Manager, R&D Strategic Partnerships

Illumina•San Diego, CA

1d•$129,400 - $194,000•Onsite

About The Position

Illumina is seeking a Manager, R&D Strategic Partnerships with strong program management expertise to lead execution across complex, R&D strategic partnerships and strategic account programs. This role will translate strategic objectives and partner commitments into actionable program plans, establish effective governance, guide cross-functional teams, and coordinate delivery across R&D and other functions. Depending on the partnership model, the role may also manage the external partner relationship and lead formal joint governance. Because the portfolio is evolving, the successful candidate must be comfortable bringing structure to ambiguity, working independently, managing multiple programs, and communicating effectively with internal leaders and external stakeholders.

Requirements

Demonstrated experience guiding cross-functional teams and leading complex programs in a matrixed organization, preferably in life sciences, healthcare, medical technology, or another regulated industry.
Experience working directly with external partners and translating agreements, business objectives, and partner commitments into execution plans.
Advanced proficiency with Smartsheet and strong program management capabilities, including integrated planning, dependency and critical path management, resource planning, risk management, change control, and executive reporting.
Ability to develop program plans and governance structures from limited or ambiguous starting information.
Strong facilitation, communication, negotiation, and influencing skills, with the ability to create accountability and drive decisions without direct authority.
Ability to connect technical, operational, commercial, and contractual inputs and communicate effectively with working teams, external stakeholders, and senior leaders.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting strategic partnerships, strategic accounts, clinical implementation, early access, co-development, evidence generation, or product and workflow integration is preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as the accountable program manager for assigned partnerships, determining resource needs, and coordinating execution across matrixed internal teams and external stakeholders.
Translate strategic objectives, agreement terms, and partner commitments into integrated program plans covering scope, milestones, resources, budgets, dependencies, and critical paths. Maintain schedules, dashboards, and portfolio reporting.
Establish and lead internal and joint governance forums, operating cadences, decision processes, escalation paths, and ways of working.
Drive execution against the program plan, track internal and external commitments, identify and manage risks and issues, facilitate tradeoff decisions, and escalate barriers with clear recommendations.
In some cases, serve as a primary external contact, managing the partner relationship and maintaining alignment between the partner and Illumina teams.
Own and improve reusable partnership tools, templates, governance models, and operating practices, recommending changes that strengthen execution across the portfolio.