In the Lesaffre Avenue at the Lesaffre’s global headquarters, we sit down with Claire Jollet, Marketing & Communications Director, and Guillaume Pelinski, Project Management Officer ad interim, to discuss Phileo’s evolving approach to project management and its role in driving innovation.
Guided by a steadfast belief in the power of new ideas and cutting-edge solutions, Phileo is committed to establishing itself as a recognized leader in innovation within the animal nutrition industry. At the heart of this new way of working lies the management of projects; there is a global trend within Lesaffre group to raise the maturity in project management and Phileo is not lagging behind! he company lays the foundation for a more robust system to ensure the execution of its strategic vision.
With a portfolio of 35 active projects, Phileo has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to building a bright future, avoiding the common pitfall of many organizations – the failure to effectively implement their strategies.
“Phileo’s project portfolio is a true reflection of our customer-focused and bold approach,” explains Claire Jollet. “We are not afraid to bet on disruptive ideas, but we also maintain a pragmatic mindset, ensuring that our efforts are grounded in the realities of the market and the needs of our partners.”
The secret to Phileo’s project selection process lies in the company’s adherence to a three-tiered prioritization system, mirroring the approach used at the Lesaffre group level. From Priority 0 (P0 – highest) to Priority 2 (P2 – lowest), Phileo has struck a delicate balance, with the number of projects decreasing by half with each incremental priority level.
“This prioritization strategy allows us to maintain a healthy mix of projects, from visionary, transformative initiatives to more evolutionary, efficiency-driven endeavors,” says Claire. “By carefully curating our portfolio, we ensure that we are addressing the diverse needs of our customers while also investing in the future of our business.”
When examining Phileo’s project portfolio through different lenses, a multifaceted story emerges. From a horizon perspective, the company’s efforts span three distinct categories:
- Improve (Horizon 1),
- Evolve (Horizon 2), and
- Disrupt (Horizon 3).
“While we recognize the importance of keeping the proverbial plane in the air, we are actively working on adding engines to the wings, enabling us to fly faster and higher in the future,” explains Guillaume. “Nearly two-thirds of our projects are focused on providing our clients with innovative products and services, a testament to our customer-centric approach.”
The project portfolio can also be viewed through the lens of project types, which are divided into two broad categories: Client-Oriented and Phileo-Oriented. This is a sign of healthy governance, careful to respect its priorities, as the list includes new product and solution development, incubation and proof-of-concept initiatives, as well as the creation of new services and regional expansions. The Phileo-Oriented projects focus on enhancing internal competencies and technologies, improving quality, productivity, safety, and sustainability, as well as organizational optimization and risk mitigation.
“By maintaining a balanced portfolio that addresses both our customers’ needs and our own strategic priorities, we ensure that our efforts are aligned with the company’s overarching vision,” says Guillaume. “This holistic approach is a testament to the governance’s commitment to addressing all aspects of our business consistently and evenly.”
Underpinning this project management framework are Phileo’s strategic pillars, which include improving knowledge and processes, focusing on livestock (particularly poultry), expanding into the pet care market, leveraging bacterial solutions, driving geographical dynamics, and strengthening relationships with high-potential accounts.
“Behind every project, there are dedicated teams of Phileo colleagues working tirelessly to make it happen,” says Claire. “We are thrilled to recognize their efforts and the crucial role they play in shaping the future of our company.”
As Phileo continues to evolve, the company’s Project Management Office (PMO) is poised to play an increasingly vital role, expanding its scope to serve the teams at Canbiocin in Canada and Biorigin in Brazil.
“This is an exciting opportunity for us to learn and build a genuine solution for leaner, more impactful projects,” explains Guillaume. “While we are eager to move forward, we will do so with sensitivity and care, avoiding unnecessary haste to ensure a seamless transition and maximum benefit for all.”
Phileo’s commitment to improving its project management practices is a testament to the company’s dedication to innovation, customer satisfaction, and strategic execution. By carefully curating its project portfolio and empowering its talented teams, Phileo is poised to continue its trajectory as a trailblazer in the animal nutrition industry.
