R&D Program Manager

Ultradent Products, Inc a 47-year dental products manufacturer in South Jordan Utah is seeking a strategic, innovative, and results-driven R&D Program Manager to lead and coordinate research and development initiatives that support the future of our products and technologies. This role is responsible for managing cross-functional R&D projects from concept through completion, while driving operational excellence through continuous process improvement. This person will work onsite at the South Jordan location and will report directly to the R&D Senior Director.

The R&D Program Manager will oversee high-impact research programs and initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational strategy, commitments, and goals. This individual will serve as a key facilitator across departments, applying formal project management methodologies to deliver projects efficiently while helping improve the effectiveness of R&D operations and workflows.

What Success Looks Like

The ideal candidate is equally comfortable managing complex projects, facilitating collaboration among technical teams, and improving organizational processes. They are a proactive leader who can bring structure to ambiguity, drive accountability, and help transform innovative ideas into successful outcomes.

What you'd handle on a day-to-day basis

• Lead and develop cross-functional project teams to achieve project objectives and deliverables.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute R&D operational projects, ensuring successful implementation and completion.
• Monitor and control project activities, timelines, resources, risks, and deliverables throughout the project lifecycle.
• Partner with R&D personnel to identify opportunities for process improvement and operational efficiency.
• Review project proposals to determine goals, timelines, budgets, resource requirements, and overall feasibility.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across multiple departments to achieve project and organizational goals.
• Communicate project progress, risks, and outcomes effectively to stakeholders and leadership at all levels.
• Conduct project evaluations and post-project assessments to measure success and identify lessons learned.
• Develop, track, and report key performance metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of research initiatives, campaigns, and operational improvements.
• Lead business process mapping and process engineering efforts to improve R&D workflows and project execution.
• Identify and implement best practices, tools, and methodologies to enhance project delivery and organizational effectiveness.
• Track project milestones, deliverables, and resource utilization to ensure successful execution.

What you must have for this position:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a Project Manager, Program Manager, or similar role.
• Experience in engineering, chemistry, scientific research, product development, or related technical environments.
• Familiarity with formal project management frameworks and standard project delivery methodologies.
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional teams and complex projects.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proven ability to influence and communicate effectively with all levels of an organization.
• Proven track record of leading projects subject to FDA regulations and quality system requirements.
• Experience leading organizational change and change management initiatives.
• Experience with business process mapping, process engineering, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Strong business acumen and strategic thinking capabilities.
• Self-directed, dependable, and results-oriented with exceptional attention to detail.

We'd also prefer you to have a certification, it would only add to your credibility:

• Project Management certification such as PMP, CSM, or equivalent.