Head of R&D Project Management

Head of R&D Project Management

Location: Marseille, FR

YOUR ROLE

The Head of PMO is responsible for structuring, prioritizing, and monitoring R&D activities. This includes defining how the different types of activities (knowledge acquisition, projects, support, etc.) are managed, ensuring consistent and efficient execution. The role also leads a team of PMO Officers supporting Project Managers on priority initiatives, monitoring performance, coordinating with support departments (Legal, Purchasing), and providing management with clear visibility on progress, resources, and budgets.

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO?

Structure R&D activities and ways of working

• Define how the different types of R&D activities should be managed (planning, governance, tracking, documentation)
• Standardize project management practices across the department (processes, templates, tools, Project Manager and PMO scopes)

Lead the PMO team

• Manage and develop a team of Project Management Officers supporting priority projects, monitoring performance and coordinating with support departments (Legal, Purchasing)
• Set team priorities and allocate PMO support across the portfolio
• Ensure consistent and effective support to Project Managers

Organize prioritization and follow-up

• Define and run the process to select and prioritize R&D activities
• Organize regular portfolio and project reviews
• Ensure activities are properly planned and kept up to date

Track performance and support decision-making

• Define and track key indicators (progress, risks, budget, resources)
• Maintain a consolidated and up-to-date view of the R&D portfolio (status, spend, resource allocation) and provide clear reporting to support prioritization and resource allocation decisions

Coordinate with support functions and funding activities

• Structure interactions with Legal and Purchasing (contracts, suppliers, procurement)
• Support identification of funding opportunities (grants, subsidies) and application processes
• Ensure these activities are anticipated and integrated into project planning

Ensure quality and ISO 9001 compliance

• Define and document required processes
• Prepare the department for certification (documentation, audits)
• Ensure processes are applied and continuously improved

Improve ways of working

• Identify inefficiencies and simplify processes
• Support adoption of tools and good project management practices

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

• Master’s degree in Engineering, Science, Business, or a related field
• 8+ years of experience in project or program management, ideally in an R&D environment
• Experience leading or structuring a PMO, including portfolio oversight and team management
• Ability to bring structure and clarity in complex environments
• Strong analytical skills
• Budget tracking and cost control
• Leadership and team management skills
• Ability to align and influence stakeholders