Manager, Program (R&D)

Role Overview

POET Technologies is seeking a dedicated professional to lead comprehensive cross-functional research and development programs from initial concept through to final commercialization. This role demands overseeing complex product developments utilizing blended project management approaches to meet business objectives, engineering deadlines, and regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee entire program lifecycle employing hybrid or Agile methodologies where appropriate.
• Coordinate multi-disciplinary teams including engineering, design, quality assurance, procurement, regulatory affairs, and manufacturing.
• Establish program goals, scopes, schedules, deliverables aligned with strategic product and corporate plans.
• Manage timelines, Gantt charts, resource allocations, and financial budgets.
• Ensure completion of design reviews and milestone achievements compliant with regulatory requirements.
• Identify potential risks early, formulate mitigation strategies, and escalate critical issues promptly.
• Conduct frequent program updates and reviews for senior leadership and stakeholders.
• Maintain rigorous documentation adhering to design controls and quality management systems.
• Drive phase-gate procedures and advocate continuous enhancements in project management standards.
• Facilitate effective communication channels among global teams, suppliers, and external collaborators.
• Manage handover processes from new product development to manufacturing operations.
• Perform additional roles as assigned by management.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of five years’ program management expertise in R&D or product development contexts.
• Proven application of industry best practices in stakeholder management, risk control, and program governance.
• Proficient with Waterfall methodology, with desirable knowledge of Agile, Scrum, or hybrid frameworks.
• Experience in using project management software such as MS Project, Jira, Confluence, and Smartsheet.
• Excellent skills in managing diverse stakeholders, resolving conflicts, and engaging with multicultural teams.
• Leadership capability to influence cross-functional teams and decision makers effectively.
• Strong problem-solving skills with flexibility in adapting plans under dynamic conditions.
• Familiarity with quality assurance, design control, and risk management in regulated sectors (ISO, FDA, CE certifications).
• PMP certification is highly preferred.
• Experience with hardware and software co-development lifecycle and new product introduction protocols.
• Detail-oriented mindset combined with systemic thinking.
• Able to thrive in a fast-paced and innovative research environment.