Introduction
At IBM Research, we are the innovation engine of IBM. Exploring what’s next in computing and shaping the technologies the world will rely on tomorrow. From advancing AI and hybrid cloud to pioneering practical quantum computing, we anticipate challenges and unlock new opportunities for clients, partners, and society. Working in Research means joining a team that accelerates discovery at the intersection of high-performance computing, AI, quantum, and cloud. You’ll collaborate with leading scientists, engineers, and visionaries to push boundaries and turn ideas into reality. With a culture built on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration, IBM Research offers the opportunity to grow your career while contributing to breakthroughs that transform industries and change the world.
IBM Quantum is an industry-first initiative to build universal quantum computers for business, engineering, and science. This effort includes advancing the entire quantum computing technology stack and exploring applications to make quantum broadly usable and accessible. With a worldwide network of Fortune 500 companies, academic institutions, researchers, educators, and enthusiasts, we are committed to driving innovation for our partners in the IBM Quantum Network and the Qiskit Community.
Within IBM Quantum, the Quantum Innovation Centers (QIC) Team is an elite team serving our partners as they research quantum computing solutions for their most pressing business challenges. We keep our partners up to date with the latest technical advances and ensure they are empowered to use our software and services. We engage with our partners on strategic topics ranging from education curriculums to hackathons, industry outreach, and building national ecosystems.
The Quantum Innovation Centers (QICs) are a large subset of premium partners with efforts across the four ecosystem pillars: Quantum as a Tool, Workforce and Education, Research, and Ecosystem Development.
Your Role And Responsibilities
As the Growth Operations Manager, you will play a critical role in driving pipeline visibility, supporting new business growth, and enabling data‑driven decision‑making across the Quantum Innovation Centers (QIC). You will partner closely with Sales, Business Development, and Ambassador program teams to ensure operational excellence and seamless coordination across strategic growth initiatives. You will own key team tracking tools and lead the coordination of top‑level Key Performance Indicator (KPI) updates across multiple global teams.
This role blends growth‑oriented operations with structured, data‑driven program management.
Key Responsibilities Include
Growth Pipeline Management

• Manage QIC sales and expansion pipeline, ensuring accurate tracking, reporting, and visibility of opportunities, risks, and dependencies.
• Synthesize pipeline data into actionable insights, dashboards, and leadership‑ready narratives to inform decision‑making.
• Update and curate Sales and Business Development materials, ensuring consistent stories, metrics, and value propositions across teams.
• Interface with Sales and BD tools to ensure completeness, alignment, and high data quality.
  

Grant & Funding Landscape Intelligence

• Monitor federal and state grant opportunities, including NSF, NIH, ARPA, DOE, and others.
• Translate grant announcements into structured guidance and QIC‑ready recommendations.
  

Ambassador Program Interlock & Cross‑Functional Coordination

• Serve as the operational point of contact between QICs and the Ambassadors program.
• Maintain and update the activities pipeline for QICs, where ambassadors could be leveraged.
  

Key Performance Indicators Management

• Lead and coordinate KPI updates across global teams, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and timely reporting to senior leadership.
• Own and manage the tracking tools used by the broader QIC team, enabling visibility into performance, operational progress, and key metrics.
• Ensure KPI definitions, sources, and workflows remain aligned across stakeholders, resolving discrepancies and improving processes where needed.
• Support the development and evolution of KPI dashboards and recurring leadership reporting mechanisms.
  

Preferred Education
Master's Degree
Required Technical And Professional Expertise

• 3+ years of demonstrated experience in pipeline management, business operations, or program management within a technical or innovation‑driven environment.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to convert complex, multi‑source data into clear insights and recommendations.
• Experience with CRM or pipeline tracking tools (e.g., Salesforce) and comfort managing operational dashboards.
• Proven ability to manage cross‑functional stakeholders and drive alignment across teams.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to synthesize information for leadership‑level audiences.
• Strong organizational skills with consistent attention to detail and process integrity.
  

Preferred Technical And Professional Experience

• Experience in a research, R&D, deep‑tech, quantum, or advanced technology environment.
• Experience establishing or managing operational KPI frameworks across global or distributed teams.
• Prior work translating business development needs into operational systems, processes, or tooling improvements.
• Ability to operate in a fast‑changing, high‑complexity environment, balancing strategic thinking with hands‑on execution.