Director, Okta Research and Development; ORD Operations

Director, Okta Research and Development (ORD) Operations

Get to know Okta

Okta is The World’s Identity Company. We free everyone to safely use any technology, anywhere, on any device or app. Our flexible and neutral products, Okta Platform and Auth0 Platform, provide secure access, authentication, and automation, placing identity at the core of business security and growth.

At Okta, we celebrate a variety of perspectives and experiences. We are not looking for someone who checks every single box – we’re looking for lifelong learners and people who can make us better with their unique experiences.

Join our team! We’re building a world where Identity belongs to you.

We are looking for a high-impact Director of Okta Research and Development (ORD) Operations to serve as the connective tissue for ORD. This is a strategic leadership role focused on operationalizing, and scaling the "business rhythms" that keep Engineering, Product, and Design (EPD) teams delivering and aligned with our Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy. The ideal candidate is a strategic partner who can sit comfortably in the boardroom with the C-suite, translate complex technical progress into data‑driven narratives, and ensure that no detail is lost in the shuffle.

You will be the primary orchestrator of executive engagements, ensuring our leadership team is prepared, aligned, and focused on the highest‑priority outcomes. To excel, you must possess an "owner mentality" and a bias toward action.

• Define and manage the end-to-end lifecycle of ORD leadership meetings, including monthly and quarterly reviews. You will set the strategic agenda, facilitate high‑stakes sessions, and ensure rigorous follow‑through on all decisions and action items.
• Act as the primary bridge between EPD and GTM teams. You will ensure that product delivery timelines and technical roadmaps are perfectly synchronized with sales and market expectations.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for prep and follow-ups on topics involving the C-suite. You will manage briefing cycles and ensure every executive meeting results in documented next steps and clear accountability.
• Continuously refine the R&D operating model to eliminate friction, improve communication flow, and ensure the organization scales efficiently.
• Lead and scale a high‑performing team of Operations Managers, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous process improvement.

• 10+ years of professional experience, ideally in Management Consulting, Strategic Program Management, or Business Operations within a high‑growth technology environment.
• Bachelor’s degree required;
  Master’s degree (MBA or similar) preferred.
• Proven ability to influence and provide strategic counsel to C-level executives. You must be comfortable navigating high‑stakes discussions and holding leaders accountable.
• You possess an uncompromising commitment to clarity and follow‑through. You are adept at converting high‑level strategic conversations into documented, actionable reality.
• Ability to synthesize complex data sets from EPD and GTM functions into concise, visually compelling executive presentations.
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity and shifting priorities in a fast‑paced R&D environment.
• Prior experience thriving within a high‑growth SaaS or Cloud Computing environment is highly preferred, with an understanding of the unique talent needs of engineering and product organizations.
• Strong program management skills, creative problem‑solving practices, detail-oriented and precise execution, and an ability to learn quickly in a fast‑paced, technical environment.

Requires in-person onboarding and travel to our San Francisco, CA HQ office or our Chicago office during the first week of employment.

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The annual base salary range for this position for candidates located in the San Francisco Bay area is between: $251,000—$345,000 USD.

Below is the annual base salary range for candidates located in California (excluding San Francisco Bay Area), Colorado, Illinois, New York and Washington. Your actual base salary will depend on factors such as your skills, qualifications, experience, and work location. In…