GBS Transition Manager (PM focus)

Syensqo is all about chemistry. We’re not just referring to chemical reactions here, but also to the magic that occurs when the brightest minds get to work together. This is where our true strength lies. In you. In your future colleagues and in all your differences. And of course, in your ideas to improve lives while preserving our planet’s beauty for the generations to come.

Job Overview and Responsibilities

Syensqo is creating its internal Global Business Services (GBS) to cover Finance, Procurement, Human Resources, Credit Management and Transformation activities. We offer you the opportunity to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment and contribute to this group’s transformation from the start.
We are looking for a highly skilled Transition Manager with a strong Project Management background to lead and execute key transitions and transformation projects within Syensqo GBS. The ideal candidate combines project leadership, change management, and transition execution skills to ensure initiatives are delivered on time, within scope, and with maximum business impact.
The position will report to the GBS PMO Lead

Key Responsibilities

• Transition Management
• Own and evolve the transition methodology and framework for GBS.
• Develop and execute detailed transition plans for GBS-related migrations and transformations.
• Coordinate with business stakeholders to ensure alignment with overall project objectives and timelines.
• Identify and manage risks throughout the transition lifecycle and define mitigation strategies.
• Provide post-transition support, ensuring smooth stabilization and adoption.
• Continuously improve transition processes to enhance quality, efficiency, and scalability.

Project Management

• Apply end-to-end (E2E) project management standards in the delivery of transformation initiatives.
• Develop business cases, manage project budgets, and evaluate costs/benefits and feasibility.
• Monitor project progress and take corrective actions when necessary.
• Lead mid to large-scale projects across the GBS organization, ensuring adherence to scope, schedule, and quality.
• Manage both internal and external stakeholders and provide regular project updates.
• Use project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Jira, Google Suite) to drive delivery excellence.

Change Management & Demand Management

• Drive change management efforts including communication, stakeholder engagement, and training plans.
• Collaborate with GBS leaders to assess change impacts and ensure adoption of new processes or systems.
• Understand, anticipate, and influence service demand in alignment with capacity management.
• Track and evaluate change effectiveness and propose adjustments based on feedback and data.

Key Skills for this Role
1.    Project Management: Proven ability to lead and deliver complex projects with a structured approach, including planning, execution, and monitoring using project management tools and best practices.

2.    Transition Leadership: Expertise in coordinating service transitions and transformations across functions, with strong control over timelines, quality, and resources.

3.    Change Management: Experience in managing organizational change, developing communication and training plans, and working across geographies and business functions.

4.    Risk Management: Skilled in identifying transition and project risks, building mitigation strategies, and managing uncertainty.

5.    Stakeholder Management: Ability to work closely with various teams, departments, and vendors to ensure alignment and resolve challenges effectively.

6.    Technical Understanding: Good knowledge of GBS processes, and understanding of IT, business process implementation, or restructuring impacts.

7.    Quality Assurance: Define quality standards and implement reviews to maintain excellence across project and transition deliverables.

8.    Post-Transition Support: Ensure business continuity post-implementation through structured support and feedback loops.

You will bring:

• Bachelor's degree required; Master’s degree or relevant certifications (e.g., PMP, Scrum Master, ITIL) preferred.
• 7–10 years of experience in transition and project management roles within GBS or multinational environments.
• Proven track record in managing complex, cross-functional programs and projects.
• Experience with transformation, process improvement, and technology implementation projects is highly desirable.
• Experience with Agile/Waterfall methodologies.

Must-Have Skills

• Strong project and transition management capabilities
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills
• Proactive, organized, and self-driven, with a high level of initiative
• Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking
• Financial acumen and experience managing project budgets
• Experience working in fast-paced, multicultural environments
• Proficiency in project management and collaboration tools (Microsoft, Google Suite, Jira)
• Ability to connect people and foster collaboration

Nice-to-Have Skills

• Jira knowledge (preferred)
• Experience managing external vendors
• Experience in shared services/GBS environment
• Fluent in English (written and spoken)
• Willingness to travel (domestic or international) as required

You will get:

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• 16, or more, weeks of maternity/paternity and co-parenting leave, according to local regulations
• Free well-being sessions (physical and psychological)

Additional information:

• Location : Portugal
• Working model : hybrid. 1 day per week at the Lisbon office when Lisbon based, 2 days per month at the Lisbon office if based outside Lisbon area

About us

• Syensqo is a science company developing groundbreaking solutions that enhance the way we live, work, travel and play. Inspired by the scientific councils which Ernest Solvay initiated in 1911, we bring great minds together to push the limits of science and innovation for the benefit of our customers, with a diverse, global team of more than 13,000 associates. Our solutions contribute to safer, cleaner, and more sustainable products found in homes, food and consumer goods, planes, cars, batteries, smart devices and health care applications. Our innovation power enables us to deliver on the ambition of a circular economy and explore breakthrough technologies that advance humanity.
• At Syensqo, we seek to promote unity and not uniformity. We value the diversity that individuals bring and we invite you to consider a future with us, regardless of background, age, gender, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, ability or identity. We encourage individuals who may require any assistance or accommodations to let us know to ensure a seamless application experience. We are here to support you throughout the application journey and want to ensure all candidates are treated equally. If you are unsure whether you meet all the criteria or qualifications listed in the job description, we still encourage you to apply.

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