Strategy Manager

ZUS Coffee Philippines; Metro Manila; On-site; PHP 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Job summary

ZUS Coffee Philippines is seeking a Senior Project Manager to lead strategic and transformational initiatives across the organization. You will establish effective project management standards, drive business process improvements, and ensure successful execution of key projects with cross-functional teams.

The role requires strong analytical, stakeholder management, and communication skills to deliver results aligned with strategic objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field from a recognized university.
• Professional certifications in Lean Six Sigma, Project Management, Agile, Design Thinking, Business Analysis, Supply Chain, or Risk Management are an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic and transformational projects to improve business performance and operational efficiency.
• Develop, implement, and maintain project management standards and best practices.
• Manage end-to-end project delivery including planning, scope, timelines, resources, risks, milestones, and deliverables.
• Lead cross-functional teams and stakeholders to ensure alignment and timely completion of objectives.
• Monitor performance, identify gaps/risks, and develop action plans to keep projects on track.
• Establish project visibility with regular status reports to senior management.
• Drive process improvement and innovation to reduce costs and enhance effectiveness.
• Document project outcomes, lessons learned, and opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Facilitate problem-solving and data-driven decision making for complex issues.
• Ensure successful project closure and knowledge transfer for future initiatives.

Skills

Project management

Analytical skills

PowerPoint

Excel

Communication

Stakeholder management

MECE thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineering / Business Management / Accounting & Finance

Certifications in Lean Six Sigma / Project Management / Agile (advantage)

Tools

MS Office Suite

PM tools (e.g., MS Project, Asana, or equivalent)

Job description

To lead and drive strategic and transformational initiatives across the organization by establishing effective project management standards, improving business and operational processes, and ensuring the successful execution of key projects. This role is responsible for managing cross-functional projects, engaging stakeholders, monitoring project performance, and driving continuous improvement and innovation aligned with the organization’s strategic objectives.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Part 1 – Primary Roles

• Lead strategic and transformational projects across the organization to improve business performance, operational efficiency, and ways of working.
• Develop, implement, and maintain project management standards, frameworks, and best practices to ensure consistent and effective project execution.
• Manage end-to-end project delivery, including project planning, scope, timelines, resources, risks, dependencies, milestones, and deliverables.
• Lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to ensure alignment, accountability, and timely completion of project objectives.
• Monitor and evaluate project performance, identify gaps and risks, and develop appropriate action plans to keep projects on track.
• Establish clear project visibility and reporting, providing regular updates on project status, key milestones, risks, issues, and recommendations to senior management.
• Drive process improvement and innovation initiatives by identifying opportunities to streamline processes, improve productivity, reduce costs, and enhance overall business effectiveness.
• Develop and maintain project documentation, including project plans, status reports, process documentation, project outcomes, and lessons learned.
• Facilitate problem-solving and decision-making for complex project‑related issues through structured analysis and data‑driven recommendations.
• Ensure successful project closure by evaluating results against objectives, documenting outcomes and lessons learned, and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.

Part 2 – Secondary Roles

• Work closely with various stakeholders to implement special projects and strategic initiatives.
• Research, assess, prioritize, and follow up on incoming business issues and concerns, including those involving sensitive or confidential information.
• Determine the appropriate course of action, escalation, referral, or response for project and business‑related concerns.
• Serve as a bridge between projects and internal departments to ensure smooth communication, coordination, and alignment.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders and senior management.
• Facilitate project meetings, workshops, and discussions as required.
• Provide coaching and guidance to project team members on project management standards and best practices.
• Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned by management.

JOB AUTHORITIES

• Make informed and calculated decisions related to project execution, prioritization, risk management, and stakeholder coordination within approved guidelines.
• Recommend changes to processes, project strategies, timelines, and resources to improve project outcomes.
• Escalate critical risks, issues, and project deviations to senior management with appropriate recommendations.
• Lead cross‑functional project teams and coordinate activities necessary to achieve agreed project objectives.
• Recommend and implement project management standards, tools, and methodologies across the organization.

JOB COMPETENCIES / REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering, Business Management, Accounting & Finance, or other related fields from a recognized university.
• Professional certifications in Lean Six Sigma, Project Management, Agile, Design Thinking, Business Analysis, Supply Chain, or Risk Management are an advantage.

Experience

• Minimum 5 – 10 years of experience in project management, business management, strategic operations, change management, transformation, process improvement, or related project‑based roles.
• Demonstrated experience in leading cross‑functional projects from planning through implementation and completion.
• Experience in process improvement, business transformation, consulting, start‑ups, FMCG, retail, or other fast‑paced business environments is an advantage.
• Experience working with senior management and multiple stakeholders is preferred.

Skills & Knowledge

• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and critical‑thinking skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel, with the ability to analyze and present data effectively.
• Knowledge of business management, process improvement, and project management best practices.
• Strong understanding of project planning, risk management, stakeholder management, and performance monitoring.
• Ability to develop clear, concise, and compelling business presentations and reports.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to use structured problem‑solving methodologies, including MECE (Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive) principles.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced and continuously changing environment.
• Strategic Thinking – Understands the bigger picture and connects projects and initiatives to organizational objectives.
• Leadership – Takes ownership, provides direction, and drives teams toward successful project outcomes.
• Collaboration – Builds strong relationships and works effectively with cross‑functional teams and stakeholders.
• Communication – Communicates clearly and effectively with employees, stakeholders, and senior management.
• Problem Solving & Critical Thinking – Uses structured, qualitative, and quantitative approaches to identify root causes and develop effective solutions.
• Adaptability & Resilience – Remains effective under pressure and adapts quickly to changing priorities and business requirements.
• Accountability & Ownership – Takes responsibility for deliverables, decisions, and project outcomes.
• Conflict Management – Handles disagreements and challenging situations calmly, professionally, and constructively.
• Continuous Improvement Mindset – Proactively identifies opportunities to improve processes, systems, and ways of working.
• Results‑Oriented – Focuses on achieving measurable outcomes and delivering projects within agreed objectives, timelines, and resources.