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:
1. Shape the structure of the R&D function; recruiting, leading, managing and developing a team of highly talented R&D specialists.
2. Developing a pipeline portfolio of diverse health products, working from basic clinical need through opportunity assessment and device concept to prototype.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Work with the commercial teams and the CEO to ensure the prioritisation is correct across the project list.
8. 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.
9. Deliver through effective planning and project management
10. Lifecycle management of existing portfolios
11. Development of an innovation charter for the different product categories
12. 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.
13. The Head of R&D will be tasked with developing innovation and leading his/her team to suggesting innovation for the company.
14. 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.
15. Provide Leadership of the R&D function, which is currently a team of 6 people.
16. Oversee R&D budget and allocation of resources in the R&D department
17. Motivate, organize training, manage and lead the team and recruit where appropriate
18. Provide leadership in technical innovation across the department championing a culture of innovation.
19. Explore and assess R&D partnership opportunities, including pharmaceutical & healthcare companies and academic institutions
20. Maintain the highest quality of scientific foundations of concept discovery & development process
21. Keep informed on the latest development and innovations in the field
22. 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.
23. Lead the development and management of the company’s intellectual property portfolio.
24. Identify and mitigate technical risks throughout the design process. Promote problem-solving techniques within the team.
25. Manage any external contractors to deliver on time, cost and performance targets.
26. 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.
27. Oversee and manage technology transfer to the manufacturing process, interfacing effectively with subcontract manufacturing and other suppliers to deliver on agreed product specifications
28. Work closely with the BD Director and the Commercial team to ensure we are selecting the right priorities for development.
29. 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.
30. Attend meetings where we can source and explore new partners in development and manufacturing
31. 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
Skills/Experience
32. 3rd Level Degree in life sciences, pharmacology, or equivalent is required
33. Masters level qualification is desirable
34. Executive management training or managerial certification is desirable
35. Minimum 10 years’ relevant experience at senior management level in healthcare industry
36. R&D experience in medical devices
37. Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment and company structure is critical
38. Experience building and leading teams
39. Proven track record in resource mobilization/business development
40. Proven track record in healthcare product development including innovation and project/program management, design theory, risk analysis, problem-solving skills and technical leadership.
41. Excellent knowledge of Healthcare Innovation Discovery/Development
42. Comprehensive knowledge of Clinical Research/Development
43. Strong knowledge of Regulatory
44. In depth knowledge of diseases/academia
45. Excellent ability to use initiative, prioritise, multi-task, and work well under pressure to meet deadlines
46. Calm dealing with a fast paced, large workload environment
47. Very clear and systematic thinking that demonstrates strong judgment and problem-solving competencies
48. Excellent communication skills in multicultural and multi-lingual environments.
49. Excellent public speaking skills, ability to influence and persuade. Can represent company professionally at international level.
50. Experienced Leader of global multicultural teams that have delivered optimum performance
51. Highly organized and structured
52. Strong analytical skills
53. Well-developed strategic thinking with a track record of leading and completing large strategic programmes
54. Ability to manage organisation wide programmes within budgetary and other constraints
55. Strong ability to exercise high degree of independence to ensure programme delivery and explore new areas of activities
56. Proven ability in managing internal and external stakeholders and strong management,
57. Proven negotiation and advocacy skills
For further information please contact James Cassidy or call in confidence 086 0204322