Operations Manager

R&D Operations Manager Location: Thousand Oaks, CA (Remote) Schedule: Monday to Friday, standard business hours Employment Type: Contingent Worker (Contract, W2) Compensation: $58–$65 per hour (based on experience) Contract Length: 10 months (possible extension) Summary of the Role Join a large biotech pharmaceutical leader’s R&D Business Operations team to drive budget planning, analytics, and operational execution across critical R&D functions. In this role, you will lead budgeting cycles, analyze spending and resource utilization, and act as a key liaison between R&D operations, finance, and functional leadership. You will play a strategic role in continuous improvement initiatives and support high-impact business decisions in a fast-paced, matrixed environment. Key Responsibilities • Lead and facilitate annual budget planning and execution for multiple R&D functions • Analyze, track, and report on spending trends and resource utilization • Partner with Strategic Planning and Operations Leads to collect, prioritize, and execute budget plans • Liaise with Finance to deliver quarterly, year-end, and ad hoc financial reports • Guide contract management and resolve escalated procure-to-pay issues • Support analytics for functional and cross-functional initiatives • Present findings, insights, and recommendations to executive and VP-level leadership • Drive process improvements and support business excellence initiatives Qualifications Top Skills (Must-Haves): • High attention to detail • Experience with procurement and financial analytics (SAP) • Experience managing budgets Required Experience & Skills: • Demonstrated proficiency with data visualization tools • Strong executive presence with the ability to communicate effectively with senior leadership • Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills • Experience managing budgets, projects, or operational functions • Proficiency with Microsoft Excel • Experience supporting procurement and financial analytics workflows Preferred: • Experience with financial reporting and forecasting • General knowledge of drug development processes and R&D organizations • Proficiency with Tableau, Smartsheet, MS Teams, and MS Office • Advanced Excel skills • Experience with SAP, Ariba, and Anaplan • Ability to operate effectively in complex, matrixed environments • Proven ability to influence and communicate organizational change • Proactive, self-driven approach with demonstrated initiative Day-to-Day Responsibilities • Drive budget planning and execution activities across multiple R&D functions • Perform analytics on spending trends and resource utilization • Partner closely with operations and finance leaders to ensure accurate, timely deliverables • Resolve contract and procurement issues and support financial workflows • Contribute analytics and insights to support key business initiatives Apply Now Ready to drive R&D operational excellence through data-driven budgeting and cross-functional leadership? Apply now to take the next step in your career.