Manager, R&D Strategic Partnerships

Illumina, Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 129,000 - 194,000; Full time

Job summary

Illumina, Inc. is seeking a Manager, R&D Strategic Partnerships to lead execution across complex partnerships and strategic account programs. The role translates objectives into actionable plans, establishes governance, and coordinates delivery across R&D and other functions.

The candidate will manage cross-functional teams, navigate ambiguity, and communicate with internal leaders and external stakeholders. Proficiency with Smartsheet and strong governance are required.

Qualifications

• Experience guiding cross-functional teams in a matrixed organization.
• Experience translating agreements and objectives into execution plans.
• Proficient in governance, planning, and executive reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead and govern assigned partnerships with cross-functional teams.
• Translate objectives and partner commitments into integrated program plans with milestones and budgets.
• Establish internal and joint governance forums and operating cadences.
• Drive execution, manage risks, and escalate barriers with clear recommendations.
• Manage external partner relationships when required; align partner and Illumina teams.
• Improve alliance tools, templates, and governance models across the portfolio.

Skills

Program management

Cross-functional leadership

Governance

Risk management

Executive reporting

Negotiation

Influencing

Communication

External partner management

Strategic account management

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Tools

Smartsheet

Job description

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.

Position Summary

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.

Key Responsibilities

• Program leadership: Serve as the accountable program manager for assigned partnerships, determining resource needs, and coordinating execution across matrixed internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Integrated planning and tools: 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.
• Governance: Establish and lead internal and joint governance forums, operating cadences, decision processes, escalation paths, and ways of working.
• Delivery, risk, and decision management: Drive execution against the program plan, track internal and external commitments, identify and manage risks and issues, facilitate tradeoff decisions, and escalated barriers with clear recommendations.
• Partner relationship management: In some cases, serve as a primary external contact, managing the partner relationship and maintaining alignment between the partner and Illumina teams.
• Alliance management practices: Own and improve reusable partnership tools, templates, governance models, and operating practices, recommending changes that strengthen execution across the portfolio.

Qualifications and Success Profile

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

Education and Experience

Typically requires a minimum of 8 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 6 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD with 3 years of experience; or equivalent experience All listed responsibilities and requirements are essential functions of the position; business conditions may require reasonable accommodations or additional related duties.

The estimated base salary range for the Manager, R&D Strategic Partnerships role based in the United States of America is: $129,400 - $194,000. 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 [e-mail]. To learn more, visit: https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf.

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.