Director of China Innovation Center

About this role

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership
• Design, test, and implement a unified China Innovation operating model integrating workflows, software, automation, and frontier technology scouting
• Own and coordinate the overall China innovation strategy, ensuring alignment with global priorities
• Represent China innovation initiatives as the single voice to global teams
• Team Leadership & Development
• Lead and scale a multidisciplinary team (~16 members), including software engineers, automation and AI specialists, tech scouts, and customer engagement roles
• Foster a high-performance, agile culture focused on rapid experimentation and delivery
• Build capabilities across AI, automation, and software to support innovation goals
• Customer-Centric Innovation
• Drive a high-speed learning loop through deep customer engagement to rapidly identify needs and co-develop solutions
• Enable fast prototyping, iteration, and deployment of localized workflow and digital solutions
• Partner with commercial and business divisions to accelerate adoption and commercialization
• Innovation Ecosystem Engagement
• Actively engage with China’s external innovation ecosystem, including startups, academia, and technology partners
• Identify and develop strategic partnerships for co-development and technology adoption
• Collaborate with internal CTO/Frontier teams to scout and evaluate emerging technologies
• Alignment & Coordination
• Ensure tight alignment with global functional teams (e.g., R&D, Software & Automation teams)
• Avoid duplication of solutions and ensure consistent messaging to multinational customers
• Create strong feedback loops between China market insights and global product development
• Product & Global Scaling
• Build a pipeline of technologies, talent, and business models developed in China
• Identify opportunities to productize and scale innovations globally
• Partner with global teams to integrate China-driven innovations into broader product roadmaps
• Reporting & Governance
• Lead monthly reporting, track KPIs, and drive global alignment meetings
• Ensure systematic capture and integration of local learnings into corporate strategy
• Establish governance processes to monitor performance and innovation outcomes

Requirements

• Education & Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Data Analytics, or related field required; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• 8–12+ years of experience in innovation, R&D, or technology leadership roles, with demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary teams and delivering customer-centric solutions in complex, global environments.
• Familiarity with China-specific regulations, including AI governance, data privacy/export controls, and intellectual property
• Key Competencies
• Deep understanding of the local China market, customer landscape, and innovation ecosystem, with specific knowledge of the Analytical Instrumentation space
• Proven ability to lead and align multidisciplinary teams across innovation, R&D, and technology functions
• Strong track record of driving continuous innovation while maintaining high standards of execution
• Strong familiarity with workflow solutions, software development, automation, and AI technologies in Analytical Instrumentation space
• Ability to translate technical capabilities into customer value and scalable business solutions
• Experience operating within a “try-and-learn” environment with rapid iteration, testing and deployment cycles
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity, risk, and fast-paced environments
• Skilled at bridging local commercial needs with global R&D, products, and CTO functions
• Additional Details
• This job has a full time weekly schedule. It includes the option to work remotely.
• Our pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. During the hiring process, a recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for a preferred location. Pay and benefit information by country are available at: https://careers.agilent.com/locations
• Agilent Technologies Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other protected categories under all applicable laws.
• Travel Required:
• 25% of the Time
• Shift:
• Day
• Duration:
• No End Date
• Job Function:
• Administration