Scenic Tours Europe AG
Senior Manager, Project Portfolio
Porto, Portugal - Full Time
Senior Manager, Project Portfolio
Organisation Overview
Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours is a leader in luxury travel experiences, delivering exceptional journeys by land and sea to discerning guests. With a heritage of innovation, craftsmanship, and service excellence, Scenic has established itself as a benchmark in the cruise and touring industry. Our commitment to quality, sustainability, and guest satisfaction defines everything we do, inspiring unforgettable experiences across the world’s most remarkable destinations.
Position Purpose
The Senior Manager, Project Portfolio is responsible for translating strategic objectives set by the Director of PMO and Business Analysis into robust project, program, and portfolio management practices. The role leads sophisticated delivery efforts, advancing the organization's continuous improvement agenda, and ensuring measurable outcomes through best-in-class methodologies. The Senior Manager, Project Portfolio acts as the operational engine for high-impact initiatives, embedding agile and lean approaches while supporting business transformation.
Key Responsibilities
Portfolio and Program Leadership
Skills and Competencies
Personal Attributes
Key Relationships
Role Dimensions
Focus Capabilities
These are the capabilities considered most important for the effective performance of the role. The focus capabilities for this role are shown below, with a brief explanation of what each capability covers and the indicators describing the types of behaviour expected.
Organisation Overview
Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours is a leader in luxury travel experiences, delivering exceptional journeys by land and sea to discerning guests. With a heritage of innovation, craftsmanship, and service excellence, Scenic has established itself as a benchmark in the cruise and touring industry. Our commitment to quality, sustainability, and guest satisfaction defines everything we do, inspiring unforgettable experiences across the world’s most remarkable destinations.
Position Purpose
The Senior Manager, Project Portfolio is responsible for translating strategic objectives set by the Director of PMO and Business Analysis into robust project, program, and portfolio management practices. The role leads sophisticated delivery efforts, advancing the organization's continuous improvement agenda, and ensuring measurable outcomes through best-in-class methodologies. The Senior Manager, Project Portfolio acts as the operational engine for high-impact initiatives, embedding agile and lean approaches while supporting business transformation.
Key Responsibilities
Portfolio and Program Leadership
- Lead the design and enhancement of PMO frameworks, portfolio governance, and standardized processes across the organization.
- Oversee the successful delivery of complex, cross-functional projects/programs with a strong focus on strategic alignment and value realization.
- Translate strategic priorities into actionable project and program plans, partnering with the Director and business stakeholders.
- Direct resource allocation, change management initiatives, and portfolio-wide planning.
- Prepare and deliver executive-level updates and recommendations regarding risk, performance, and return on investment.
- Foster cross-departmental engagement with business units, technology teams, and external partners.
- Anticipate, mitigate, and resolve complex risks and issues, executing corrective actions and escalating major barriers to the Director where appropriate.
- Document “lessons learned” and ROI analyses for continuous improvement and process innovation.
- Champion process optimization and the adoption of new tools to increase PMO maturity and operational efficiency.
- Lead and mentor PMO staff, fostering a high-performance, learning-focused culture.
- Contribute to knowledge management and continuous improvement frameworks within Scenic.
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent experience
- Extensive experience (5+ years) in project/program management, leading PMOs or agile transformations
- Deep knowledge of lean/scaled agile methodologies (e.g., SAFe, Kanban)
- Proven background in business analysis, process optimization, and quantifying ROI
- Proven experience developing high-performing teams and overseeing large, complex, cross-functional initiatives.
Skills and Competencies
- Agile Execution: Skilled in applying agile methodologies to manage iterative project cycles
- Organisation and Planning: Expert in project governance, planning, prioritization, and resource optimization
- Communication: Capable of conveying complex information clearly to various audiences
- Problem-Solving: Adept at identifying issues and implementing timely resolutions
- Adaptability: Embraces change, adjusts priorities, and navigates ambiguity effectively
- Stakeholder Engagement: Executive-level stakeholder management and communication skills, both verbal and written.
Personal Attributes
- Proactive and delivery-focused
- Collaborative and inclusive
- Resilient and composed under pressure
- Committed to Excellence
Key Relationships
- Director, PMO and Business Analysis: Receive direction and provide project updates and escalation
- PMO managers and Business Analysts: Collaborate to manage projects, gather requirements and track KPIs
- IT and Development Teams: Coordinate on technical deliverables and sprint activities
- Operations Department: Align IT solutions with operational needs
- Sales and Marketing Departments: Support sales and marketing strategies through technology projects
- Finance Team: Monitor and report project budgets and financial outcomes
- Other Department Heads: Facilitate cross-departmental alignment and communication
- Vendors and Third Parties: Oversee deliverables and ensure contract compliance
Role Dimensions
- Decision Making: Operates with autonomy to prioritize programs and projects in consultation with stakeholders
- Reporting Line: Reports to the Director, PMO and Business Analysis
- Direct Reports: None
Focus Capabilities
These are the capabilities considered most important for the effective performance of the role. The focus capabilities for this role are shown below, with a brief explanation of what each capability covers and the indicators describing the types of behaviour expected.
- Display Resilience and Courage: Remain calm, focused, and open when facing challenges and change.
- Manage Self: Show drive, motivation, and a commitment to continuous learning and self-reflection.
- Work Collaboratively: Build supportive environments, engage other teams, and solve issues collaboratively.
- Think and Solve Problems: Apply critical thinking to develop creative solutions that enhance effectiveness.
- Demonstrate Accountability: Take responsibility for actions, ensure compliance with policies, and focus on achieving outcomes.
