Project Portfolio Manager

Are you passionate about innovation and ready to manage a portfolio of research projects to enhance our knowledge about the well-being of Atlantic salmon and address the industry’s most pressing challenges?

P.S. We are also recruiting for other key positions, including Data and Analytics Specialist and Operations Manager. Visit Seafood People's website for more details and to explore these exciting opportunities at Salmon Living Lab!

As Project Portfolio Manager, you will play a key role in driving innovation-based research and building bridges between industry, academia, research, NGOs and operational expertise. You will live in a real world of Open Innovation. You will be responsible for developing and managing a diverse portfolio of innovation and research projects, recruitment of project partners and facilitation of applications for funding, in close collaboration with partners.

The project portfolio will consist of both basic and applied research, and development projects, your responsibility also includes ensuring projects align with strategic goals and delivering real impact for the industry. You will manage a project budget as well and relevant as contracts with partners.

This role demands a flexible mindset—no task is too small, no challenge too great. You will work with a dynamic mix of operational personnel, academic experts and industry partners to ensure that every project meets its objectives.

Main tasks and responsibilities:

• Strategy Development: Develop and implement an innovation and research strategy, and goals in close collaboration with partners and stakeholders.
• Portfolio Management: Develop and implement a project portfolio management strategy, including methodologies for research projects and innovation management to oversee and drive the execution of multiple projects. Participate in project steering committees and in projects where relevant.
• Recruitment of Project Partners and Collaboration: Recruit project partners and facilitate teamwork across diverse groups to ensure alignment towards common goals.
• Resource Management: Manage project resources, including budget, personnel, and equipment, to optimize efficiency and meet project goals.
• Public and Private Funding: Administer and write applications for funding opportunities.
• Performance Monitoring: Track project outcomes and proactively identify and mitigate potential risks and issues and provide regular updates internally and externally. Ensure all projects adhere to industry regulations and standards. Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of project plans, progress, and outcomes in line with future quality system requirements. 
• Communication of project results: Prepare and deliver clear reports, ensuring transparency and effective communication of project results. Ensure all projects adhere to industry regulations and standards. Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of project plans, progress, and outcomes. 

This role reports directly to the CEO.

Who are you?

You have a genuine passion for improving fish health and welfare, combined with a strong drive to increase knowledge and insight, creating meaningful impact for the salmon farming industry. You bring both strategic vision and practical expertise to the table, and you thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. You bring strong problem-solving skills and enable collaboration and knowledge sharing as key to success. Additionally, you are a self-motivated individual who takes initiative, demonstrating the ability to proactively address challenges and drive results in evolving and complex scenarios.

Desired qualifications: 

• Proven experience in project portfolio management within innovation and research, with familiarity in agile and design thinking methodologies being an advantage.
• A Ph.D. or equivalent degree (an M.Sc. may be considered with extensive relevant experience).
• Experience in one or more of Salmon Living Lab’s four priority R&D areas.
• Proven experience in R&D leadership roles within the private or public sector, and demonstrated success in implementing R&D initiatives in commercial organizations.
• Experience in the salmon or animal health industry, academia, or research, particularly in one or more of Salmon Living Lab’s prioritized areas, is an advantage.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in an interdisciplinary environment bridging industry and academic research.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, coupled with a strong collaborative mindset.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a keen eye for detail, even in a dynamic work environment.
• Flexibility to travel extensively, as required by the role.

Why join Salmon Living Lab?

Here, you are not just managing projects—you are driving knowledge and insight about the salmon that matters. At Salmon Living Lab, you will, together with partners, be part of building a forward-thinking team dedicated to increase our knowledge about the salmon, and what the fish needs from us, shaping the future of aquaculture. Join a team that values the salmon, collaboration, innovation, and results, and help solve the industry’s most pressing challenges today.

Join a company with forward-thinking ambitions!

Do you want to help shape the future of the seafood industry? We look forward to hearing from you.

Deadline: February, Friday 7th. We encourage you to apply promptly, as applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Please note that the selected candidate will undergo a background check before employment.