R&D Director – Medical Devices

palebluedotrecruitment; Galway; On-site; EUR 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary package

Performance bonus

Pension scheme

Health and life insurance

Professional development

Job summary

Our client in Galway is seeking an experienced R&D Director to join the senior leadership team. The role leads international R&D initiatives, shaping the company’s innovation strategy and driving next‑generation medical technologies.

You will partner with executive teams across engineering, quality, operations and commercial functions to deliver complex device development programmes while fostering technical excellence and collaboration.

Qualifications

• 10 years' leadership experience within the medical device industry.
• Proven track record leading complex product development programmes and multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong understanding of medical device design, development, verification, validation and commercialization.
• Experience operating within ISO 13485 regulated environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the R&D strategy aligned with business objectives.
• Lead international R&D initiatives and cross-functional teams.
• Drive the development of next‑generation medical technologies.
• Ensure delivery of complex development programs on time and within budget.
• Foster a culture of innovation, technical excellence and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with Quality, Manufacturing, Regulatory Affairs and Commercial teams.

Skills

Strategic Leadership

Medical Device Product Development

Innovation & Tech Development

Global Project Management

Team Building & Talent Development

Stakeholder Management

Risk Management

Design Controls & PLM

Technical Problem Solving

ISO 13485 & Quality Systems

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical, Biomedical, Electrical, Materials Engineering

Advanced degree (MSc, MEng, PhD, MBA)

Job 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

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute the organisation's R&D strategy in alignment with business objectives.
• Provide leadership and direction across product development and innovation initiatives.
• Translate strategic goals into executable R&D programmes and measurable outcomes.
• Support the development of long‑term technology roadmaps and innovation pipelines.

Research & Product Development

• Lead multidisciplinary R&D teams through all phases of medical device development.
• Drive the successful delivery of complex product development projects, ensuring alignment with timelines, budgets, and business objectives.
• Foster a culture of innovation, scientific excellence, and first‑principles engineering.
• Support invention disclosures, technical problem solving, and technology evaluation activities.

Team Leadership & Development

• Build, mentor, and develop high‑performing R&D teams.
• Promote a collaborative, accountable, and results‑driven working environment.
• Ensure appropriate resourcing and capability development to support future growth.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Quality, Manufacturing, Regulatory Affairs, Clinical, Commercial, and Executive teams.
• Collaborate with marketing and commercial stakeholders to define customer, clinician, and patient needs.
• Act as a key technical stakeholder across internal and external development programmes.

Technical & Operational Excellence

• Drive structured problem‑solving and risk management activities.
• Support complaint investigations and technical reviews where required.
• Ensure compliance with ISO 13485 and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Maintain audit readiness and support quality system effectiveness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical, Biomedical, Electrical, Materials Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Advanced degree (MSc, MEng, PhD, MBA) highly desirable.
• 10 years' leadership experience within the medical device industry.
• Proven track record leading complex product development programmes and multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Strong understanding of medical device design, development, verification, validation, and commercialisation processes.
• Experience operating within ISO 13485 regulated environments.
• Demonstrated ability to translate strategic vision into successful product development programmes.

Preferred Experience

• Structural Heart
• Electrophysiology
• Neurovascular
• Peripheral Vascular Intervention

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strategic Leadership
• Medical Device Product Development
• Innovation & Technology Development
• Global Project Management
• Team Building & Talent Development
• Stakeholder Management
• Risk Management
• Design Controls & Product Lifecycle Management
• Technical Problem Solving
• ISO 13485 & Quality Systems

Benefits

• Competitive executive‑level salary package.
• Performance‑related bonus.
• Pension scheme.
• Health and life insurance.
• Professional development and leadership growth opportunities.
• Opportunity to lead impactful medical device innovation programmes.
• Key leadership position within a growing international organisation.