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Merja Savelainen

@merjasavelainen

I help organisations to build PMOs and governance frameworks that improve executive decision-making due to increased transparency and controls.

France

Message

What I'm looking for

I am looking for a role in diverse and international organisation that sees the value of PMO for their projects portfolio and is at least curious towards coaching culture as part of their strategy implementation.

At Metso, I designed and implemented the global PMO and governance structure for a 200-project Digital Delivery Portfolio, introducing phase gates, C-level reporting, SharePoint delivery guidance, and stronger financial controls. I increased time-reporting adherence from under 50% to 85–90%, improving cost estimates and budget control.

I've built and led portfolio and PMO functions at Nexi Group and across transformation programmes for Fraikin, WiZink Bank, Balfour Beatty, Sainsbury’s, Christie’s, and VISA Europe. I bring 15+ years of international experience in governance, reporting, resource management, financial planning, and organisational transformation.

I am also working towards Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching, which has triple-accredation:

CF (International Coaching Federation – Level 1 / ACC path)
EMCC (European Mentoring & Coaching Council)
AC (Association for Coaching)

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Head of PMO, Centre of Excellence Lead, Digital Programs

Metso

Jan 2024 - May 2026 (2 years 4 months)

Designed and implemented global PMO and governance structure for a digital delivery portfolio of 200 projects. Managed a team of 2 and increased time reporting adherence to 85-90% from under 50%.

PMO Governance Stage Gate Methodology Stakeholder Reporting Risk Management Resource Management Change Management Jira Tempo Power BI SharePoint Coaching Project Management

Senior PMO Specialist

Nexi Group

Oct 2022 - Dec 2023 (1 year 2 months)

Set up a global Portfolio and PMO function for Project Delivery. Managed stakeholder and leadership reporting, defined governance frameworks, and managed 3-6 Project Managers.

PMO Governance Stakeholder Management Reporting RAID RACI Resource Management Financials Clarity Training Leadership

Consultant

Sofigate

May 2021 - Sep 2022 (1 year 4 months)

Project and PMO Lead Consultant for various clients. Led PMO for SAP to S4 Hana upgrade and managed a Customer Survey Tool Renewal project.

PMO Project Management SAP S4Hana Reporting RAID Stakeholder Management Requirements Gathering Process Improvement

Lead PMO/Assistant Programme Director

Fraikin

Jan 2019 - Dec 2020 (1 year 11 months)

Defined governance frameworks for internal projects and managed 5 Project Managers. Prepared C-level presentations and acted as Programme Director when required.

PMO Governance Project Management Mentorship Microsoft Project Excel Reporting Risk Management Financial Planning C Level Presentations

Governance and Process Consultant

Southern England Farms Ltd

Jan 2018 - Dec 2019 (1 year 11 months)

Provided governance and process consulting services.

Senior PMO/Implementation

WiZink Bank S.A.

Jan 2016 - Dec 2018 (2 years 11 months)

Worked on Credit Card Migration project, managing day-to-day activities and preparing C-level presentations. Planned and managed Go-Live War Room communications.

PMO Project Management Testing UAT E2E Penetration Testing Communication Skills Time Tracking

Business Analyst / Management Consultant

ROC/ Zalaris

Jan 2015 - Dec 2015 (11 months)

Worked on CRM (SalesForce) improvement and third party consultant time management process and adherence.

Salesforce CRM Process Improvement Time Management

Senior PMO Specialist/Lead PMO

Balfour Beatty

Jan 2014 - Dec 2015 (1 year 11 months)

Led PMO for transformation projects.

PMO Analyst

Sainsbury's

Jan 2013 - Dec 2014 (1 year 11 months)

Managed project financials, facilitated steering groups, and prepared presentations for digital and technology projects.

Financial Management Forecasting Change Requests Executive Steering Committee Facilitation Presentation Skills

Programme Co-ordinator

Christie's

Jan 2012 - Dec 2013 (1 year 11 months)

Coordinated digital transformation programme.

PMO Support

VISA Europe

Jan 2012 - Dec 2012 (11 months)

Provided PMO support for IT transformation programme.

PMO Co-ordinator

Gala Coral Group

Jan 2010 - Dec 2011 (1 year 11 months)

Set up Programme Office, facilitated steering groups and workshops, and managed on/off-boarding of project team members for transformation programme due to demerger.

PMO Program Office Executive Steering Committee Facilitation Workshop Facilitation Onboarding Offboarding

Office Manager, PA to CEO and Sales Director

ROC Systems Consulting Ltd

Jan 2007 - Dec 2010 (3 years 11 months)

Managed office operations and provided executive assistance to CEO and Sales Director.

Temporary assignments; Administrative roles

Technik Recruitment

Jan 2006 - Dec 2007 (1 year 11 months)

Performed temporary administrative roles.

Junior Program Manager (SAP Implementation Project)

Corporation of Jyvaskyla City

Jan 2003 - Dec 2006 (3 years 11 months)

Managed requirements gathering and validation, liaised with consultancy and stakeholders, managed SMEs and deliverables, and facilitated steering groups.

SAP Requirements Gathering Stakeholder Management SME Management Executive Steering Committee Facilitation

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

GRADIA

Degree in Business & Administration, Business & Administration

Degree in Business & Administration from GRADIA, Finland, completed in 2005.

Varkaus School of Arts & Crafts

Artisan of Carpentry, Carpentry

Artisan of Carpentry from Varkaus School of Arts & Crafts, Finland, completed in 1997.

GRADIA

Mechanic, Logistics

Mechanic, Logistics from GRADIA, Finland, completed in 1992.

Henley Business School

Professional Certifcate, Executive Coach

2026 -

Grade: TBC

The Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching (PCEC) at Henley Business School is a leading postgraduate-level training program designed for managers, organizational leaders, HR professionals, and external executive coaches.
Triple-accredited: ICF (International Coaching Federation – Level 1 / ACC path) EMCC (European Mentoring & Coaching Council) AC (Association for Coaching)