Head of R&D

Head of R&D – Medical Devices

We are seeking an experienced Head of R&D to lead the delivery of a global new product development and sustaining engineering roadmap within a regulated medical device environment. This role combines strategic leadership, hands-on execution, and people development, ensuring high-quality, compliant products that meet clinical and business needs.

What you’ll do

• Lead and deliver the R&D roadmap , covering NPD, product upgrades, cost-reduction initiatives, and sustaining activities.
• Own project and portfolio execution , ensuring predictable delivery on scope, timeline, budget, and quality.
• Drive design controls, verification & validation, and design transfer in line with regulatory and QMS requirements.
• Manage the R&D budget , balancing innovation, sustaining engineering, and long-term technology investments.
• Shape the technology and innovation roadmap , including software, AI-enabled development, IP strategy, and external research collaborations.
• Lead, coach, and develop multidisciplinary R&D teams , fostering an execution-focused, quality-driven engineering culture.
• Work closely with Product Management, RA/QA, Clinical, Supply Chain, and Service to ensure smooth handovers and strong post-market support.
• Drive continuous improvement in ways of working, tools, and competencies, including the adoption of modern development practices and AI.

What we’re looking for

• Master’s degree in Engineering or a related science ( PhD preferred ).
• 10+ years of experience leading large, highly skilled R&D teams within a regulated industry (medical devices strongly preferred).
• Proven track record delivering hardware and software development projects , including regulated software and AI applications.
• Strong knowledge of R&D governance, budgeting, IP management, and research collaborations .
• Solid understanding of medical device regulations (e.g. MDR/CE, FDA/510(k)).
• A strategic, hands-on leader who inspires teams, communicates clearly, and thrives in complex, ambiguous environments.
• Fluent English required; additional European languages are a plus.

This is a senior leadership role offering the opportunity to shape advanced medical device solutions, lead large R&D organizations, and influence the future of AI-enabled product development in a highly regulated environment.