Global Head of Research and Development (R&D)
Our client, a medical device company, is currently seeking a Global Head of Research and Development to join their team. Reporting to the 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 lead 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.
* Develop a pipeline portfolio of diverse health products, working from basic clinical need through opportunity assessment and device concept to prototype.
* Work closely with a number of cross-functional Heads of Departments, in particular Medical, Regulatory Affairs and Quality Departments, Supply Chain, Commercial, and Marketing; the Head of R&D will be responsible and accountable for the internal product development pipeline and will manage 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 suggest innovation for the company.
* Partner with internal functions including Supply Chain and Q&R to drive the timely completion of market clearance applications 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 developments and innovations in the field.
* Effectively represent the 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 the market needed innovations are, as well as 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.
Skills/Experience:
* 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 the 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 the company professionally at the 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 a 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.
For further information please contact James Cassidy or call in confidence 086 0204322
#J-18808-Ljbffr