Chief of Staff, R&D

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Chief of Staff, R&D based in the United States.

This is a unique executive-level opportunity to help shape the strategy, operations, and execution of a high-performing Research & Development organization. Working closely with senior Product and Engineering leadership, you will transform strategic priorities into measurable outcomes while improving operational excellence across product, engineering, and design functions. You'll lead cross-functional initiatives, streamline planning processes, and provide data-driven insights that support critical business decisions. This role is ideal for a strategic operator who thrives in fast-paced technology environments, enjoys solving complex organizational challenges, and excels at influencing executive stakeholders without direct authority. You'll play a central role in driving alignment, accelerating execution, and building scalable operating systems that support long-term growth.

Accountabilities: Serve as a trusted strategic advisor to senior R&D leadership, helping define priorities, prepare executive and board-level materials, and support high-impact decision-making.

Lead the planning and execution of R&D operating rhythms, including quarterly planning, business reviews, OKR management, and organizational alignment.

Build and maintain operational dashboards that provide visibility into engineering capacity, product delivery, headcount, and overall organizational performance.

Drive complex, cross-functional strategic initiatives such as organizational design, AI operating model implementation, process optimization, and operational transformation.

Partner closely with Finance, People Operations, Product, Engineering, and Design leadership to oversee budgeting, hiring plans, workforce planning, and resource allocation.

Evaluate trade-offs, develop recommendations, and help leadership prioritize initiatives that maximize business impact.

Draft executive communications, board presentations, and strategic documentation while improving governance, decision-making frameworks, and operational efficiency across the R&D organization.

Requirements

12+ years of experience in strategy, operations, management consulting, product management, Chief of Staff, or similar leadership roles within high-growth SaaS or technology organizations.

5+ years of people management experience with demonstrated success leading high-performing teams.

Deep understanding of modern R&D organizations, including product development lifecycles, engineering operations, design organizations, roadmap planning, capacity management, and organizational scaling.

Proven ability to influence executive stakeholders, including VP, SVP, and C-level leaders, without formal reporting authority.

Strong financial, operational, and analytical skills, with experience managing budgets, business planning, resource allocation, and organizational performance metrics.

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with experience preparing executive presentations, board materials, and strategic communications.

Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple high-priority initiatives while maintaining attention to detail.

Experience supporting Product, Engineering, or combined R&D organizations and familiarity with planning systems, OKR frameworks, roadmapping platforms, and delivery analytics is highly preferred.

High emotional intelligence, sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to navigate ambiguity in fast-changing environments.

Benefits

Competitive annual base salary:

Current hiring range: $216,000 – $300,000 USD

Zone 1 (NY, CA, WA): $237,000 – $356,000 USD

Zone 2 (All other eligible U.S. states): $216,000 – $324,000 USD

Eligibility for Restricted Stock Units (RSUs).

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and eligible dependents.

Employer-paid life and disability insurance.

Access to comprehensive mental health support for employees and families.

401(k) retirement plan with a 50% company match on the first 6% of contributions.

Flexible paid time off plus company-wide wellness and recharge days.

Up to 16 weeks of paid parental leave.

$1,000 annual lifestyle spending account.

Home office setup stipend plus monthly internet reimbursement.

Paid volunteer time and charitable donation matching.

Additional financial wellness benefits, commuter programs, childcare/eldercare support, and discounted pet insurance.

Remote-first work environment with flexibility across eligible U.S. locations.

Significant opportunities for executive exposure, leadership growth, and career advancement.

How Jobgether works: We use an AI-powered matching process to ensure your application is reviewed quickly, objectively, and fairly against the role's core requirements. Our system identifies the top-fitting candidates, and this shortlist is then shared directly with the hiring company. The final decision and next steps (interviews, assessments) are managed by their internal team. We appreciate your interest and wish you the best!  Why Apply Through Jobgether?    Data Privacy Notice: By submitting your application, you acknowledge that Jobgether will process your personal data to evaluate your candidacy and share relevant information with the hiring employer. This processing is based on legitimate interest and pre-contractual measures under applicable data protection laws (including GDPR). You may exercise your rights (access, rectification, erasure, objection) at any time.     #LI-CL1