Portfolio and Project Manager - Performance Coatings Innovation
The Lubrizol Corporation
Operations
Cleveland, OH, USA
Shape the Future with Us.
At Lubrizol, we’re bringing to life the chemistry behind clean water, efficient transportation, reliable infrastructure, critical medicines, and the products people rely on every day through science, sustainability, and a culture of inclusion.
As part of our global team, you’ll be empowered to make a real impact—on your career, your community, and the world around you.
Location: Brecksville, OH to start, and transitioning to Wickliffe, OH in 2028.
As Lubrizol approaches its centennial in 2028, our Wickliffe campus will become the unified home of Lubrizol’s global headquarters, integrating Lubrizol’s Brecksville site capabilities and employees to the Wickliffe campus.
Job Type: Full-time. Collaborate in person 4 days each week, with 1 flexible remote day.
How You’ll Make an Impact
As a Portfolio and Project Manager for our Performance Coatings Group, you will be at the forefront of our innovation, leading high-impact projects from concept through commercialization while advancing sustainable solutions across our portfolio. In this highly visible role, you’ll collaborate with global, cross-functional teams to shape strategy, define value, and navigate risk in a fast-paced, matrixed environment. You’ll make critical decisions, drive alignment, and transform complex ideas into commercially successful solutions that deliver measurable business results and long-term growth.
In This Role You Will:
Portfolio Management
- Define and manage the R&D innovation portfolio roadmap aligned with corporate strategy and growth priorities.
- Establish portfolio governance frameworks including prioritization, stage-gate processes, and investment decision criteria.
- Evaluate, select, and balance projects based on value, risk, resources, and strategic fit.
- Continuously monitor portfolio performance using KPIs and adjust priorities as needed.
Project Execution & Delivery
- Lead end-to-end project management of innovation initiatives (concept through commercialization).
- Ensure projects adhere to timelines, budgets, quality standards, and scope.
- Apply structured methodologies (Agile, Stage-Gate, Hybrid) tailored to innovation environments.
- Proactively identify risks and implement mitigation strategies.
Innovation Enablement
- Partner with R&D, Product, Engineering, and Business stakeholders to incubate and accelerate new ideas.
- Support ideation, feasibility analysis, prototyping, and scaling of innovations.
- Foster a culture of experimentation and continuous improvement.
Stakeholder & Cross-Functional Coordination
- Act as the central point of coordination between R&D, Marketing, Manufacturing, Finance, and external partners.
- Communicate portfolio health, project status, and strategic insights to senior leadership through monthly innovation reviews.
- Facilitate decision-making through quarterly portfolio reviews with executives.
Financial & Resource Management
- Manage portfolio budgets, investment planning, and ROI tracking.
- Optimize resource allocation across projects (people, capital, technology).
- Develop business cases and track value realization for innovation initiatives.
Process & Governance Excellence
- Establish best practices for project and portfolio management.
- Be a change agent to drive best practices and discipline through influence in a matrixed organization
Required Qualifications that Enable Your Success
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or a related technical discipline.
- 5+ years of experience in project/portfolio management within R&D, innovation, or product development environments
- 5+ years of experience leading or operating within a global, matrixed organization, collaborating across cross-functional and geographically dispersed teams.
- Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills, with the ability to deliver clear, effective presentations.
- Change management mindset with the ability to bring clarity to ambiguity.
- Financial acumen and portfolio investment management skills
- Proven ability to influence and align stakeholders at all levels, without direct authority.
- Knowledge and practical application of project management principles and methodologies.
Preferred Qualifications that Drive You Forward
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is preferred but not required.
- Experience or academic focus in coatings, polymers, or specialty materials applications.
Your Work Environment
At Lubrizol, we’re committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment where you can do your best work—whether in a lab, on the production floor, or in a hybrid office setting. Depending on your role, your work environment may include:
- Standing, walking, or operating equipment for extended periods
- Working in a lab or manufacturing setting with appropriate PPE provided
- Use of computers and digital tools in an office or hybrid environment
- Occasional lifting or movement of materials
- Adherence to rigorous safety protocols and ergonomic standards
Benefits that Empower You
- Competitive salary with performance-based bonus plans
- 401(k) match + Age-Weighted Defined Contribution
- Comprehensive medical, dental & vision coverage
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Paid holidays, vacation, and parental leave
- Flexible work environment
- Learning and development opportunities
- Career and professional growth
- Inclusive culture and vibrant community engagement
Learn more at https://benefits.lubrizol.com/!
Lubrizol: Imagined for Life. Enabled by Science. ™ Delivered by You.
For nearly 100 years, The Lubrizol Corporation, a Berkshire Hathaway company, has been at the forefront of innovation to enhance everyday life, advance mobility, and make the modern world work better. Our specialty chemistry solutions—from engine oils, performance coatings, and skincare to medical devices and plumbing systems —are powered by the expertise, passion, and commitment of people like you.
We tackle the world’s toughest challenges with science-based solutions, deeply understanding our customers to deliver innovative chemistry and differentiated value. Our inclusive culture, dedication to safety, and incredible global talent drive our success. Our solutions meet the evolving needs of the modern world—brought to life by science and, most importantly, delivered by you.
Whether you're in the lab, on the production floor, or in the office, you'll be part of a team around the world that empowers you to think boldly, drive results, and contribute to solutions that shape a better, more sustainable future.
We win because of you. Let’s build the future together.
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Nearest Major Market: Cleveland
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