Head of Project Management

Role descriptionAs Head of our Project Management (PMO), you will play a key role in shaping and executing our strategic initiatives across the organization. Sitting at the intersection of Strategy & Transformation, you will lead a high-impact team of project managers, drive cross-functional collaboration and ensure the successful delivery of complex, international projects. You will translate business objectives into actionable plans, advise senior leadership, and oversee a diverse project portfolio with a focus on efficiency, transparency, and measurable outcomes. In this role, you will foster a culture of excellence, mentoring your team and establishing best practices that elevate project management standards across the company. Your leadership will be instrumental in scaling our operations and enabling sustainable growth through structured execution and continuous improvement.Your MissionStrategic LeadershipDevelop and execute the organization’s project management strategy to support business goals.Translate organizational objectives into actionable project plans and initiatives with the project managers of each departmentAct as a strategic advisor to senior leadership on project-related matters, providing insights and recommendations.Project ManagementOversee the delivery of all major projects across the portfolio, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards.Help prioritise projects and manage the project portfolio by balancing resources, addressing stakeholder needs, and ensuring financial accountability and efficiency.Collaborate with cross-functional, international teams and senior stakeholders to build relationships with key internal and external parties, ensuring alignment, transparency, and efficient project delivery.Manage escalations and resolve critical issues impacting project success.Monitor and analyze performance using KPIs and project financials, including costs, forecasts, and ROI, ensuring accurate and timely reporting to stakeholdersTeam Leadership and DevelopmentLead, mentor, and manage a team of project managers, fostering a high-performance culture.Recruit, train, and retain top project management talent.Conduct regular performance reviews, provide feedback, and identify development opportunities.Best PracticesEstablish and maintain project management best practices, tools, and methodologies.Drive process improvement initiatives to increase efficiency and effectiveness in project delivery.Develop and enforce project governance protocols to ensure consistency and compliance across the organizationMinimum Qualifications5+ years of project management experience, with 3+ years in a leadership role.Proven track record of delivering complex projects on time and within budget.Expertise in project management tools (e.g., Jira, MS Project).Solid understanding of project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Scrum, Waterfall).Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills.Preferred QualificationsPMP, PRINCE2, or Agile certification (e.g. Certified ScrumMaster).Experience in managing global or cross-functional teams.Familiarity with change management and digital transformation projects.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions.Why you'll love working hereExciting tasks in an internationally operating, growing family business with flat hierarchiesFlexible working hours and a hybrid working model4 weeks remote work from other EU countries30 days paid vacation per yearSalary bands for a fair corporate cultureMonthly allowance of €50 for your BAVAnnual 360° feedback loops with clear promotion criteria and an individual career pathResponsibility from day one in a company that encourages personal responsibility and growthRelocation costs can be reimbursed on a pro rata basisRegular company events such as summer party, Christmas partyPaid team dinners or activities for each team twice a yearFree parking right outside the doorPerks and benefits: JobRad, subsidized lunch, subsidy for the Deutschlandticket, free language courses and discounted memberships at several gyms and for the WellpassFresh fruit, free drinks and snacks in the officeAbout usAt Arethia, we fuse our long-standing reputation with a continual push for progress. A rapidly expanding player in the flavour industry, Arethia specialises in delivering innovative taste solutions and co-creating products that consumers love. For more than 70 years, Arethia has been known for its close collaboration with customers and the highest quality standards. With over 250 employees spread across Germany, Switzerland, Dubai, and Indonesia, we aim to shape the future of flavours with a culture that values agility, transparency, and talent.