Innovation and Initiatives Engagement Manager

Agilent Technologies•Santa Clara, CA

6d•$172,512 - $269,550

About The Position

The Innovation and Engagement Initiatives Manager at Agilent Technologies’ Office of the CTO drives execution of research programs and associate engagement initiatives. Reporting to the VP, Research, the role translates agreed priorities into actionable plans, coordinates stakeholders, follows up on deliverables, and maintains momentum so initiatives achieve their intended outcomes. It combines program management for internal and external research collaborations with execution of activities that strengthen Agilent’s innovation culture, including innovation summits, internal grants, R&D seminars, and innovation awards. The manager develops program plans and coordinates internal research teams, business units, external partners, and supporting functions. The role monitors commitments and deliverables, identifies and escalates risks and barriers, organizes program reviews, and provides the VP, Research with concise status visibility. It also manages engagement initiatives from planning through delivery, coordinates participants and support teams, administers internal grant processes, encourages associate participation, and tracks feedback and outcomes. The position establishes consistent planning, tracking, reporting, and closeout practices across concurrent initiatives. The manager maintains calendars, ensures meetings produce documented decisions and assigned actions, adapts plans as priorities and resources change, and improves execution practices using lessons learned. The role is full-time, has a day shift, and requires travel 25% of the time. The stated full-time equivalent pay range is $172,512–$269,550 per year, plus eligibility for bonus, stock, and benefits; compensation within the range depends on location and other factors.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, business, or a related discipline.
At least 5 years of relevant experience in program management, project management, R&D operations, or a related execution-focused role.
Ability to manage multiple cross-functional initiatives and deliver results through disciplined planning and follow-through.
Experience tracking milestones, budgets, risks, dependencies, and deliverables.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to influence without direct authority and constructively hold stakeholders accountable.
Clear, concise written and verbal communication skills.
Proficiency with project management and collaboration tools.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a scientific or technology-driven organization.
Experience coordinating associate engagement programs, scientific events, or internal innovation initiatives.
PMP or similar certification.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain program plans defining scope, deliverables, owners, milestones, timelines, and resource requirements.
Coordinate execution across internal research teams, business units, and external research partners.
Follow up with workstream owners to track commitments, confirm deliverable completion, and address delays.
Identify risks, dependencies, and execution barriers; facilitate resolution and escalate issues requiring leadership decisions.
Organize program reviews, document decisions and action items, and ensure follow-through.
Maintain concise dashboards and status reports showing progress, outstanding commitments, and decisions needed by the VP, Research.
Coordinate with Finance, Legal, IP Counsel, Procurement, and other functions on funding, agreements, and administrative activities.
Manage end-to-end execution of innovation summits, R&D seminars, innovation awards, and related associate engagement initiatives.
Translate initiative objectives into work plans, schedules, responsibilities, and communications.
Administer internal innovation grant programs, including proposal submissions, review schedules, funding coordination, milestone tracking, and progress reporting.
Coordinate speakers, reviewers, scientific contributors, and event support teams.
Drive associate participation through clear communications, accessible processes, and consistent follow-up.
Track participation, feedback, and program outcomes, and implement improvements for future activities.
Establish consistent processes for planning, tracking, reporting, and closing research and innovation culture initiatives.
Maintain a consolidated calendar of milestones, program reviews, events, and deadlines.
Ensure meetings produce clear decisions, assigned actions, and completion dates.
Manage concurrent initiatives and adjust plans as priorities and resource needs evolve.
Capture lessons learned and improve execution practices across the portfolio.