The Portfolio Strategy & Planning Manager plays a key role in shaping portfolio strategy, planning and performance across the Global South Region. The role leads complex portfolio assessments and planning initiatives, translating market developments, customer needs, competitive dynamics and performance insights into fact-based recommendations that support portfolio and business decisions. Working closely with the Head of Portfolio Strategy & Planning, the position acts as a functional expert, driving cross-functional alignment, leading strategic workstreams and supporting management decision-making on portfolio priorities, growth opportunities and future portfolio evolution.
Overview of Main Tasks:
Lead portfolio assessments across products, segments, applications and markets, evaluating competitiveness, coverage, market fit and strategic positioning.
Identify portfolio gaps, overlaps, white spaces and optimization opportunities, developing recommendations to strengthen portfolio structure and market coverage.
Assess the impact of evolving customer needs, market shifts, regulations and technology trends on future portfolio direction.
Lead annual, mid-term and strategic portfolio planning activities, developing scenarios and evaluating portfolio development and growth opportunities.
Challenge assumptions, identify risks and develop recommendations supporting portfolio priorities, investments and resource allocation discussions.
Lead portfolio performance reviews, analyzing market share, product mix, lifecycle performance and segment competitiveness to identify improvement opportunities.
Drive cross-functional alignment across Product Strategy & Requirement Planning, Business Planning, Market Intelligence and Regional Centres on portfolio priorities and strategic initiatives.
Facilitate portfolio planning workshops and strategic reviews, ensuring consistent assumptions and fact-based recommendations across functions.
Develop executive-level recommendations and decision-making materials for management reviews and governance forums.
Present strategic findings and portfolio assessments to senior stakeholders, influencing decisions through structured analysis and commercial insight.
Mentor Portfolio Strategy & Planning colleagues and contribute to the development of methodologies, frameworks and best practices.
Support the Head of Portfolio Strategy & Planning on key strategic topics and continuous improvement of portfolio planning, reporting and governance processes.
Required Experience:
Minimum 8 years of experience in Portfolio Strategy, Business Planning, Corporate Strategy, Product Strategy, Commercial Excellence, Product Marketing, Consulting, or a similar field
Demonstrated experience leading complex strategic initiatives, portfolio assessments and cross-functional workstreams, with the ability to manage ambiguity and develop fact-based recommendations.
Experience developing executive-level recommendations, influencing senior management decisions, and working effectively within international and matrix organizations.
Knowledge & Skills:
- Strong expertise in portfolio strategy, optimization, lifecycle management, market assessment and strategic planning, supported by strong commercial and analytical acumen.
- Excellent stakeholder management, influencing and facilitation skills, with the ability to drive cross-functional alignment and lead strategic workstreams without direct authority.
- Excellent executive communication, presentation and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate complex data and business challenges into clear insights and recommendations.
Strong proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint, with experience in management reporting and digital reporting tools such as Power BI; experience using generative AI tools to improve productivity is an added advantage
Language:
- Fluent in English (Written & Spoken)
- German, Portuguese, Spanish, and/or Arabic language skills would be advantageous.
Qualification & Education
Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Economics, Engineering, or a related field
