Head of R&D Portfolio & Project Management

What if the work you did every day could impact the lives of people you know? Or all of humanity?At Illumina, we are expanding access to genomic technology to realize health equity for billions of people around the world. Our efforts enable life-changing discoveries that are transforming human health through the early detection and diagnosis of diseases and new treatment options for patients.Working at Illumina means being part of something bigger than yourself. Every person, in every role, has the opportunity to make a difference. Surrounded by extraordinary people, inspiring leaders, and world changing projects, you will do more and become more than you ever thought possible.The Head of R&D Portfolio & Project Management Office (PMO) is accountable for execution excellence across a complex and evolving R&D portfolio. Reporting into the Senior Director of R&D Strategy & Portfolio, this role leads and advances best‑in‑class portfolio, program, and project management capabilities to enable disciplined delivery, predictable outcomes, and transparent execution across R&D.This leader owns the design, deployment, and continuous improvement of scalable PMO practices, including delivery standards, governance models, and enabling tools. In close partnership with R&D Strategy & Portfolio, the role translates portfolio priorities into integrated execution plans, sequencing, and delivery insights that support effective trade‑offs and decision‑making. This role also builds and sustains strong PMO talent to support increasingly complex, cross‑functional R&D initiatives.Key Responsibilities:PMO Leadership & Execution ExcellenceLead the R&D PMO to ensure execution rigor, predictable delivery, and operational discipline across a complex R&D portfolioEnsure initiatives are delivered on time, on budget, and to defined quality standards, with strong risk and dependency managementOwn and continuously improve PMO standards, methodologies, governance and tools, including fit-for-purpose product development and delivery frameworksIntegrate AI into PMO processes to increase overall project delivery efficiencyPartnership on Portfolio Governance Enable effective portfolio governance in partnership with R&D Strategy and Portfolio Operations & Insights, Corporate Strategy, Product Management, and business group leadersOperationalize portfolio priorities into executable programs, roadmaps, and capacity-informed plansProvide execution-based insights to inform portfolio trade-offs, sequencing, and governance decisionsDeliver clear, consistent execution reporting, dashboards, and metrics to R&D leadership and cross-functional leadershipStakeholder Engagement & InfluenceServe as trusted execution partner to senior executives and cross-functional leaders, in a complex matrixed environmentDrive cross-R&D alignment and collaboration to manage interdependencies and accelerate deliveryChampion transparency and accountability through effective reporting and insightsTalent & Culture LeadershipAttract, develop, and retain top-tier PMO and R&D talentCoach and mentor PM talent to strengthen core competencies and career progressionFoster a high-performing, inclusive culture focused on innovation, adaptability, and measurable outcomesCore CompetenciesExecution excellence: deep expertise in driving delivery rigor across complex, cross-functional portfoliosPMO leadership: proven ability to design, scale, and sustain PMO operating models, standards, and toolsData-driven decision making: leverage analytics and insights to inform execution and portfolio decisionsChange leadership: effectively lead adoption of new ways of working with minimal disruptionGlobal mindset: operates effectively across geographies, cultures, and matrixed organizationsQualifications:Advanced degree in Life Sciences, Business, or related field; MBA or PhD preferred.12-15+ years of experience in R&D portfolio / project management and operations leadershipDemonstrated success building PMO capabilities, strengthening delivery performance, and developing PMO talentExperience running development programs that include different product types: instruments, assays, regulated products, and softwareAdvanced understanding of stage-gate product development process and risk managementStrong communication, leadership and stakeholder management skills effective in matrixed organizationsAbility to work independently and collaboratively across all levels of the organizationPositive change agent – experience leading effective change management practicesPMP or similar certification preferred#LI-HYBRIDThe estimated base salary range for the Head of R&D Portfolio & Project Management role based in the United States of America is: $205,100 - $307,700. Should the level or location of the role change during the hiring process, the applicable base pay range may be updated accordingly. The range reflects long‑term growth in the role; therefore, most candidates are hired between the minimum and middle of the range. Placement depends on experience, skills, location, and internal equity. Additionally, all employees are eligible for one of our variable cash programs (bonus or commission) and eligible roles may receive equity as part of the compensation package. We offer a wide range of benefits as innovative as our work, including access to genomics sequencing, family planning, health/dental/vision, retirement benefits, and paid time off.We are a company deeply rooted in belonging, promoting an inclusive environment where employees feel valued and empowered to contribute to our mission. Built on a strong foundation, Illumina has always prioritized openness, collaboration, and seeking alternative perspectives to propel innovation in genomics. We are proud to confirm a zero-net gap in pay, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or race. We also have several Employee Resource Groups (ERG) that deliver career development experiences, increase cultural awareness, and offer opportunities to engage in social responsibility. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to providing employment opportunity regardless of sex, race, creed, color, gender, religion, marital status, domestic partner status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, pregnancy, military or veteran status, citizenship status, and genetic information. Illumina conducts background checks on applicants for whom a conditional offer of employment has been made. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal laws. Background check results may potentially result in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment. The background check process and any decisions made as a result shall be made in accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws. Illumina prohibits the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in the application and interview process. If you require accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io. To learn more, visit: The position will be posted until a final candidate is selected or the requisition has a sufficient number of qualified applicants. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.SummaryLocation: US - California - San DiegoType: Full time