English
 
PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS
  • You realize that thorough groundwork (document control, planning updates, admin, etc.) is part of the job and project success 
  • High attention to detail and accuracy
  • Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
  • Strong knowledge of financial reporting, budgeting, and cost control principles.
  • Curious, proactive, and results-driven team player 
  • Team player – you know how to motivate and guide teams to deliver to the best of their abilities, get buy-in to trial new ways of working and work transparently with colleagues to ensure the learnings get transferred across the organization 
  • Autonomous – you are a creative problem-solver and can work with what you have to deliver the best results 
  • You have excellent communication skills 
  • Hands-on mentality; you do not stop until the project is successful. You get energy from seeing tasks and projects through to completion  
  • You can find structure in complex situations by utilizing strong communication skills to guide the team through your planning 
  • You like improving processes and you are meticulous, detail-oriented, and structured 
  • Performs well in a fast-paced and highly challenging environment 
  • Above all: has an intrinsic motivation to work on our ambitious and meaningful mission
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
  • Work permit: A valid European Union work permit is highly preferred for this position. 
  • The role is based in Rotterdam, The Netherlands
  • Starting date: As soon as possible
  • Please note: because we are a non-profit, our salaries reflect that of an organization fully reliant on donations rather than that of a commercial entity. Conducting a pre-employment check is part of our recruitment process.
Curious to hear how it is to work at The Ocean Cleanup? Listen to our team members explain their work in our podcasts.