R&D Strategic Projects Lead

Illinois Ag; Decatur (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

ADM in Decatur, IL is seeking an R&D Strategic Project Manager to guide strategic R&D projects from concept to commercial solution. You will lead cross-functional teams of scientists, engineers, researchers, and business colleagues to hit established timelines and deliverables.

The role requires strong communication across disciplines, risk management, and the ability to balance technical, operational, and commercial objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field; advanced degree preferred.
• 5+ years of experience managing technical projects.
• PMI/PMP, Lean, Six Sigma, or similar certification is a plus.
• Experience leading multiple concurrent projects and documenting processes.
• Strong written and verbal communication for diverse audiences.
• Change leadership and troubleshooting skills in high-pressure environments.
• Some travel may be required.
• Background check required.

Responsibilities

• Drive delivery of strategic project objectives by monitoring progress, performance measurement, reporting, and proactive risk management to ensure the projects remain aligned with the scope, timelines, and business priorities
• Work across the organization, its business areas, and functions to ensure project teams are working efficiently and meeting expectations
• Establish and maintain high-quality project schedules, baselines, cost estimates, project returns, and estimates to completion, ensuring timely variance analysis, and high-level reporting
• Lead stakeholder alignment and communication while managing team expectations for project deliverables
• Ensure clear communication, effective decision making, and fit for purpose project governance that does not add undue complexity and reduce the R&D team's productivity
• Work with resource managers in a matrix environment to ensure projects are resourced to achieve objectives on the required timeline
• Ensure that project risks are identified and mitigated
• Manage change of scope and resources as projects progress
• Coordinate and synthesize cross functional input from all workstreams including technical, commercial, and operations teams to identify project requirements, align priorities, address concerns, and support project execution

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional leadership

Communication

Risk management

Troubleshooting

Change leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in a technical field

Higher level degree preferred

Job description

ADM in Decatur, IL is seeking an R&D Strategic Project Manager to guide strategic R&D projects from concept to commercial solution. You will lead cross-functional teams of scientists, engineers, researchers, and business colleagues to hit established timelines and deliverables.

The role requires strong communication across disciplines, risk management, and the ability to balance technical, operational, and commercial objectives.