R&D Portfolio Manager
Our Client
An international technology company operating at the forefront of optoelectronics and advanced manufacturing. With a strong focus on innovation-driven product development, the organization supports complex R&D ecosystems across multiple regions. It integrates strategic portfolio management with operational excellence to deliver sustainable value in fast-evolving technological markets.
Mission
The R&D Portfolio Manager will be responsible for designing and implementing structures, frameworks, and tools that enhance the effectiveness and transparency of the innovation pipeline. This role ensures operational alignment between strategy, execution, and governance by driving performance metrics, optimizing R&D processes, and fostering knowledge-driven collaboration. The position is critical to enabling data-informed decision-making and long-term competitiveness in a high-tech industrial context.
Responsibilities
R&D Portfolio Management and Governance
- Establish structures, KPIs, and reporting frameworks for innovation and product portfolio management.
- Analyze and improve governance models across the R&D and product lifecycle, enabling scalable decision processes.
- Support strategic portfolio evaluation and alignment with business objectives.
Process Excellence and Operational Efficiency
- Lead initiatives to improve R&D productivity through process mapping, analysis, and optimization.
- Define and roll out standardized methodologies across development teams (e.g., Agile, Stage-Gate).
- Apply Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement tools to increase cross-functional efficiency.
Knowledge Management and Communication
- Promote centralized knowledge repositories and ensure accessibility of institutional know-how.
- Support change management by aligning communication across R&D, operations, and leadership teams.
- Drive stakeholder engagement through structured reporting and transformation support.
Performance Monitoring and Tool Integration
- Develop and maintain frameworks to track R&D project performance at all levels.
- Integrate project/portfolio tools (e.g., Jira, MS Project) and data analytics platforms (e.g., Power BI, Python/R) to enhance insight and traceability.
- Ensure consistent use of ERP and data platforms (e.g., SAP) to align operational and financial metrics.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Economics, Finance, or a comparable field.
- Minimum 10 years of experience in R&D, operations, or related functions in high-tech, manufacturing, or innovation-driven environments.
- Proven expertise in project management, process optimization, and change management in complex organizations.
- Deep understanding of semiconductor product development, manufacturing processes, and innovation methodologies.
- Hands-on experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement frameworks.
- Advanced user of SAP ERP, project/portfolio tools (Jira, MS Project), and data analytics (Power BI, Python, R).
- Strong communication and leadership skills with experience mentoring teams and facilitating cross-functional collaboration.
Preferred Experience
- Exposure to Agile and Design Thinking methodologies.
- Experience in mentoring process teams or leading operational transformation programs.
- Strong capability in translating strategic goals into operational processes.