Senior Project Manager – Rivers

POSTED: September 23, 2024
STARTING DATE: As soon as possible
FULL-TIME, ROTTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS

JOB SUMMARY
The mission of The Ocean Cleanup is to develop advanced 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.  

• As Senior Project Manager Rivers, you will lead a multi-disciplinary team, internally and externally, to deliver successful River Deployment Projects towards successful plastic interception.
• As Senior Project Manager Rivers, you will be responsible for the project controls, focusing on planning, progress monitoring, forecasting (across scope, cost, time, and risk), and implementing effective work processes.  

KEY DELIVERABLES & OUTCOMES
The Ocean Cleanup runs complex projects to develop technology to intercept plastic in rivers to prevent it from reaching the ocean. The Senior Project Manager Rivers (for Asia-based projects, based centrally in Rotterdam) will liaise with and report progress to the Senior Program Manager and support the overall department delivering interceptions and enacting processes to ensure we achieve our objectives. 

Your responsibilities include: 

• Leading multi-disciplinary teams and projects, providing strategic direction that lead to successful deployments and validation
• Developing a clear vision for the project and ensuring the projects run smoothly by providing overall leadership, management, and supervision
• Ensure high-quality input is obtained from team members
• Project monitoring, controlling, and forecasting of progress (incl. scoping, planning, timelines, risks and financial budgets)
• Build annual budgets, ensuring elements are not omitted, challenging teams' contributions
• Identifying and analyzing risks and interfaces, as well as recognizing implications and mitigations across the project
• Managing the document control process
• Timely reporting of relevant issues and statuses to, and fielding queries from, the Program Manager and leadership
• Internal and external stakeholder management; communication of the project status to senior management
• Drive continuous learning in the department and improve internal processes and project management structures   
• Mentoring some Project Management team members, aligning with 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  
• Project Management Professional (PMP) / PRINCE / SCRUM / AGILE certification is a plus 
• Proficient use of project and program management scheduling and dashboard software [e.g., MS Project, MS Project for the Web]
• 8+ 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, shipbuilding, maritime industry, etc.)
• 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 / MINDSET NEEDED FOR THE ROLE

• You know 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 in order 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
• 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
• Perform well in a fast-paced and highly challenging environment
• Above all, you have intrinsic motivation to work on our ambitious and meaningful mission

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• MS Project, MS Project for the Web, MS Planner
• MS Teams (& associated Apps)
• MS Excel
• SharePoint 

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.