We’re looking for a Staff Technical Program Manager who will be part of a cross-functional team at IonQ whose mission is to deliver the world’s best quantum solutions in life sciences on the world’s best quantum computers to solve the world’s most complex and impactful problems. This role is open as part of IonQ’s Quantum Applications team based in either Gothenburg, Sweden or Toronto, Canada. You will work closely with partners within the life sciences innovation ecosystem and beyond to create new hybrid quantum applications with significant commercial impact.

In this role, you will lead a talented team of application scientists to deliver the next generation of quantum computing solutions to real-world customers in the advanced health care and life sciences (HCLS) domain. You’ll work with principal investigators, product managers, customers and innovation partners to drive complex projects through initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, controlling and completion. You will support the delivery of a wide variety of initiatives ranging from bespoke quantum solutions, performance-optimized quantum libraries and platforms, as well as first-of-a-kind quantum applications. You will also help develop multi-generational technology and product roadmaps.

Responsibilities: 

• Drive efficient end-to-end delivery of novel quantum HCLS applications built for IonQ quantum computers.
• Lead the transition of technology and capabilities from R&D to commercialization. Define and measure success metrics for each stage of development.
• Create and manage timelines of complex projects, their documentation, milestones and deliverables. Ensure that project dependencies are met, cross-functional resources are aligned, and project teams move forward at a rapid pace.
• Conduct risk analysis and develop risk mitigation plans that result in the successful delivery of projects. Stay ahead of the projects by proactively tackling emerging risks.
• When necessary, roll up your sleeves, dive into technical details, and lead problem solving efforts.
• Communicate with a wide base of stakeholders: internal and external, technical and non-technical. Drive stakeholder alignment and support.
• Maintain and promote operational rigor, reduce waste by implementing the right amount of process without slowing down innovation.
• Work with project, contracting, legal, finance and sales teams to develop proposals, technical volumes and financial reports; ensure regulatory, fiscal and IP compliance.
• Drive quality control and devops processes such as standard work, CI/CD, version control, code style/reviews and automated testing.
• Accommodate occasional travel and flexible work hours to communicate across time zones and ensure customer success, as needed.

You’d be a good fit with: 

• B.S. in physics, mathematics, engineering, computer science or another technical domain; or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated prior experience working directly with clients to co-develop advanced computational modeling solutions.
• Demonstrated prior experience delivering complex innovative projects with a significant R&D component.
• Prior experience in information technology or R&D in the HCLS domain.
• Experience leading complex projects using project management tools such as GitHub, Jira, Smartsheet, etc.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills. Ability to lead through influence without formal authority.
• Strong commitment to customer advocacy, success and customer engagement.
• Ability to work effectively with a strong work ethic and close attention to detail. Capacity to manage a fast-paced dynamic team environment with constantly evolving roles and responsibilities.

You’d be a great fit with:

• M.S. or Ph.D in physics, mathematics, engineering, computer science or another technical domain; or equivalent experience.
• Working knowledge of quantum computing, quantum circuits and quantum software tools, e.g. Qiskit, Cirq, PennyLane.
• Demonstrated prior experience developing cloud and high-performance computing applications.
• Demonstrated prior experience transitioning first-of-a-kind software prototypes to commercial products.
• Subject matter expertise in the HCLS domain.

Location: This role will be based onsite in Gothenburg, Sweden, or Toronto, Canada.
Travel: 10% domestic and international, with a focus on visiting customers and partners
Job ID: 1401

At AKQA (part of WPP), we use the imaginative application of art and science to create beautiful ideas, products, and services. With an entrepreneurial and collaborative approach, we design adaptive digital services and content that capture the imagination, delivering impressive returns for our clients.

In the heart of innovation, AKQA Sweden thrives. We are privileged to collaborate with a fantastic portfolio of clients, including Volvo Cars, Volvo Penta, H&M, Ikea, and Zimmer Biomet. Each partnership is a unique journey, a shared pursuit of creating transformative ideas, products, and services that resonate with their distinct needs and aspirations.

Working with the Delivery team connects you with talented experts from various backgrounds and experiences, who are passionate about ensuring work is delivered to the highest quality, on time, and that clients receive the greatest possible value from their investment.

As a Senior Project Manager in our Delivery team  at AKQA Sweden, you will play a critical role in leading and overseeing large workstreams, ensuring the successful delivery of complex and impactful assignments. Working across four distinct areas our Associate Directors have expertise in at least one area while being comfortable in all others.

Production: Leading complex film shoots, large-scale asset production for campaigns, or production of OOH assets at scale.
Projects: Leading international marketing campaigns in multiple markets, delivering digital and physical experiences.
Product: Leading complex design/technology-driven products, such as website re-platforming, App development for new revenue streams, or other large-scale product management.
Innovation: Implementing cutting-edge technologies and experimenting to find effective market fit.

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

• Provide mentoring and support to multiple project teams, ensuring the delivery of incredible customer experiences, including (but not limited to) websites, e-commerce, mobile apps, emerging technologies, films, products, or events.
• Oversee the successful setup, structure, and end-to-end delivery of multiple engagements involving technical, brand, marketing stakeholders, or environmental complexities, rollout plans in multiple countries, physical construction, or fixed deadlines. 
• Establish strong relationships with senior clients, partners, and multiple suppliers, ensuring the best outcomes for both clients and AKQA.
• Lead on cross-department collaboration, knowledge sharing, and mentorship to promote a cohesive and high-performing work environment.
• Iterate and teach tailored delivery approaches based on methodology or client need, ensuring alignment with business objectives and stakeholder expectations.
• Collaborate with internal teams and clients to define and agree on the Scope of Work, ensuring engagements are clear, unambiguous, and effectively delivered.
• Lead on client discussions regarding project realities, addressing open issues promptly and decisively.

QUALITIES AND CHARACTERISTICS

• Significant  experience in managing diverse service delivery functions in a fast-paced environment, implementing innovative, interactive, and consumer-focused solutions.
• Leads client sessions, resolving challenging discussions with senior client stakeholders, and building long-term relationships.
• Expert understanding of both waterfall and agile methodologies and when to use them. 
• Experience line managing multiple  team members.
• Ability to define functional and technical requirements or User Stories and articulate the value to clients.
• Ability to effectively communicate with new clients about appropriate ways of working to reach their business objectives.
• Experience owning commercial/financial decisions.
• Commitment to delivering the highest quality of production.
• Strong customer service ethos.
• Self-motivation with the ability to inspire and lead project teams to fulfil a vision.
• Dedication to continuous improvement of AKQA delivery practices, processes, and procedures.
• Certification in Scrum, Lean, or other delivery methodologies is a benefit, but not a requirement.

At AKQA Sweden, we are in relentless pursuit of the beyond, shaping the future with our clients, our people, and our planet at the core. Our work is not just our profession, it's our passion, and our commitment is to a future where everyone has the opportunity to shine. We are not just creating for today, we are creating the Future. Faster.

Explore our range of benefits here 

At AKQA (part of WPP) we believe in the imaginative application of art and science to create beautiful ideas, products and services. With an entrepreneurial and collaborative approach, we design adaptive digital services and applications that capture the imagination, delivering impressive returns for our clients.

Within AKQA, we view the production of content as an integral part of our project journey, whilst on our mission to deliver value for our clients and create positive impact for their customers. As part of a multi-disciplinary approach to problem-solving, our team provides a wide range of capabilities including measurement strategies, user experience analytics, consumer research, and applied data science.

This role offers the chance to shine on world-class clients, impact experiences that touch millions, and grow significant partnerships with direct responsibility to our clients and teams alike.

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

• As a senior member of the Delivery Team in Sweden, reporting to the Group Delivery Director, you lead the Production team and oversee projects across the local studio, partnering with the EP, EU to foster best practice and regional collaboration.
• Mentor the local production team, organize and manage the day-to-day production work of the local studio.
• Be the point of knowledge and experience for pre-production, production, and post-production phases, for the internal team and client.
• Client-facing on day - to- day project work and for new business development 
• Create scalable production solutions with adequate quality partners ensuring optimised competitiveness.
• In collaboration with Account Lead, forming an internal project leadership team adapted per projects as streamlined as possible.
• Set and negotiate legal terms and project’s safe conditions for production
• Manage budgets from initial ballpark quotation to final approved budget and set up projects’ framing 
• Build bridges between content and technology and have a point of view about the content of tomorrow. 
• Contributing to AKQA’s values: Invention, Bravery, Generosity and Elevation, you will be excited about being part of our success.  You will thrive when faced with new challenges and will constantly strive to improve the way things are done for our clients.

 QUALITIES AND CHARACTERISTICS 

• 10+ years of experience working as an expert on interactive content production projects, including campaign, brand films, photography,etc.
• Experience successfully running content production programmes of work in excess of 5M.
• Rigorous in organization and management, conscientious and adept in solving issues at all levels of a project
• Excellent understanding of business OKRs, forecasting models and basic financial accounting principle
• Ability to inspire, support and understand the interplay between people, processes, and systems
• Sharp attention to detail and a drive for perfection
• Be an excellent team player and manager who supports and elevates the project and inspire, mentor and empower the team members.
• Lead collaboration particularly with Creative, Design, Content, Delivery and Account teams, where appropriate.

Explore our extensive range of benefits here