Senior Director of R&D Transformation & Operations

This senior leadership role will shape the evolution of global engineering and product operations across a complex technology organization. You will lead strategic transformation programs designed to improve resource efficiency, operational predictability, decision-making speed, and execution. The role combines enterprise program leadership, operating-model transformation, portfolio management, and engineering productivity.

About the role

You will lead a geographically distributed team of transformation-focused program managers, analysts, and technical trainers. Working closely with senior executives and cross-functional stakeholders, you will turn strategic priorities into scalable operating practices. You will also champion data-driven governance, modern development frameworks, and continuous improvements across R&D. This is an influential opportunity for a transformation leader who thrives in ambiguity and can drive meaningful change across a large organization.

Responsibilities

• 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.