Operations R&D Manager

The opportunity

This position is responsible for the strategic planning, project execution, and oversight of research and development projects within the operations domain, including project management and playing a pivotal role in bridging R&D with Manufacturing, Engineering and Supply Chain departments. This role ensures that innovation initiatives are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with organizational goals. Acting as a central coordinator, the manager organizes resources, defines development processes, and drives cross-functional collaboration to bring new technologies and improvements from concept to implementation.

How you'll make an impact:

• Project Management: Plan, schedule, and monitor R&D projects, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to budget.
• Resource Allocation: Coordinate internal and external resources, balancing workloads and optimizing team performance.
• Process Development: Define and implement structured development processes, including stage-gate models, agile frameworks, or tailored methodologies.
• Budget Control: Track project expenditures, forecast costs, and ensure financial discipline across R&D initiatives.
• Intellectual Property and Risk Management: Identify project risks and develop mitigation strategies to ensure successful outcomes. Ensures actions are taken to manage the risks. Supports appropriate protection of newly created intellectual property and assists in defense and enforcement activities of related technology. Supports monitoring and alerting IP issues to higher level management.
• Stakeholder Communication: Serve as the liaison between R&D, operations, manufacturing and supply chain, providing regular updates and aligning expectations.
• Documentation & Reporting: Maintain comprehensive project documentation and performance metrics to support decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable external & internal regulations, procedures & guidelines

• Strong background in engineering, project management, or industrial operations.
• Proven experience managing complex, multi-disciplinary R&D projects.
• Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Jira, Asana) and methodologies (e.g., PMI, Agile, Lean).
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and foster collaboration.