Director, R&D Portfolio Program Management

Bausch + Lomb; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 175,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Paid holidays and well-being benefits

Job summary

Bausch + Lomb in Indianapolis seeks a Director to lead the R&D Global Portfolio and Project Management (GPPM) team, directing PMs and coordinators across a designated business vertical.

You will drive NPD governance, set strategic project execution standards, mentor staff, and partner with cross‑functional functions to translate customer needs into robust product strategies and launch plans.

Qualifications

• BS/BA in Science or Engineering, advanced degree in science, engineering or business preferred.
• 10+ years of Medical Device/Pharma industry experience and 10+ years of experience in R&D Project Management and Leadership.
• PMP certification a plus; Agile methodologies preferred for software projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of project managers to ensure successful execution of projects and programs.
• Oversee a portfolio of R&D development projects within a designated Bausch + Lomb business vertical.
• Chair or participate in the NPD governance and Project Management Leadership Team (PMLT).
• Ensure programs align with strategic objectives through governance, tools and standards.
• Mentor GPPM staff and lead cross-functional initiatives across the R&D organization.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Project management

Mentoring

Education

BS/BA in Science or Engineering

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

MS Project

MS Excel

PowerPoint

MS Word

Job description

Objective

The Director is a key member of the R&D Global Portfolio and Project Management (GPPM) team, responsible for leading and developing a team of R&D project managers and coordinators. This role focuses on overseeing a portfolio of R&D development projects within a designated Bausch + Lomb business vertical (e.g., Vision Care, Surgical, or Pharmaceuticals/Consumer).

As the leader for the assigned business area, the Director facilitates and manages the New Product Development (NPD) governance board. They ensure the consistent and effective execution of projects and programs by applying standardized project management methodologies and industry best practices across all phases of development and lifecycle management. Additionally, the Director will serve on the Project Management Leadership Team (PMLT), contributing to cross-business unit initiatives aimed at enhancing processes and policies.

The Director is accountable for ensuring that all projects and programs within their portfolio are supported by a comprehensive global project strategy. This includes translating customer needs into product requirements, developing project valuations, planning for global registration and launch, and defining project scope, budget, resources, timelines, risk management strategies, and communication plans.

Beyond project oversight, the Director also plays a critical role in mentoring GPPM staff and may lead strategic initiatives or special projects across the broader R&D organization.

Responsibilities

Leadership & Talent Development

• Lead and manage a team of project managers to ensure successful execution of projects and programs.
• Provide coaching, mentorship, and career development opportunities for GPPM staff.
• Collaborate with HR to attract, retain, and grow high-performing talent.
• Cultivate a high-performance, inclusive culture focused on continuous improvement.
• Manage the performance, succession planning, and annual compensation process for their assigned team. Address performance challenges constructively and proactively.

Strategic & Operational Oversight

• Contribute to the GPPM vision as a member of the Project Management Leadership Team (PMLT).
• Ensure program alignment with strategic objectives through effective governance, tools, and standards.
• Apply product development expertise, portfolio insights, and financial acumen to guide investment strategy and optimization.
• Facilitate the NPD Governance Board to oversee project strategy and execution.

Additional Responsibilities (If Managing Highly Complex Programs)

Program & Portfolio Leadership

• Lead cross-functional teams to develop and execute global product development strategies, including:
• Project scope and timelines
• Target Product Profile (TPP) and value drivers
• Financial modeling and risk analysis
• Regulatory strategy and launch planning
• Intellectual property (IP) strategy and functional execution
• May serve as Program Team Leader (PTL) or lead key initiatives across GPPM, R&D, or the broader organization.
• Navigate complexity and uncertainty using critical analysis and scenario planning.

Resource & Risk Management

• Develop and maintain resource plans; resolve conflicts to maintain project schedule commitments.
• Guide teams in proactive risk identification, mitigation, and contingency planning.
• Communicate project interdependencies, risks, and issues clearly and effectively.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication

• Partner with Commercial, Operations, and R&D to ensure full support for overall portfolio.
• Act as a central communication hub for project plans, status updates, and escalations.
• Maintain accurate data in GPPM systems and deliver timely reports to support decision-making.

Governance & Compliance

• Facilitate Business Gate Reviews to ensure alignment and approval of project progression.
• Ensure compliance with SOPs, GMPs, design control, EHS standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Promote the use of lessons learned and best practices across teams.

Budget Management & Innovation

• Manage portfolio budgets, prioritize initiatives for maximum value, and ensure financial discipline.
• Support business development activities, including due diligence and strategic partnerships.
• Champion innovative practices in program and portfolio management to enhance execution and accelerate time to market.

Requirements

Education

BS/BA in Science or Engineering, advanced degree in science, engineering or business preferred.

Experience

10+ years of Medical Device/Pharma industry experience and 10+ years of experience in R&D Project Management and Leadership.

Special Skills

• Strong communication, organization, and presentation skills required.
• Computer Literacy with skills in MS Excel, Word, Project, and PowerPoint.

Specialized Training

• MS Project (or equivalent) preferred.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification a plus.
• Agile Methodologies preferred for software projects.

Process Improvement

Proven expertise in designing, implementing, and monitoring process improvement initiatives.

Systems Thinking & Operational Efficiency

Experience defining and implementing policies, procedures, and systems to drive organizational effectiveness and sustainability.

Performance Under Pressure

Highly effective at managing multiple competing priorities and deadlines, while maintaining positive, collaborative relationships.

Leadership & Influence

Strong interpersonal skills, including active listening, emotional intelligence, and strong negotiation and influencing skills across all organizational levels, both internally and externally.

Skilled in leading through complex organizational dynamics, with the ability to influence, inspire, and achieve results through others.

Motivation & Team Enablement

Demonstrates high energy and a results-driven mindset, consistently motivating teams to enable performance at all levels.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

For U.S. locations that require disclosure of compensation, the starting pay for this role is between $175,000.00 and $220,000.00. The estimated salary range reflects an anticipated range for this position. The actual base salary offered may depend on a variety of factors.

U.S. based employees may be eligible for short-term and/or long-term incentives. They may also be eligible to participate in medical, dental, vision insurance, disability and life insurance, a 401(k) plan and company match, a tuition reimbursement program (select degrees), company holidays, and well-being benefits, among others. U.S. based employees are also eligible to receive sick time, floating holidays and paid vacation.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Our US Benefit Programs:Employee Benefits: Bausch + Lomb (https://www.bausch.com/careers/benefits/)