Director, Arrays R&D

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.

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced R&D Leader to join the Arrays Business Unit. In this critical role, you will be responsible for providing strategic insights, direction, and leadership of the R&D portion of the Arrays business. You will be a member of the Arrays Leadership Team, reporting directly to the General Manager of the Arrays Business Unit (BU) and collaborating with leaders and teams supporting the Arrays business.

Responsibilities:

Strategy, Planning, and Execution:

• Work closely with the other members of the Arrays Leadership Team to develop and support a vision for the Arrays business, balancing short-term gains with long-term strategic value.

• Collaborate with R&D, Global Operations, and Commercial leadership to ensure tactical and strategic goals of the Arrays BU are understood and supported.

• Define and implement the operational strategy for the Arrays R&D function aligned with the BU’s and company's overall objectives.

• Develop and communicate clear goals and performance metrics to measure and track the effectiveness of Arrays R&D operations.

• Analyze current Arrays R&D processes and identify areas for improvement to optimize time-to-market, robustness, efficiency, and resource utilization.

• Scrutinize R&D resource estimates, timelines, and scope associated with Arrays projects

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, streamline workflows, and promote innovation within the Arrays R&D group.

Budgeting and Resource Management:

• Work closely with Finance to manage within the Arrays R&D budget, ensuring proper allocation and utilization of resources.

• Monitor and control Arrays R&D project expenses, identify cost-saving opportunities and provide recommendations for budget optimization.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to forecast resource needs including personnel, equipment, and external vendors or partners, to support project demands.

• Implement resource planning strategies to ensure optimal utilization of available resources while maintaining flexibility for changing project priorities.

Stakeholder Collaboration and Communication:

• Foster strong relationships and effective collaboration with cross-functional teams, including R&D, Finance, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, and Regulatory Affairs.

• Lead and participate in cross-functional meetings, project reviews, and operational planning discussions to drive alignment and decision-making.

Talent Development and Team Management:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of R&D professionals, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and accountability.

• Identify skill gaps and training needs within the team and develop appropriate learning and development programs to enhance capabilities.

• Conduct performance evaluations, set goals, provide feedback, and recognize achievements to drive employee engagement and professional growth.

Requirements:

• Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 18 years of related experience, with 10+ years of Management experience.

• Extensive experience with microarray technology, ideally ILMN arrays

• Bachelor's or master's degree in an engineering or science discipline.  PhD is a plus.

• Exceptional critical thinking ability

• Advanced skills and experience in Program and Project Management

• Proven experience in a leadership role overseeing various R&D teams.

• Strong understanding of R&D processes, project management methodologies, and sustaining activities.

• Demonstrated experience in budgeting, resource management, and financial analysis.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a data-driven mindset.

• Demonstrated leadership skills, with the ability to motivate and develop high-performing teams.

• Experience working in a regulated industry (e.g., healthcare, pharmaceuticals, technology) is desirable.

The estimated base salary range for the Director, Arrays R&D role based in the United States of America is: $187,400 - $281,000. 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. 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 [email protected]. 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.