R&D Operations Manager

Location:
Remote - Thousand Oaks, CA (PST preferred)

Employment Type: Contingent Worker (Contract, W2)

Contract Length: 23 months (possible extension)

Compensation: $58/$65 per hour (based on experience)

Join a fast‑paced R&D Business Operations team at a large biotech pharmaceutical leader, supporting budget planning and operational execution across several functional teams. This remote role is highly cross‑functional, partnering with business, finance, and operations leads to ensure budget alignment and effective resource utilization. You will drive analytics, support annual budget planning, and provide solutions to business challenges in a dynamic environment.

• Lead and facilitate annual budget planning and execution for multiple R&D functions
• Analyze spending trends and resource utilization, providing actionable insights
• Partner with Strategic Planning and Operations Leads to prioritize and implement the annual budget plan
• Liaise with finance for quarterly, year‑end, and ad‑hoc reporting deliverables
• Guide contract management on escalated procure‑to‑pay issues
• Support analytics for functional and cross‑functional initiatives
• Contribute to the transition of budget management processes to a global harmonized solution
• Develop and deliver clear communications to enable organizational change

• Proven experience in project management, business operations, or budget coordination (not limited to finance‑centric roles)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; executive presence
• Ability to work independently, self‑driven, and proactive
• Demonstrated proficiency with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau)
• Advanced skills in Excel and MS Office suite
• Experience working cross‑functionally and managing multiple priorities

• Biotech or pharmaceutical industry experience
• Experience with financial reporting and forecasting
• General familiarity with the drug development process and R&D functions
• Proficiency in Smartsheet, MS Teams, SAP, Ariba, and Anaplan
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to collaborate in a complex, matrixed organization and influence at all levels
• Proven ability to deliver communications that drive organizational change
• Fast learner who demonstrates initiative

1. Demonstrated proficiency with data visualization tools

2. Executive presence with strong communication and interpersonal skills

3. Ability to work autonomously and manage projects or budgets

• Drive budget planning and execution activities for R&D functional areas
• Conduct analytics on spending and resource allocation
• Collaborate with business and finance partners to ensure timely and accurate deliverables
• Resolve escalated contract and procure‑to‑pay issues
• Support the transition to new budget planning solutions and processes

• Master’s degree and 3 years of biotech/pharma‑related business operations/financial analytics experience
• Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of biotech/pharma‑related business operations/financial analytics experience

This posting is for Contingent Worker, not an FTE