Head of Commercial Project & Portfolio Management

ZEISS Group; Manchester; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm in Manchester is looking for a Head of Commercial Project and Portfolio Management. This role involves leading project management within the Commercial function, enhancing capabilities, and overseeing the delivery of commercial projects. The ideal candidate will have advanced experience in managing complex projects, a degree in Business Administration or a related field, and strong skills in project management methodologies such as Scrum and SAFe. This position offers a chance to make a significant impact in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Advanced experience managing complex development and lifecycle projects in a leadership role.
• Strong background in project management methodologies such as waterfall and agile.
• Experience within regulated industries, ideally in the medical device sector.

Responsibilities

• Lead the project management discipline within the Commercial function.
• Enhance project management capabilities and drive delivery excellence.
• Oversee the end-to-end delivery of commercial projects.

Skills

Project management methodologies

Stakeholder management

Communication

Planning and organization

Education

Degree in Business Administration or related field

Tools

Scrum

SAFe

Job description

ZEISS is technology and innovation. We develop, manufacture and sell highly innovative products and solutions for our customers in a variety of business fields – always testing the limits of what is feasible.

ZEISS is an internationally leading technology enterprise operating in the optics and optoelectronics industries generating more than 10.8 billion euros in revenue with around 46,000 employees across 50 countries around the globe.

Founded in Germany in 1846, we are proud of our rich heritage. As a company wholly owned by a foundation, ZEISS is rooted in and committed to responsibility in all its activities. Therefore, 15% of revenue is currently invested in science and R&D. ZEISS is convinced that innovation and technology are the key to a sustainable future and solutions for global challenges.

If you want to enable business success and make a difference with us, ZEISS is the right place for you!

Your Talent, our Vision – together we see beyond. Your start at ZEISS Vision Care. As a leading manufacturer of ophthalmic lenses, we help people around the world achieve a clearer vision – sustainable and with focus on the future.

Our products are as diverse as the career paths we offer, from tailored lenses to award-winning measurement systems. Become part of our team and shape a future in which clear vision and professional success go hand in hand.

Responsibilities

• The Head of Commercial Project and Portfolio Management leads the project management discipline within the Commercial function and is part of the Digital Business Transformation leadership team
• Act as a center of excellence, enhancing project management capabilities and driving delivery excellence across the VIS commercial organization as a team
• Enable experienced project managers to support strategic initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and measurable value achievement
• Oversee the end-to-end delivery of commercial projects, ensuring they meet business objectives, quality standards, regulatory requirements, and timelines
• Developing a team of project managers and fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Responsibilities include maintaining a comprehensive portfolio view for tracking, reporting, and performance insights to support strategic decision-making

Required Knowledge & Experience

• Degree educated in Business Administration or a related field (or equivalent qualification)
• Advanced experience managing complex development and / or lifecycle projects or programs with demonstrated success in a leadership role
• Strong background in project management methodologies and tools, with hands‑on experience in both waterfall and agile environments (e.g., Scrum, SAFe)
• Experience working within regulated industries, ideally within the medical device sector
• Exceptional planning, organisation, and time management abilities
• Results‑driven and goal‑oriented, with a proven track record of delivering business‑focused outcomes
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with a strong customer service mindset expressed through a fluency in English

If you are interested in this position, please submit your application documents in English.

Diversity is a part of ZEISS. We look forward to receiving your application regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, philosophy of life, disability, age, sexual orientation or identity.