Diana Valchova
Sofia
Summary
Dynamic and strategic portfolio manager with a strong track record of successfully managing and optimizing a portfolio of over 40 projects to align with strategic business objectives. Resolves complex challenges through innovative problem-solving and effective team collaboration. Proven ability to enhance employee satisfaction, streamline processes, and drive project excellence. Skilled in strategic planning, risk management, and governance, always focused on delivering high-quality results and promoting continuous improvement. Experienced in leading cross-functional teams, mentoring project managers, and implementing change management strategies to support organizational growth and success.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Professional Strategy&Portfolio Management
Lidl Bulgaria
2018.01 - Current
- Manage corporate portfolio of more than 40 projects, ensuring alignment with long-term strategic goals and organizational objectives.
- Assist in shaping organizational strategy by aligning project objectives with business goals and guiding strategic initiatives.
- Facilitate performance reviews and implement strategies to enhance efficiency and outcomes across the portfolio.
- Lead workshops to gather project requirements and user feedback for key initiatives, ensuring relevant and actionable insights.
- Improve stakeholder satisfaction through clear communication and regular progress updates, addressing concerns promptly.
- Guide project managers in developing comprehensive project plans with clear timelines, milestones, and budgets, ensuring successful project execution.
- Monitor project progress against KPIs and milestones to ensure high-quality results and timely delivery.
- Train and mentor more than 50 project managers, supporting their development and contributing to the successful initiation and completion of projects.
- Establish governance and enforce project management standards to ensure consistency and best practices across all projects.
- Oversee resource allocation, coordinating with department leads to optimize staffing and budget deployment, and ensuring efficient use of resources.
- Develop and maintain dashboards and performance metrics, providing executives with real-time visibility into project status and portfolio performance.
- Identify and manage cross-project risks, implementing effective risk mitigation strategies to safeguard portfolio success.
- Lead the prioritization of projects based on strategic value, resource availability, and organizational goals.
- Implement change management strategies to support smooth transitions and minimize disruption during project execution and delivery.
- Conduct post-project evaluations and lessons-learned sessions, applying insights to improve future projects and processes.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and corporate policies across all projects, maintaining high levels of adherence and integrity.
- Drive innovation by managing an idea platform, fostering efficiency and strategic improvements to enhance organizational performance.
Head of Learning and Development
Lidl Bulgaria
2015.01 - 2018.01
- Initiated, developed, and implemented the 'Dual Training' pilot project, collaborating with 5 partner companies and the Austrian Chamber of Commerce to create relevant curricula.
- Increased employee satisfaction scores by establishing a transparent internal promotion process, enhancing career development opportunities.
- Created customized leadership development programs in Sales and Logistics, leading to improved management skills organization-wide.
- Mentored junior team members, supporting their professional growth and increasing departmental expertise.
- Streamlined onboarding processes for new hires, reducing time-to-productivity.
- Managed annual training budgets, ensuring cost-effective resource allocation for maximum impact on employee development.
- Developed strong partnerships with external vendors, providing diverse and enriching learning opportunities for employees.
- Collaborated with other departments to ensure seamless coordination in achieving company-wide objectives.
Head of Engagement and L&D
Lidl Bulgaria
2012.10 - 2015.09
- Streamlined internal training organization by developing comprehensive training catalog, improving efficiency and accessibility.
- Introduced targeted onboarding training concepts tailored to various company levels, enhancing new hire integration and role readiness.
- Designed and implemented successful internship program, which has been effectively run for 7 years, providing valuable experience and talent development.
- Facilitated ongoing staff development through a range of training programs, workshops, and regular feedback sessions, fostering continuous growth and skill enhancement.
- Collaborated with other departments to ensure cohesive coordination and alignment in achieving overarching company objectives.
Trusted Person and Regional Sales Manager
Lidl Bulgaria
2009.10 - 2012.09
- Established the Trusted Person role as a neutral contact for employees, serving as a mediator for problem resolution and an additional feedback channel.
- Consistently achieved high employee satisfaction by addressing individual concerns and delivering customized solutions tailored to specific needs and objectives.
- Built strong relationships with employees through open communication channels, ensuring their needs were addressed throughout the employee lifecycle.
- Maintained confidentiality while handling sensitive personal information, ensuring privacy and trust during employee interactions.
- Gained extensive business insight by training in over 8 stores and collaborating with more than 180 employees, enhancing understanding of operational dynamics.
- Achieved regional sales objectives by coordinating the sales team, developing effective strategies, and strengthening business relationships.
Dispatch Exception Manager
Hewlett Packard Global Delivery Center Bulgaria
2008.02 - 2008.09
- Managed and resolved complex situations beyond standard processes by finding optimal solutions through effective communication and collaboration with a team of 30 technicians in Germany and 6 dispatchers in Bulgaria.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly resolving disputes, maintaining open communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
- Explored innovative solutions beyond conventional methods to achieve results and address challenges effectively.
- Defined and analyzed problems to make informed decisions and support swift resolutions, improving overall service efficiency and effectiveness.
Education
Master's Degree - International Business
New Bulgarian University
Sofia10.2009
Bachelor's Degree - International Relations
University of National And World Economy
Sofia07.2007
Erasmus Program - Economy
University of Innsbruck, Austria
Innsbruck07.2007
Skills
- Project management
- Problem-solving
- Excellent Communication
- Leadership
- Strong customer focus
- Critical Thinking
- Organization and Time Management
- Establishing team influence and driving towards success
- Friendly, Positive Attitude
- Teamwork and Collaboration
CORE COMPETENCIES
• Strategic Project Management: PMP-certified with extensive experience in managing corporate portfolios and aligning projects with business goals.
• Leadership & Development: Strong leadership skills with a proven track record of mentoring and developing high-performing teams.
• Communication & Collaboration: Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders and drive cross-functional collaboration.
• Analytical Thinking: Strong problem-solving and critical thinking abilities, with a focus on delivering data-driven strategies.
• Organizational Excellence: Skilled in time management, risk mitigation, and ensuring projects meet key performance indicators.
Certification
Project Management Professional (PMP), Project Management Institute, 2020
Languages
Bulgarian
Native language
English
Intermediate
B1
German
Advanced
C1
Volunteer Experience
Incredible Us - Successful Together, Mentor in Section Project Management, 2021-02-01, 2021-11-30
Timeline
Senior Professional Strategy&Portfolio Management
Lidl Bulgaria
2018.01 - Current
Head of Learning and Development
Lidl Bulgaria
2015.01 - 2018.01
Head of Engagement and L&D
Lidl Bulgaria
2012.10 - 2015.09
Trusted Person and Regional Sales Manager
Lidl Bulgaria
2009.10 - 2012.09
Dispatch Exception Manager
Hewlett Packard Global Delivery Center Bulgaria
2008.02 - 2008.09
Master's Degree - International Business
New Bulgarian University
Bachelor's Degree - International Relations
University of National And World Economy
Erasmus Program - Economy
University of Innsbruck, Austria
Project Management Professional (PMP), Project Management Institute, 2020
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