SCOPE Eyecare & Healthcare · 1 month ago
Head of Research and Development (R&D)
United States
Full-time
Remote
Director/Executive
10+ years expSCOPE Eyecare & Healthcare is seeking a Head of Research and Development (R&D) to lead the strategic direction and innovation pipeline of product development, particularly in eyecare products. The role involves overseeing a multidisciplinary team and ensuring the successful development and lifecycle management of products across various regulatory landscapes.
Dietary SupplementsHealth CareManufacturingPharmaceutical
Responsibilities
Define and execute the R&D strategy across all product categories, aligning innovation with market trends, regulatory landscapes, and business growth objectives
Shape the structure of the R&D function, recruiting and developing a high-performing team with expertise in eyecare, formulation science, device engineering, nutrition, and cosmetics
Provide regular updates and strategic recommendations to the executive team and board of directors on R&D progress, challenges, and opportunities
Work closely with Ideation & Discover to transfer projects into R&D and the Stage and Gate process at the optimum time for the business
Work closely with Marketing and Commercial to align our development programmes with the key brand strategy for the company
Lead research and development programmes of new products in eye care (all regulatory classes), periocular cosmetics, devices and nutritional supplements
Using Stage and Gate process, manage the innovation pipeline from concept through to prototype, clinical validation, and commercial launch
Oversee formulation and design activities for eyecare products, ensuring efficacy, safety, and user acceptability
Monitor emerging technologies and market trends to identify new opportunities for innovation
Manage the Scope laboratory and the development programmes in situ
Ensure compliance with global regulatory frameworks including EU MDR, FDA QSR, ISO 13485, ISO 14971, and applicable regulations for cosmetics, supplements, and OTC medicines
Collaborate with Regulatory Affairs to prepare and submit dossiers, manage change notifications, and respond to authority queries
Monitor regulatory trends and provide strategic guidance on emerging regulations affecting ophthalmic and consumer health products
Lead internal and external audits, ensuring readiness for inspections and third-party assessments
Drive continuous improvement initiatives across R&D processes and systems
Oversee the R&D budget, ensuring optimal allocation of resources and cost-effective project execution
Partner with Quality, Medical, Marketing, Commercial and Supply Chain teams to ensure strong collaboration and alignment through the development process
Support clinical studies and post-market surveillance activities where required
Build and maintain strategic partnerships with academic institutions, industry collaborators, and external research organizations to enhance innovation and accelerate product development
Represent the company at scientific conferences, industry forums, and with external stakeholders as required
Support our legal team with the development and execution of intellectual property strategies, including patent filings and management of proprietary technologies
Conduct with our legal team freedom-to-operate assessments and ensure protection of company innovations
Mentor and develop R&D staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning and ensuring robust succession planning
Champion employee wellbeing, diversity, equity and inclusion within the R&D function, promoting a collaborative and innovative team environment
Qualification
Required
Advanced degree in life sciences, engineering, or a related field (PhD preferred)
Minimum 10 years' experience in R&D leadership roles within regulated healthcare sectors across multiple regulatory geographic landscapes
Executive management training or managerial certification is desirable
Proven track record in developing ophthalmic products and navigating complex regulatory environments
Huge experience in driving and executing a functioning Stage & gate process for a company that is well understood and connected across the strategic functions
Strong understanding of global regulatory requirements across multiple product categories
Candidate will have experience across at least 3 of the regulatory classes we deal with
Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills
Inspirational leadership and team-building capabilities. Someone who can really form and gel a team and unite them in a department mission that drives them forward
Looking for someone who commands credibility within their team and the wider organisation
Looking for someone who can bring Scope forward in the area of R&D and develop the company overall
Strategic thinker with hands-on execution skills
Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and project leadership
Passion for innovation and improving patient lives
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
Experienced leader of global multicultural teams that have delivered optimum performance
Ability to manage organisation-wide programmes within budgetary and other constraints
Strong ability to exercise high degree of independence to ensure programme delivery and explore new areas of activities
Company
SCOPE Eyecare & Healthcare
SCOPE is a Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals company with locations in Ireland, UK and USA that is dedicated to providing Healthcare Professionals & patients with high quality, effective and innovative products.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Kara Chan, MA, SHRM-CP
HR Business Partner (US)
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