Vice President - R&D Strategic Operations and Program Management

The Vice President of R&D Strategic Operations and Program Management at Illumina will partner with the RDLT to define and execute enterprise-level research and development strategy, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives. This role oversees portfolio governance, operational excellence, and strategic execution to accelerate innovation and maximize ROI, leading high-performing teams to deliver transformative outcomes in a dynamic business environment.

Must Have

• Define and execute enterprise-level R&D strategy aligned with corporate goals.
• Drive portfolio prioritization and resource allocation.
• Oversee portfolio planning, investment decisions, and performance tracking.
• Implement robust risk management practices.
• Establish best-in-class PMO frameworks.
• Drive continuous improvement in processes, tools, and methodologies.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and quality standards.
• Build trusted advisor relationships with senior executives and cross-functional leaders.
• Foster collaboration across global teams.
• Attract, develop, and retain top-tier PMO and R&D talent.
• Inspire a high-performance culture.
• Advanced degree in Life Sciences, Business, or related field.
• 15+ years of experience in R&D strategy, portfolio management, and operations leadership.
• Minimum 20 years of related experience.
• Proven track record of delivering enterprise-level initiatives.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and influencing skills at the executive level.

Good to Have

• MBA or PhD preferred.

Perks & Benefits

• Access to genomics sequencing
• Family planning
• Health/dental/vision insurance
• Retirement benefits
• Paid time off

What if the work you did every day could impact the lives of people you know? Or all of humanity?

At Illumina, we are expanding access to genomic technology to realize health equity for billions of people around the world. Our efforts enable life-changing discoveries that are transforming human health through the early detection and diagnosis of diseases and new treatment options for patients.

Working at Illumina means being part of something bigger than yourself. Every person, in every role, has the opportunity to make a difference. Surrounded by extraordinary people, inspiring leaders, and world changing projects, you will do more and become more than you ever thought possible.

The Vice President of R&D Strategic Operations and Program Management is responsible for partnering with the RDLT to shape and drive the enterprise-wide research and development strategy, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives, and delivering measurable business value. This role oversees portfolio governance, operational excellence, and strategic execution to accelerate innovation and maximize ROI. The leader will foster strong stakeholder partnerships, champion adaptive PMO foundations, and lead high-performing teams to deliver transformative outcomes in a dynamic business environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership & Vision
• Define and execute enterprise-level R&D strategy aligned with corporate goals.
• Drive portfolio prioritization and resource allocation to optimize business impact.
• Anticipate market and business shifts, adapting strategies to maintain competitive advantage.
• Portfolio Management & Governance
• Oversee portfolio planning, investment decisions, and performance tracking.
• Ensure initiatives deliver on time, within budget, and meet defined scope and quality standards.
• Implement robust risk management practices to mitigate execution challenges.
• Operational Excellence
• Establish best-in-class PMO frameworks to enable agility and scalability.
• Drive continuous improvement in processes, tools, and methodologies.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and quality standards across all R&D operations.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Influence
• Build trusted advisor relationships with senior executives and cross-functional leaders.
• Foster collaboration across global teams to accelerate innovation and execution.
• Champion transparency and accountability through effective reporting and insights.
• Talent & Culture Leadership
• Attract, develop, and retain top-tier PMO and R&D talent.
• Inspire a high-performance culture focused on innovation, adaptability, and measurable outcomes.
• Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion across all teams and initiatives.

Additional Best-in-Class Competencies

• Strategic Agility: Ability to pivot quickly in response to emerging trends and disruptions.
• Innovation Leadership: Foster a culture of creativity and breakthrough thinking.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Leverage analytics and insights for portfolio optimization.
• Change Management Expertise: Lead organizational transformation with minimal disruption.
• Global Mindset: Navigate complex, multicultural environments effectively.

Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in Life Sciences, Business, or related field; MBA or PhD preferred.
• 15+ years of experience in R&D strategy, portfolio management, and operations leadership. Approximately 15+ years in an executive leadership role or equivalent experience. Minimum 20 years of related experience.
• Proven track record of delivering enterprise-level initiatives and driving measurable business outcomes.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and influencing skills at the executive level.

The estimated base salary range for the role based in the United States of America is: $278,800 - $418,200. Should the level or location of the role change during the hiring process, the applicable base pay range may be updated accordingly. Compensation decisions are dependent on several factors including, but not limited to, an individual’s qualifications, location where the role is to be performed, internal equity, and alignment with market data. Additionally, all employees are eligible for one of our variable cash programs (bonus or commission) and eligible roles may receive equity as part of the compensation package. We offer a wide range of benefits as innovative as our work, including access to genomics sequencing, family planning, health/dental/vision, retirement benefits, and paid time off.

We are a company deeply rooted in belonging, promoting an inclusive environment where employees feel valued and empowered to contribute to our mission. Built on a strong foundation, Illumina has always prioritized openness, collaboration, and seeking alternative perspectives to propel innovation in genomics. We are proud to confirm a zero-net gap in pay, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or race. We also have several Employee Resource Groups (ERG) that deliver career development experiences, increase cultural awareness, and offer opportunities to engage in social responsibility. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to providing employment opportunity regardless of sex, race, creed, color, gender, religion, marital status, domestic partner status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, pregnancy, military or veteran status, citizenship status, and genetic information. Illumina conducts background checks on applicants for whom a conditional offer of employment has been made. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal laws. Background check results may potentially result in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment. The background check process and any decisions made as a result shall be made in accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws. Illumina prohibits the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in the application and interview process. If you require accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact accommodations@illumina.com. To learn more, visit: https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf. The position will be posted until a final candidate is selected or the requisition has a sufficient number of qualified applicants.

About Us

The potential of genomics to change the world is unparalleled. At Illumina, we are leading the way. Our technology empowers researchers and clinicians globally to improve cancer treatments, change the course of diseases, protect the environment, and fight food insecurity. We are made up of dedicated professionals, all-in on creating a better world – and we need every skill set on our path to making genomics useful for all. Learn more about life at Illumina.

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