Innovation and Initiatives Engagement Manager

• Location: US-CA-Santa Clara
• Innovation and Engagement Initiatives Manager
• Agilent Technologies | Office of the CTO
• Reports to: VP, Research

Position Summary

The Innovation and Engagement Initiatives Manager will drive the execution of research programs and associate engagement initiatives within the Office of the CTO. Reporting to the VP, Research, this role will translate agreed priorities into actionable plans, coordinate stakeholders, follow up on deliverables, and ensure initiatives maintain momentum and achieve their intended outcomes.

The role combines program management across internal and external research collaborations with execution of initiatives that strengthen Agilent’s innovation culture, including innovation summits, internal grants, R&D seminars, and innovation awards. Success requires strong organization, disciplined follow-through, clear communication, and the ability to hold teams accountable while building productive working relationships.

Key Responsibilities

Research Program Execution

• Develop and maintain program plans with clearly defined scope, deliverables, owners, milestones, timelines, and resource requirements.
• Coordinate execution across internal research teams, business units, and external research partners.
• Proactively follow up with workstream owners to track commitments, confirm completion of deliverables, and address delays.
• Identify risks, dependencies, and execution barriers; facilitate resolution and escalate issues requiring leadership decisions.
• Organize program reviews, document decisions and action items, and ensure follow-through.
• Maintain concise dashboards and status reports that give the VP, Research visibility into progress, outstanding commitments, and decisions needed.
• Coordinate with Finance, Legal, IP Counsel, Procurement, and other functions to keep funding, agreements, and administrative activities on track.
• Innovation Culture and Associate Engagement
• Manage the end-to-end execution of innovation summits, R&D seminars, innovation awards, and related associate engagement initiatives.
• Translate initiative objectives into detailed work plans, schedules, responsibilities, and communications.
• Administer internal innovation grant programs, including proposal submissions, review schedules, funding coordination, milestone tracking, and progress reporting.
• Coordinate speakers, reviewers, scientific contributors, and event support teams to ensure timely preparation and delivery.
• Drive associate participation through clear communications, accessible processes, and consistent follow-up.
• Track participation, feedback, and program outcomes, and implement practical improvements for future activities.
• Program Management and Operating Discipline
• Establish consistent processes for planning, tracking, reporting, and closing out research and innovation culture initiatives.
• Maintain a consolidated calendar of milestones, program reviews, events, and key deadlines.
• Ensure meetings produce clear decisions, assigned actions, and completion dates.
• Manage multiple concurrent initiatives, adjusting plans as priorities and resource needs evolve.
• Capture lessons learned and improve execution practices across the portfolio.

What Success Looks Like

• Research initiatives and innovation culture programs execute against agreed plans and timelines.
• Deliverables have clear owners, and commitments are consistently tracked through completion.
• Risks and delays are surfaced early, with timely resolution or escalation.
• Associates participate in well-organized, engaging innovation activities.
• The VP, Research has reliable visibility into program status and confidence in execution.
• Bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, business, or a related discipline; experience in a scientific or technology-driven organization is preferred.
• 5+ years of relevant experience in program management, project management, R&D operations, or a related execution-focused role.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple cross-functional initiatives and deliver results through disciplined planning and follow-through.
• Experience tracking milestones, budgets, risks, dependencies, and deliverables.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence without direct authority and hold stakeholders accountable constructively.
• Clear, concise written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience coordinating associate engagement programs, scientific events, or internal innovation initiatives is desirable.
• Proficiency with project management and collaboration tools; PMP or similar certification is a plus.

Additional Details

This job has a full time weekly schedule. Applications for this job will be accepted until at least November 10, 2026 or until the job is no longer posted.

The full-time equivalent pay range for this position is $172,512.00 - $269,550.00/yr plus eligibility for bonus, stock and benefits. Our pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. During the hiring process, a recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for a preferred location. Pay and benefit information by country are available at: https://careers.agilent.com/locations

Agilent Technologies, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity and merit-based employer that values individuals of all backgrounds at all levels. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, pregnancy, race, religion or religious creed, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, local law, ordinance, or regulation and will not be discriminated against on these bases.

Agilent Technologies, Inc., is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive in the workplace where everyone is welcome, and strives to support candidates with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance with any part of the application or interview process or have questions about workplace accessibility, please email [email protected] or contact +1-262-754-5030. For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please visit www.agilent.com/en/accessibility.

Travel Required

25% of the Time

Shift

Day

Duration

No End Date

Job Function

R&D