R&D Director – Medical Devices
Description
Our client, a growing international medical device organisation, is seeking an experienced R&D Director to join its senior leadership team in Galway.
This is a strategic leadership opportunity for an accomplished MedTech professional who is passionate about innovation, product development, and building high-performing engineering teams. The successful candidate will lead international R&D initiatives, drive the development of next-generation medical technologies, and play a key role in shaping the organisation's long-term innovation strategy.
Working closely with executive leadership, engineering, quality, operations, and commercial teams, the R&D Director will ensure the successful delivery of complex medical device development programmes while fostering a culture of technical excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to
Strategic Leadership
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Develop and execute the organisation's R&D strategy in alignment with business objectives.
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Provide leadership and direction across product development and innovation initiatives.
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Translate strategic goals into executable R&D programmes and measurable outcomes.
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Support the development of long-term technology roadmaps and innovation pipelines.
Research & Product Development
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Lead multidisciplinary R&D teams through all phases of medical device development.
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Drive the successful delivery of complex product development projects, ensuring alignment with timelines, budgets, and business objectives.
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Foster a culture of innovation, scientific excellence, and first-principles engineering.
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Support invention disclosures, technical problem solving, and technology evaluation activities.
Team Leadership & Development
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Build, mentor, and develop high-performing R&D teams.
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Promote a collaborative, accountable, and results-driven working environment.
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Ensure appropriate resourcing and capability development to support future growth.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
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Partner closely with Quality, Manufacturing, Regulatory Affairs, Clinical, Commercial, and Executive teams.
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Collaborate with marketing and commercial stakeholders to define customer, clinician, and patient needs.
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Act as a key technical stakeholder across internal and external development programmes.
Technical & Operational Excellence
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Drive structured problem-solving and risk management activities.
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Support complaint investigations and technical reviews where required.
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Ensure compliance with ISO 13485 and applicable regulatory requirements.
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Maintain audit readiness and support quality system effectiveness.