M4M4 — Director
Research & Development / Program & Portfolio Management Director
Provides strategic leadership and oversight for an organization’s R&D project portfolio, translating high-level business objectives into a coordinated product development strategy.
What this level means
Leads a function or department; owns strategy, budget, and outcomes for the area.
- Scope
- A function or department
- Autonomy
- Owns area strategy and budget
- Complexity
- Strategic priorities and cross-functional alignment
- Impact
- Function-level results
- Decision rights
- Owns strategy, budget, and org design for the area
- Leadership
- Leads managers; sets direction for the function
- Typical experience
- 10–15 yrs
What you'd do
- Define and refine the R&D project portfolio and technology roadmap
- Oversee planning and execution of multiple concurrent development programs
- Coordinate at a senior level with other departments
- Build and lead a high-performing R&D organization
- Ensure all development activities adhere to applicable regulations and quality system requirements
- Develop strategic R&D roadmaps
- Lead cross-functional coordination efforts
- Ensure compliance with quality standards
Skills, knowledge & tools
- Strategic planning
- Leadership
- Project management
- Regulatory knowledge
- Team building
- R&D processes
- Portfolio management
- Regulatory standards
- Technology roadmapping
- Quality systems
- Strategic vision and decision-making
- Leadership and communication
- Analytical problem-solving
- Cross-functional coordination
- Regulatory compliance
What good looks like
- Master’s or Ph.D. in Engineering, Life Sciences, or related field
- 12+ years in R&D or product development, with 5+ years in leadership roles
- An MBA or advanced training in project management
- Project Management Professional (PMP) or Program Management certifications
Common titles
Research & Development / Program & Portfolio Management DirectorSenior Management
What it pays
Market-pay benchmarks for this family × level are being recalibrated across all survey sources and will return shortly.
O*NET / SOC: 19-0000 — Life, Physical, & Social Science Occupations (inferred)