Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT) is a company committed to innovation in life sciences and biotechnology. The Director, Innovation PMO and R&D Operations will provide leadership and strategic direction for the Innovation Project Management Office and R&D Operations, ensuring effective project delivery and operational excellence across the organization.
Responsibilities
- Lead through direct-report managers to provide direction and oversight to a high-performing PMO and R&D Operations organization, with accountability for project delivery, portfolio visibility, execution rigor, and safe, compliant operations
- Develop and execute the PMO strategy aligned with IDT’s corporate product portfolio strategy and annual business plans, applying broad industry knowledge and commercial awareness to drive financial and operating performance
- Manage prioritization and execution across the innovation portfolio, ensuring decisions are based on strategic value, risk, resources, and financial impact in partnership with Product Management and R&D leadership
- Establish, deploy, and continuously improve portfolio governance structures, toll-gate processes, project templates, reporting frameworks, and portfolio-level KPIs to enable transparent, data-driven decision making and corrective action
- Lead cross-functional program reviews, executive steering committees, and decision forums, applying advanced critical thinking to resolve highly complex portfolio challenges that span within and beyond the function
- Drive PMO maturity and continuous improvement through adoption of best-in-class project management methodologies and Danaher Business System tools, including leader standard work, visual management, Kaizen, and structured problem solving
- Influence and align senior leaders and external partners by collaborating closely with Finance, Regulatory Affairs, Quality, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, IT, Marketing, and Product Management on priorities, resource trade-offs, and deliverables
Skills
- Advanced degree (MS, PhD) in Life Sciences, Engineering, or a related field with 12+ years of program management experience in R&D or technical product development in the life sciences industry (genomics, biotech, diagnostics, or related); or 15+ years with a Bachelor's degree
- 7+ years of leadership experience managing teams of managers and influencing senior executive stakeholders with demonstrated ability to lead through subordinate managers across multiple functions
- Demonstrated track record of contributing to and executing functional strategy, with broad impact on divisional or functional results through successful portfolio management and commercial programs
- Strong expertise in portfolio governance, project management methodologies (PMI, Lean, Agile, hybrid), and execution systems
- Experience applying DBS tools (leader standard work, visual management, Kaizen, structured problem solving) in a continuous improvement culture
- Exceptional interpersonal and negotiation skills; demonstrated ability to influence senior leaders and shape opinions within and outside the organization, with strong sensitivity to the audience
- Experience establishing a new R&D PMO function from the ground up—including setting strategy, building teams, and developing standard processes—within a genomics, molecular biology, or life sciences product development organization
- Familiarity with IDT's product portfolio areas including genomics tools, oligonucleotide synthesis, CRISPR reagents, or NGS applications
- PMP/PgMP or similar project management certification
Benefits
- Paid time off
- Medical/dental/vision insurance
- 401(k) to eligible employees
Company Overview
Company H1B Sponsorship