Portfolio Lead

The Portfolio Lead – Deliver is part of the Planning and Programs Team reporting into head of the Program Management Office. This role is responsible for working closely with leaders from the Deliver portfolio like Sport, Venue Infrastructure, Event Management, Logistics, City Operations and more to ensure integrated planning and detailed understanding of the status of projects and programs. They will manage a team of Program integrators responsible for each functional area’s schedule, adherence to standards, risk management, and dependency management. They will act as the project manager for highly visible cross-functional projects that are impactful to their portfolio.  

Building and maintaining strong relationships with internal and external teams is essential to providing strong oversight, portfolio management, assurance, and governance in this position. This is a highly collaborative role and is best for someone who enjoys working with a team to make sense of complex and sometimes contradictory information to solve problems and bring people together toward a common goal.  

The ideal candidate will have experience interfacing with senior leaders and executives in a fast-paced dynamic environment. They will have overseen large portfolios of projects end to end and have a combination of hard project management skills and excellent interpersonal skills. They will be comfortable working in a matrixed environment and leading without direct authority by guiding, motivating, and ensuring high performing teams within their portfolio.  

Key Responsibilities 

• Develop and maintain overall integrated view of scope and status across the Deliver portfolio working closely with senior leadership. 

• Implementing the organizing committee processes, standards, and reporting for project management within the Deliver portfolio, including “dotted line” management of program managers via their program integrators in each area. 

• Managing and assuring the Deliver portfolio roadmap, master schedule, RADIO (Risks, Actions, Issues, Decisions, Opportunities) reporting and management, dependency management and status reporting. 

• Setting up and managing the portfolio governance, including forums, project teams, and working groups; defining their terms of reference; managing agendas and forward look management; and overseeing internal communications to the organization.  

• Providing project management expertise and resources within the portfolio to resolve complex cross-functional or cross-programmed projects and issues. 

Background and Requirements 

• 10+ years experience managing complex portfolio of programs or projects with proficiency implementing processes and standards.  

• Broad generalist knowledge across the spectrum of Olympic or Paralympic Games Delivery or experience in large event logistics and technology.  

• Experience managing and reporting on Risks, Assumptions, Issues, Decisions, and Opportunities. Demonstrated ability to develop and implement risk mitigation plans and drive consensus when the path forward may be ambiguous.  

• Ability to analyze data to inform senior leadership for decision-making and reporting. This includes excellent presentation preparation skills, attention to detail, and ability to adjust communication to a variety of audiences.  

• Experience managing governance structures and frameworks, and confidence in owning notes, agendas, and presentations for governance forums. 

• Expertise in using project management tools (SmartSheet experience preferred)  

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions 

• Ability to work On-site in an office environment, based in Los Angeles, CA 

• The majority of work will be conducted in an office setting, requiring extended periods of time using computers, phones, and other office equipment 

• The LA28 office is an open floorplan working environment; employees must be able to work efficiently in an open cubicle environment.   

• Hours of work may vary, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, especially during peak event periods. 

• Perform other duties as required; the role will evolve over time and may include operational responsibilities during the Olympic and Paralympic Games.  

Expectations 

• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders and team members 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective internal and external communications.  

• Strong leadership abilities to guide and mentor project teams and working groups without direct authority. 

• Exceptional organizational skills to manage multiple projects and governance activities. 

• Creative and effective problem-solving skills to address complex cross-functional or cross-programme issues. 

• Flexibility to adapt to changing project requirements and priorities. 

• Ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders and teams. 

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to evaluate project progress and make informed decisions. 

• Excellent judgment, knowing when to escalate issues. 

• Excellent analytical skills, capable of identifying and prioritizing issues and providing alternative solutions. 

Education / Training / Certifications 

• Experience working in large event delivery or on portfolios with equivalent investment like Technology, Aerospace, or Infrastructure.  

• Ongoing professional development and certification in program and project management. 

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business Administration, or a related field.