Vice President, Head of R&D

Role overview

Set direction and lead execution for a global research and development organization spanning a broad product and technology portfolio. You’ll assess how the organization is structured, build capabilities for future needs, and align R&D programs with business priorities. A key focus is advancing AI-enabled products and data-driven solutions while strengthening delivery, governance, and collaboration across teams.

Responsibilities

- Assess the current R&D organization, identify capability gaps, and implement an effective structure. - Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing team distributed across locations. - Translate the global R&D roadmap into programs with defined milestones, resources, and accountability. - Apply AI, machine learning, automation, and advanced analytics to improve R&D productivity, quality, and innovation. - Align investment and priorities with portfolio managers, business needs, and market opportunities. - Establish governance, performance measures, portfolio reviews, and compliance with relevant quality and regulatory standards. - Allocate budgets and resources, and represent R&D in executive discussions and external partnerships.

Requirements

- 20+ years of progressive R&D leadership in life sciences, diagnostics, or a closely related industry. - Track record leading large, global, multi-site R&D organizations and delivering complex programs from concept through commercialization. - Experience developing or scaling AI-enabled, data-rich, or digitally connected products in a relevant technology market. - Expertise in organizational design and structuring teams around core capabilities. - Strong executive communication and influence, including close partnership with portfolio management. - Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline; advanced degree strongly preferred. - Ability and willingness to travel internationally on a regular basis.

Nice to have

- Experience in diagnostics, genomics, imaging, or reagent and instrument development. - Familiarity with FDA, CE-IVD, ISO, or comparable regulatory environments. - Experience transforming R&D functions within a global, matrixed organization.