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Introduction

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. In the role of Operations Lead, you will be part of this team and will be responsible for the operational success of multiple client engagements.

The Operations Lead is responsible for managing the operational backbone of strategic partnerships globally. This role ensures contract compliance, financial performance, and efficient execution of agreements, while maintaining transparency and accountability across all stakeholders. You will act as the primary delivery liaison for contractual, financial, and governance processes that enable successful collaboration in partnership with legal and business operations team.

Your role and responsibilities

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Contract & Agreement Management

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Draft, review, and execute Statements of Work (SoWs), NDAs, and IP agreements in alignment with contractual framework and organizational standards.

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Coordinate with legal and procurement teams to ensure timely and compliant contracting.

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Pricing & Financial Oversight

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Work with Engagement Lead to develop pricing models and validate cost structures for partnership agreements.

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Track and report financial commitments, including in-kind contributions and FTE allocations.

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Governance & Compliance

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Ensure adherence to IP policies, confidentiality requirements, and regulatory standards.

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Maintain accurate documentation and audit-ready records for all agreements.

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Operational Tracking & Reporting

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Monitor resource utilization (FTEs) and in-kind contributions across projects.

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Prepare dashboards and reports for leadership on operational and financial metrics.

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Business Best Practices & Process Improvement

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Apply industry-standard operational and financial best practices to ensure efficiency and scalability.

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Identify and implement process improvements to streamline workflows and enhance partner experience.

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Cross-Team Collaboration

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Work closely with Engagement Leads and researchers to ensure smooth execution of partnership deliverables.

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Coordinate with internal operations teams (finance, legal, procurement) to align processes and resolve issues promptly.

Required technical and professional expertise

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Proven experience in operations, contracting, or program management.

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Strong understanding of business best practices in governance and resource management.

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Financial acumen with experience in pricing models and cost tracking.

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Excellent organizational and project management skills.

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Ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders effectively.

Preferred technical and professional experience

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Familiarity with intellectual property (IP) management and compliance frameworks.

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Experience working with technology partnerships or innovation ecosystems.

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Comfort with data analysis and reporting tools for operational metrics.

IBM is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, caste, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, veteran status, or other characteristics. IBM is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.