Program Manager – R&D

Overview The Program Manager, R&D is a strategic leadership role responsible for directing a portfolio of interrelated R&D projects (the Program) to achieve major organizational goals. This role requires deep technical acumen coupled with superior program management and business leadership skills to translate fundamental research and technological opportunities into commercially viable products or processes. The Program Manager ensures the successful, on-time, and on-budget delivery of the entire R&D roadmap, aligning all research activities with the company's long-term vision and market demands. Responsibilities I. Strategic Planning and Alignment • R&D Strategy: Define and execute the strategic roadmap for the R&D program, ensuring all individual projects contribute to key business objectives and the overall product strategy • Portfolio Management: Oversee the selection, prioritization, and execution of R&D projects (e.g., Phase I/II research, proof-of-concept development, technology transfer) within the program to maximize resource utilization and return on investment (ROI) • Opportunity & Risk Analysis: Continuously monitor market trends, competitive landscapes, and internal technological capabilities to identify new areas for research and proactively manage program-level risks (technical, financial, regulatory) • Financial Management: Develop, manage, and track the multi-year program budget, including capital expenditure, personnel, and operational costs, ensuring adherence to financial targets • Scope Management: Manage scope, schedule, budget, and risk for the entire program, ensuring product delivery on time, on-budget, and meeting quality standards II. Program Execution and Oversight • Lifecycle Management : Own the R&D Program lifecycle from ideation and concept generation through research, development, successful internal validation, and final transition/hand-off to Product Development or Manufacturing teams • Governance: Establish and enforce program governance, including clear roles, responsibilities, decision-making processes, and communication standards for all constituent projects • Resource Allocation: Optimize resource allocation (personnel, equipment, external partners) across all projects in the program to meet milestones efficiently • Metrics and Reporting : Define key performance indicators (KPIs) for the program (e.g., research velocity, IP generation, budget vs. actuals) and provide regular, clear, and compelling updates to executive leadership and stakeholders III. Leadership and Cross-Functional Collaboration • Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and coach Project Managers, scientists, and engineers, fostering a culture of innovation, scientific rigor, and accountability • Stakeholder Management: Act as the primary liaison between R&D and key cross-functional partners (e.g., Marketing, Sales, Regulatory, Manufacturing) to ensure seamless communication, alignment on product requirements, and smooth technology transfer • Communication Management: Generate, communicate, coordinate, and manage deliverables for the Document History File (DHF) consistent with the Quality Management System processes Qualifications Experience 8+ years of experience in a progressive R&D environment, with at least 3+ years in a Program Management or Senior Project Management role overseeing multiple complex, inter-dependent projects. • Bachelor’s degree (required) in a relevant technical field (e.g., Engineering, Computer Science, Chemistry, Biotechnology, etc.), Master’s degree preferred. • Knowledge of FDA and medical device regulatory and registration requirements, or work in a highly regulated industry is required. • Solid understanding of the development process, including requirements gathering, analysis and design, development tools and technologies, release and version control, contemporary testing methodologies, and deployment management. • Demonstrated track record of encouraging innovation and out-of-the-box thinking. • Highly developed relationship-building skills and strong presentation and communication skills. • Proven ability to deliver results through others, both in direct and matrixed organizational models. • Excellent communication and negotiation skills, for both internal and external audiences, at all levels. • Ability to attend global meetings and work global hours as needed. • Ability to travel internationally and be able to acquire all necessary travel documents. Travel up to 10%. Certification: • Program Management Professional (PgMP)® , Project Management Professional (PMP)® or equivalent advanced certification highly preferred. • Uphold the company’s core values of Integrity, Innovation, Accountability, and Teamwork. • Demonstrate behavior consistent with the company’s Code of Ethics and Conduct. Ensure that direct report(s) are trained and evaluated on their knowledge and adherence to the company’s values, Code of Ethics and Conduct, and applicable compliance policies. • It is the responsibility of every employee to report to their manager or a member of senior management any quality problems or defects in order for corrective action to be implemented and to avoid recurrence of the problem. • Duties may be modified or assigned at any time to meet the needs of the business. I. Strategic Planning and Alignment • R&D Strategy: Define and execute the strategic roadmap for the R&D program, ensuring all individual projects contribute to key business objectives and the overall product strategy • Portfolio Management: Oversee the selection, prioritization, and execution of R&D projects (e.g., Phase I/II research, proof-of-concept development, technology transfer) within the program to maximize resource utilization and return on investment (ROI) • Opportunity & Risk Analysis: Continuously monitor market trends, competitive landscapes, and internal technological capabilities to identify new areas for research and proactively manage program-level risks (technical, financial, regulatory) • Financial Management: Develop, manage, and track the multi-year program budget, including capital expenditure, personnel, and operational costs, ensuring adherence to financial targets • Scope Management: Manage scope, schedule, budget, and risk for the entire program, ensuring product delivery on time, on-budget, and meeting quality standards II. Program Execution and Oversight • Lifecycle Management : Own the R&D Program lifecycle from ideation and concept generation through research, development, successful internal validation, and final transition/hand-off to Product Development or Manufacturing teams • Governance: Establish and enforce program governance, including clear roles, responsibilities, decision-making processes, and communication standards for all constituent projects • Resource Allocation: Optimize resource allocation (personnel, equipment, external partners) across all projects in the program to meet milestones efficiently • Metrics and Reporting : Define key performance indicators (KPIs) for the program (e.g., research velocity, IP generation, budget vs. actuals) and provide regular, clear, and compelling updates to executive leadership and stakeholders III. Leadership and Cross-Functional Collaboration • Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and coach Project Managers, scientists, and engineers, fostering a culture of innovation, scientific rigor, and accountability • Stakeholder Management: Act as the primary liaison between R&D and key cross-functional partners (e.g., Marketing, Sales, Regulatory, Manufacturing) to ensure seamless communication, alignment on product requirements, and smooth technology transfer • Communication Management: Generate, communicate, coordinate, and manage deliverables for the Document History File (DHF) consistent with the Quality Management System processes Experience 8+ years of experience in a progressive R&D environment, with at least 3+ years in a Program Management or Senior Project Management role overseeing multiple complex, inter-dependent projects. • Bachelor's degree (required) in a relevant technical field (e.g., Engineering, Computer Science, Chemistry, Biotechnology, etc.), Master's degree preferred. • Knowledge of FDA and medical device regulatory and registration requirements, or work in a highly regulated industry is required. • Solid understanding of the development process, including requirements gathering, analysis and design, development tools and technologies, release and version control, contemporary testing methodologies, and deployment management. • Demonstrated track record of encouraging innovation and out-of-the-box thinking. • Highly developed relationship-building skills and strong presentation and communication skills. • Proven ability to deliver results through others, both in direct and matrixed organizational models. • Excellent communication and negotiation skills, for both internal and external audiences, at all levels. • Ability to attend global meetings and work global hours as needed. • Ability to travel internationally and be able to acquire all necessary travel documents. Travel up to 10%. Certification: • Program Management Professional (PgMP)® , Project Management Professional (PMP)® or equivalent advanced certification highly preferred. • Uphold the company's core values of Integrity, Innovation, Accountability, and Teamwork. • Demonstrate behavior consistent with the company's Code of Ethics and Conduct. Ensure that direct report(s) are trained and evaluated on their knowledge and adherence to the company's values, Code of Ethics and Conduct, and applicable compliance policies. • It is the responsibility of every employee to report to their manager or a member of senior management any quality problems or defects in order for corrective action to be implemented and to avoid recurrence of the problem. • Duties may be modified or assigned at any time to meet the needs of the business.