Delivery Operations Leader - Quantum Strategic Partnerships

Introduction IBM Quantum is an industry-first initiative to build universal quantum computers for business, engineering, and science. This effort includes advancing the entire quantum computing technology stack and exploring applications to make quantum broadly usable and accessible. With a worldwide network of Fortune 500 companies, academic institutions, researchers, educators, and enthusiasts, we are committed to driving innovation for our partners in the IBM Quantum Network and the Qiskit Community. Within IBM Quantum, the Quantum Innovation Centers (QIC) Team is an elite team serving our partners as they research quantum computing solutions for their most pressing business challenges. We keep our partners up to date with the latest technical advances and ensure they are empowered to use our software and services. We engage with our partners on strategic topics ranging from education curriculums to hackathons, industry outreach, and building national ecosystems. The Quantum Innovation Centers (QICs) are a large subset of premium partners with efforts across the four ecosystem pillars: Quantum as a Tool, Workforce and Education, Research, and Ecosystem Development. In the role of Operations Lead, you will be part of this team and will be responsible for the operational success of multiple client engagements across these pillars. The Operations Lead is responsible for managing the operational backbone of strategic partnerships globally. This role ensures contract compliance, financial performance, and efficient execution of agreements, while maintaining transparency and accountability across all stakeholders. You will act as the primary delivery liaison for contractual, financial, and governance processes that enable successful collaboration in partnership with legal and business operations team. Your role and responsibilities Contract & Agreement Management * Draft, review, and execute Statements of Work (SoWs), NDAs, and IP agreements in alignment with contractual framework and organizational standards. * Coordinate with legal and procurement teams to ensure timely and compliant contracting. Pricing & Financial Oversight * Work with Engagement Lead to develop pricing models and validate cost structures for partnership agreements. * Track and report financial commitments, including in-kind contributions and FTE allocations. Governance & Compliance * Ensure adherence to IP policies, confidentiality requirements, and regulatory standards. * Maintain accurate documentation and audit-ready records for all agreements. Operational Tracking & Reporting * Monitor resource utilization (FTEs) and in-kind contributions across projects. * Prepare dashboards and reports for leadership on operational and financial metrics. Business Best Practices & Process Improvement * Apply industry-standard operational and financial best practices to ensure efficiency and scalability. * Identify and implement process improvements to streamline workflows and enhance partner experience. Cross-Team Collaboration * Work closely with Engagement Leads and researchers (internal and external) to ensure smooth execution of partnership deliverables. * Coordinate with internal operations teams (finance, legal, procurement) to align processes and resolve issues promptly. Required education Bachelor's Degree Preferred education Master's Degree Required technical and professional expertise * 3+ years of proven experience in operations, contracting, or program management. * Strong understanding of business best practices in governance and resource management. * Financial acumen with experience in pricing models and cost tracking. * Excellent organizational and project management skills. * Ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders effectively. Preferred technical and professional experience * Familiarity with intellectual property (IP) management and compliance frameworks. * Experience working with technology partnerships or innovation ecosystems. * Comfort with data analysis and reporting tools for operational metrics. ABOUT BUSINESS UNIT IBM Research is the organic growth engine of IBM and an innovation engine for our customers and partners. As part of this mission, IBM Research anticipates and examines 'What's Next in Computing' to ultimately create and integrate the technologies the world relies upon to solve big challenges and unlock new opportunities. We create and pioneer new markets for IBM, our partners and customers as exemplified in our ongoing quest to reach practical and large-scale quantum computing. Across IBM Research, we realize the power and potential to accelerate discovery with our partners and clients by combining the power of high performance computing, AI, and Quantum, all integrated through the hybrid cloud. YOUR LIFE @ IBM In a world where technology never stands still, we understand that, dedication to our clients success, innovation that matters, and trust and personal responsibility in all our relationships, lives in what we do as IBMers as we strive to be the catalyst that makes the world work better. Being an IBMer means you'll be able to learn and develop yourself and your career, you'll be encouraged to be courageous and experiment everyday, all whilst having continuous trust and support in an environment where everyone can thrive whatever their personal or professional background. Our IBMers are growth minded, always staying curious, open to feedback and learning new information and skills to constantly transform themselves and our company. They are trusted to provide on-going feedback to help other IBMers grow, as well as collaborate with colleagues keeping in mind a team focused approach to include different perspectives to drive exceptional outcomes for our customers. The courage our IBMers have to make critical decisions everyday is essential to IBM becoming the catalyst for progress, always embracing challenges with resources they have to hand, a can-do attitude and always striving for an outcome focused approach within everything that they do. Are you ready to be an IBMer? ABOUT IBM IBM's greatest invention is the IBMer. We believe that through the application of intelligence, reason and science, we can improve business, society and the human condition, bringing the power of an open hybrid cloud and AI strategy to life for our clients and partners around the world. Restlessly reinventing since 1911, we are not only one of the largest corporate organizations in the world, we're also one of the biggest technology and consulting employers, with many of the Fortune 500 companies relying on the IBM Cloud to run their business. At IBM, we pride ourselves on being an early adopter of artificial intelligence, quantum computing and blockchain. Now it's time for you to join us on our journey to being a responsible technology innovator and a force for good in the world. IBM is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, or other characteristics protected by the applicable law. IBM is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status. OTHER RELEVANT JOB DETAILS IBM offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program. Eligible employees may have access to: * Healthcare benefits including medical & prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, and mental health & well being * Financial programs such as 401(k), cash balance pension plan, the IBM Employee Stock Purchase Plan, financial counseling, life insurance, short & long- term disability coverage, and opportunities for performance based salary incentive programs * Generous paid time off including 12 holidays, minimum 56 hours sick time, 120 hours vacation, 12 weeks parental bonding leave in accordance with IBM Policy, and other Paid Care Leave programs. IBM also offers paid family leave benefits to eligible employees where required by applicable law * Training and educational resources on our personalized, AI-driven learning platform where IBMers can grow skills and obtain industry-recognized certifications to achieve their career goals * Diverse and inclusive employee resource groups, giving & volunteer opportunities, and discounts on retail products, services & experiences We consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable law. This position was posted on the date cited in the key job details section and is anticipated to remain posted for 21 days from this date or less if not needed to fill the role. IBM will not be providing visa sponsorship for this position now or in the future. Therefore, in order to be considered for this position, you must have the ability to work without a need for current or future visa sponsorship. The compensation range and benefits for this position are based on a full-time schedule for a full calendar year. The salary will vary depending on your job-related skills, experience and location. Pay increment and frequency of pay will be in accordance with employment classification and applicable laws. For part time roles, your compensation and benefits will be adjusted to reflect your hours. Benefits may be pro-rated for those who start working during the calendar year.