We believe it takes great people to create a great product. That’s why our team lives our company values, and we hire based on them, too. Since 2010, Pipedrive has been on a mission to support sales and marketing teams with easy-to-use, powerful tools that make everyday work faster and easier. Today, our cloud-based software is trusted by over 100,000 companies and used in 179 countries. We have grown from a five-person team to a truly international company of over 850+ people, representing more than 50 nationalities, with ten offices distributed across Europe and the US. In 2020, Pipedrive received a majority investment from Vista Equity Partners, a global investment firm that invests exclusively in enterprise software, data and technology-enabled businesses, making Pipedrive the fifth unicorn from Estonia.
We believe it takes great people to create a great product. That’s why our team lives our company values, and we hire based on them, too. Since 2010, Pipedrive has been on a mission to support sales and marketing teams with easy-to-use, powerful tools that make everyday work faster and easier. Today, our cloud-based software is trusted by over 100,000 companies and used in 179 countries. We have grown from a five-person team to a truly international company of over 850+ people, representing more than 50 nationalities, with ten offices distributed across Europe and the US. In 2020, Pipedrive received a majority investment from Vista Equity Partners, a global investment firm that invests exclusively in enterprise software, data and technology-enabled businesses, making Pipedrive the fifth unicorn from Estonia.
We’re looking for a Director of R&D Operations to help shape how our Product, Engineering, and Design (PED) teams work together to deliver high-impact outcomes. This role sits at the center of strategy and execution, connecting long-term business goals with day-to-day R&D operations.
You’ll partner closely with senior leadership, including the CPTO, to ensure our R&D investments, processes, and teams are aligned, effective, and set up to scale.
Your new adventure:
Own and evolve the R&D portfolio management framework, ensuring alignment with long-term business strategy
Improve operational workflows across Product, Engineering, and Design to increase delivery speed and quality
Monitor and communicate R&D investment performance, including clear ROI visibility across workstreams
Lead annual and quarterly planning processes, ensuring OKRs are ambitious, measurable, and aligned
Build and implement data-driven tools and dashboards to track progress and surface risks
Allocate resources across teams to balance AI product development with core platform reliability
Manage the R&D budget in partnership with Finance and the CPTO
Lead day-to-day R&D Operations, including team management, process improvements, and tooling decisions
Partner with senior stakeholders on priorities, resource allocation, and budget adjustments
Contribute to and escalate major decisions such as strategic pivots, organisational changes, and key external partnerships
Lead and develop the R&D Operations team through hiring, coaching, and performance management
Provide operational leadership across cross-functional R&D initiatives to ensure alignment and consistency
Collaborate closely with the CPTO, VPs of Engineering, Product, and Design, Finance, and People & Culture to align strategy, execution, and organisational planning
Does this sound like you?
Senior experience in R&D Operations, Product Operations, Engineering Operations, or a closely related role in a product-led SaaS environment
Proven ability to operate at Director level and partner with C-level stakeholders
Strong understanding of modern software development, including AI-driven product development
Demonstrated experience linking R&D execution to business and revenue outcomes
Excellent analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills
Comfort navigating ambiguity, rapid change, and competing priorities
Strategic, systems-level thinking combined with strong execution skills
Commercial mindset with a clear understanding of how R&D creates customer and business value
Pragmatic and outcome-focused approach, using process as a means to achieve results
Ability to challenge senior leaders constructively while building trust
Collaborative, low-ego leadership style suited to small, expert teams
Experience supporting a CPTO, CTO, or CPO directly
Exposure to scaling AI capabilities or evolving R&D operating models
Experience working in globally distributed R&D organisations
Why Pipedrive?
People-first culture - Be part of a team that values authenticity, champions collaboration, and supports each other—no egos, just teamwork. Work alongside top talent from around the world in an inclusive space where different perspectives fuel our best ideas. Everyone is welcome
Unlock potential – Push boundaries, take ownership, and experiment with the latest technologies as we enhance our AI First Vision. We empower bold ideas that drive real change
We’ve got you – Your well-being matters. Enjoy flexible hours, wellness perks, and SWAG. Think performance-based bonuses, 28 paid leave days, well-being days, compassionate leave, and even pawternal leave—because we take care of ourselves and our people
Grow with us – Whether through mentorship, coaching, or internal mobility, we invest in helping you unlock your potential. Open, honest feedback and clear communication are at our core. We grow together through trust and accountability
Packed with purpose – Help 100,000+ small and medium-sized businesses grow and succeed while doing meaningful, customer-driven work
Pipedrive is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage diversity in the workplace regardless of age, gender, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status.
Please note that for this role we’re currently unable to offer relocation assistance or visa sponsorship.
#LI-Hybrid #LI-LR2
We’re looking for a Director of R&D Operations who makes a meaningful impact on how R&D operates and turns strategy into execution.
If this is something for you, send us your resume (in English) or a link to your LinkedIn profile and please add why we should pay extra attention to your application.