R&D Division Operations Leader — Strategy to Execution

3M; Maplewood (MN); On-site; USD 222,000 - 271,000; Full time

Job summary

3M is seeking an experienced Division Operations Leader, R&D, to translate strategy into disciplined execution across the R&D function. Reporting to the VP of R&D, you will align priorities with functional heads, HR, Finance, and PMO to optimize performance, resources, and risk across programs.

You will drive strategy deployment, operating rhythm, and KPI governance while guiding organizational evolution and portfolio insights.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in science, engineering, business or operations.
• 5 years of commercialization, product development, program management, operations, or related experience, including experience with a stage‑gate development process.
• 3 years of leadership or management experience in a cross‑functional environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D strategy deployment with functional heads to translate priorities into objectives and roadmaps.
• Drive operating discipline by establishing standard work and addressing gaps.
• Strengthen resource planning and connect resource information to portfolio and capacity planning.
• Lead the R&D operating rhythm with leadership meeting cadences and action ownership.
• Define KPIs, governance, and cadence for performance reviews and escalation.
• Guide organization evolution by coordinating operating-model changes and adoption plans.
• Improve portfolio insight with models and decision-support for leadership.
• Enable leadership effectiveness by surfacing cross‑functional risks and options.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Cross-functional leadership

Program management

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in science/engineering/business/operations

Job description

3M is seeking an experienced Division Operations Leader, R&D, to translate strategy into disciplined execution across the R&D function. Reporting to the VP of R&D, you will align priorities with functional heads, HR, Finance, and PMO to optimize performance, resources, and risk across programs.

You will drive strategy deployment, operating rhythm, and KPI governance while guiding organizational evolution and portfolio insights.