Global Head of R&D

Global Head of Research and Development (R&D)


Our client a medical device company are currently seeking a Global Head of Research and Development to join their team. Reporting to company CEO The Head of R&D is responsible for directing and overseeing all discovery and development projects in the company. The Head of R&D will assess new opportunities that are either in the workstream already or are being considered by the company. The Head of R&D is responsible for both the development of projects to their completion as well as idea generation for the company. The Head of R&D will work closely with Leaders and stakeholders to ensure complete alignment across the R&D projects and will leads the R&D Team, resource allocation and R&D decision making.


Role/Responsibilities:

• Shape the structure of the R&D function; recruiting, leading, managing and developing a team of highly talented R&D specialists.
• Developing a pipeline portfolio of diverse health products, working from basic clinical need through opportunity assessment and device concept to prototype.
• Working closely with a number of cross-functional Heads of Departments, in particular Medical, Regulatory Affairs and Quality Departments, Supply Chain, Commercial, Marketing; the Head of R&D will be responsible and accountable for the internal product development pipeline and will manage and the team involved in project specific implementation and execution of planned development activities.
• Source and evaluate the capabilities and qualifications of contract developers/ manufacturers to prepare/process the intended formulation as well as development of said formulations and devices.
• Lead and organise product development activities within a contract development lab or manufacturing facility, according to the relevant guidelines and best practices of each product/project.
• Play a role in the development of an upgraded process on how the organisation collaborates with key team members to deliver innovation to its home markets and export markets.
• Work with the commercial teams and the CEO to ensure the prioritisation is correct across the project list.
• Set project direction, planning, goals, milestones and ensure project deliverables meet strategic corporate objectives. Create a realistic 1- and 3-year plan for what the department will achieve.
• Deliver through effective planning and project management
• Lifecycle management of existing portfolios
• Development of an innovation charter for the different product categories
• As projects move from a defined product concept into development, the Head of R&D will be working closely with the Medical, Marketing, Insights & Commercial departments. As a key member of the wider innovation selection group this role will be responsible for promoting a culture of innovation both within the Research, Development, and Innovation Department and across the business.
• The Head of R&D will be tasked with developing innovation and leading his/her team to suggesting innovation for the company.
• Partner with internal functions including Supply Chain, Q&R to drive the timely completion of market clearance application for the US, European and worldwide markets.
• Provide Leadership of the R&D function, which is currently a team of 6 people.
• Oversee R&D budget and allocation of resources in the R&D department
• Motivate, organize training, manage and lead the team and recruit where appropriate
• Provide leadership in technical innovation across the department championing a culture of innovation.
• Explore and assess R&D partnership opportunities, including pharmaceutical & healthcare companies and academic institutions
• Maintain the highest quality of scientific foundations of concept discovery & development process
• Keep informed on the latest development and innovations in the field
• Effectively represent company while interacting with HCP’s, to distil their needs into product requirements and concepts. Engage scientific/medical advisors to screen product ideas.
• Lead the development and management of the company’s intellectual property portfolio.
• Identify and mitigate technical risks throughout the design process. Promote problem-solving techniques within the team.
• Manage any external contractors to deliver on time, cost and performance targets.
• Work alongside the Head of Q&R in the delivery and implementation of an appropriate QMS, ensuring full participation/policy adherence within the R&D function.
• Oversee and manage technology transfer to the manufacturing process, interfacing effectively with subcontract manufacturing and other suppliers to deliver on agreed product specifications
• Work closely with the BD Director and the Commercial team to ensure we are selecting the right priorities for development.
• Work with the marketing and insights team to gain an understanding of what are market needed innovations are as well gaining their support to validate innovation ideas coming from the R&D department.
• Attend meetings where we can source and explore new partners in development and manufacturing
• Cooperate with partners/labs/CMO’s/CDMO’s to plan and complete product design prototype, design freeze, product test verification and clinical research; Ensure the smooth mass production of products

• 3rd Level Degree in life sciences, pharmacology, or equivalent is required
• Masters level qualification is desirable
• Executive management training or managerial certification is desirable
• Minimum 10 years’ relevant experience at senior management level in healthcare industry
• R&D experience in medical devices
• Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment and company structure is critical
• Experience building and leading teams
• Proven track record in resource mobilization/business development
• Proven track record in healthcare product development including innovation and project/program management, design theory, risk analysis, problem-solving skills and technical leadership.
• Excellent knowledge of Healthcare Innovation Discovery/Development
• Comprehensive knowledge of Clinical Research/Development
• Strong knowledge of Regulatory
• In depth knowledge of diseases/academia
• Excellent ability to use initiative, prioritise, multi-task, and work well under pressure to meet deadlines
• Calm dealing with a fast paced, large workload environment
• Very clear and systematic thinking that demonstrates strong judgment and problem-solving competencies
• Excellent communication skills in multicultural and multi-lingual environments.
• Excellent public speaking skills, ability to influence and persuade. Can represent company professionally at international level.
• Experienced Leader of global multicultural teams that have delivered optimum performance
• Highly organized and structured
• Strong analytical skills
• Well-developed strategic thinking with a track record of leading and completing large strategic programmes
• Ability to manage organisation wide programmes within budgetary and other constraints
• Strong ability to exercise high degree of independence to ensure programme delivery and explore new areas of activities
• Proven ability in managing internal and external stakeholders and strong management,
• Proven negotiation and advocacy skills