Senior Director of R&D Transformation & Operations

Accountabilities:

• • Lead the definition and execution of complex, cross-organizational R&D transformation programs, establishing roadmaps, priorities, milestones, and measurable outcomes.
  • Directly manage and develop a geographically distributed team of Transformation-focused Technical Program Managers, Analysts, and Technical Trainers.
  • Build an empowered, scalable organization through effective delegation, coaching, mentoring, and development of team capabilities.
  • Develop transformation strategies that help engineering and product organizations move toward proactive, sustainable operational excellence.
  • Drive improvements to product development and software development lifecycle practices, operating models, portfolio management, and PMO execution.
  • Monitor the health of programs and projects across the portfolio, ensuring strong data hygiene, governance, and accurate engineering productivity metrics.
  • Establish and improve R&D measurement systems and use data to identify performance trends, risks, opportunities, and areas requiring intervention.
  • Define and negotiate program scope, priorities, and changes with program sponsors and key stakeholders.
  • Prepare and deliver executive-level program and portfolio updates, using clear data and insights to support transparent discussions and informed decisions.
  • Lead initiatives that scale operations and strengthen organizational practices, including software capitalization administration, Agile coaching, and tooling standardization.
  • Manage competing priorities and stakeholder demands, ensuring transformation investments remain focused on the highest-value business outcomes.
  • Influence stakeholders across organizational levels without relying on direct authority, bridging organizational silos and building alignment around change initiatives.
  • Promote consistent methodologies and operating standards across engineering and product organizations.
  • Foster an inclusive environment centered on collaboration, empathy, diversity, belonging, and continuous improvement.

  Requirements:

  • 15+ years of relevant professional experience, combined with a Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience.
  • Significant experience leading enterprise-scale engineering and product transformation initiatives within complex technology organizations.
  • Strong understanding of enterprise engineering and product development frameworks and measurement systems, including Lean Portfolio Management, SAFe, DORA, SDLC, and PDLC.
  • Demonstrated ability to design and execute change-management strategies across large employee populations and geographically distributed organizations.
  • Proven track record as a senior program or transformation leader capable of moving between long-term strategic vision and detailed technical and operational execution.
  • Strong portfolio and program management skills, including the ability to prioritize initiatives according to business value, urgency, organizational capacity, and strategic objectives.
  • Experience managing and mentoring high-performing, multidisciplinary teams across program management, analytics, training, or transformation functions.
  • Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making capabilities, with experience using engineering productivity metrics and portfolio data to drive improvements.
  • Exceptional executive communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex transformation initiatives into clear business outcomes.
  • Demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders and secure alignment without direct reporting authority.
  • Strong negotiation, facilitation, problem-solving, and stakeholder-management skills.
  • Comfort operating in environments characterized by complexity, ambiguity, evolving priorities, and significant organizational change.
  • A collaborative and inclusive leadership style, with a strong commitment to developing people and fostering a culture of trust and belonging.

  Benefits:

  • Base salary range of $190,700–$343,300 per year for U.S.-based candidates, depending on experience, skills, certifications, and location.
  • Potential additional compensation through annual bonuses or incentive opportunities.
  • Equity awards and Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) opportunities.
  • Comprehensive healthcare benefits.
  • 401(k) savings plan.
  • Company holidays and paid time off.
  • Sick time and family-friendly benefits, including parental leave.
  • Employee Assistance Program with resources focused on mental and financial wellness.
  • Flexible work arrangements through a FlexBase approach, supporting remote, office-based, or hybrid work depending on job needs.
  • Opportunity to lead high-impact transformation initiatives within a global technology environment.
  • Significant exposure to senior executives and cross-functional leadership.
  • Leadership, mentoring, and organizational development opportunities.