China Innovation Center Leader

China-Shanghai8-12 years

Job Description

The China Innovation Leader is responsible for defining and executing a unified China innovation strategy, serving as the single voice to global stakeholders while accelerating localized innovation. This role integrates workflows, software, automation, and frontier technology scouting to rapidly develop, pilot, and scale solutions – both within China and globally.

Positioned at the intersection of customer needs, emerging technology, and global product strategy, this role will drive a high-speed innovation engine that translates local insights into scalable business impact, while helping shape Agilent’s future innovation strategy.

Key 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

Qualifications

Qualifications

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.