Innovation Strategic Programs Manager

Agilent Technologies•Wilmington, NC

2d•Remote

About The Position

Agilent Technologies is seeking a strategic and execution-oriented leader to support innovation transformation initiatives within the Office of the Chief Technology Officer (CTO). This role will help shape and implement new ways of working that strengthen innovation effectiveness, portfolio governance, and organizational capability across Agilent. The Innovation Strategic Programs Manger will partner closely with leaders across R&D, Strategy, Finance, HR, and the Enterprise PMO to support high-impact initiatives associated with Agilent’s Ignite transformation program. This role combines elements of strategy execution, transformation leadership, and program management. The position offers broad exposure across Agilent’s innovation and technology leadership community and the opportunity to help shape how innovation is managed and scaled across the company. The successful candidate is expected to be collaborative, intellectually curious, and highly execution-oriented — someone who can independently drive progress while helping leaders and teams navigate complexity and change.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, or related field required; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
Typically 8+ years of experience in strategy, transformation, program management, innovation management, management consulting, or related leadership roles.
Experience leading or supporting complex cross-functional initiatives in matrixed organizations.
Understanding of how R&D investments, portfolio choices, and operating models contribute to long-term business value creation.
Experience preparing executive-level communications and facilitating senior leadership discussions.
Experience with innovation portfolio management, portfolio governance, or R&D investment planning processes.
Strong structured problem-solving skills with the ability to connect strategy, governance, and execution into practical operational approaches.
Ability to manage complexity, prioritize effectively, and drive progress in dynamic environments.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including development of executive-ready presentations and strategic narratives.
Ability to influence and align stakeholders across functions and organizational levels without direct authority.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and credibility across a matrixed global organization.
High learning agility, intellectual curiosity, and proactive follow-through.
Ability to operate effectively in evolving organizational environments and support teams through change and ambiguity.

Nice To Haves

Background in analytical sciences, life sciences, diagnostics, biopharma, chemicals, or related technology-driven industries preferred.
Management consulting or strategy/transformation experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Support development and implementation of Agilent’s innovation operating model and related transformation initiatives.
Coordinate cross-functional workstreams focused on governance, decision-making processes, organizational interfaces, and operating rhythms.
Facilitate workshops and working sessions that drive alignment, decisions, and execution across stakeholder groups.
Support establishment of portfolio management and governance processes for innovation and R&D initiatives.
Drive execution rigor across strategic initiatives through milestone tracking, action management, and proactive risk escalation.
Partner with stakeholders across Strategy, PMOs, Finance, IT, and R&D organizations to support implementation of portfolio governance capabilities and supporting systems.
Contribute to development of portfolio dashboards and review materials, executive presentations, and governance communications.
Support portfolio discussions related to prioritization, resource allocation, portfolio performance, and long-term business value creation from R&D investments.
Support initiatives focused on strengthening innovation culture and organizational effectiveness.
Partner with HR, Communications, and business leaders to support engagement and adoption across transformation initiatives.
Prepare executive-level presentations, strategic communications, briefing materials, and leadership updates for senior leadership forums.
Support leadership operating rhythms, meeting cadence, action tracking, and cross-functional coordination activities.
Synthesize complex business, organizational, and technical information into clear, data-informed recommendations and executive-ready narratives.