Director, R&D - Labeling and Packaging

BD; Covington (VA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

BD is seeking a Director of Labeling & Packaging, R&D – UCC to lead consumer-centric labeling and packaging strategies across NPD and sustaining engineering. The role emphasizes process excellence, scalable operations, and regulatory compliance within a global medical device framework.

The ideal candidate brings 12+ years in packaging/labeling, a strong design and regulatory background, and the ability to drive cross-functional programs in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Packaging Science, Industrial Design, or related field (advanced degree preferred).
• 12+ years of experience in packaging, labeling, or product development, including leadership roles.
• Experience in consumer products packaging and/or industrial design; regulated industries experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the long-term strategy for labeling and packaging aligned with UCC growth objectives.
• Serve as the functional leader across labeling and packaging, providing direction across platforms and projects.
• Lead transformation initiatives to improve labeling and packaging efficiency, throughput, and predictability.
• Oversee labeling and packaging deliverables across the full product lifecycle (concept through commercialization and sustaining).
• Ensure all labeling and packaging meet global regulatory requirements (FDA, EU MDR, ISO standards).
• Build and lead a high-performing labeling and packaging team; drive accountability and BD Excellence mindset.

Skills

Leadership

Process improvement

Regulatory awareness

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, Packaging Science, Industrial Design, or related field

Tools

AI-enabled workflows

Artwork management

Job description

We are the people who give possibilities purpose

BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world. Advancing the world of health™ is our Purpose, and it’s no small feat. It takes the imagination and passion of all of us—from design and engineering to the manufacturing and marketing of our billions of MedTech products per year—to look at the impossible and find transformative solutions that turn dreams into possibilities.

Job Description

Director, Labeling & Packaging, R&D – UCC

Be part of something bigger!

BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world and is advancing the world of health by improving medical discovery, diagnostics, and the delivery of care. With over 70,000 employees worldwide, BD addresses some of the most complex global health challenges through innovation, quality, and operational excellence.

Position Summary

The Director of Labeling & Packaging is a key member of the UCC R&D leadership team, responsible for setting the strategic direction and operational execution of labeling and packaging across innovation, new product development (NPD), and sustaining engineering (SE).

This role brings a consumer-centric mindset to product experience—ensuring that labeling and packaging not only meet regulatory requirements but also enhance usability, clarity, and market competitiveness. The Director will drive process excellence, efficiency, and scalability within the labeling and packaging functions while ensuring compliance with global medical device regulations.

Focus Areas

• Consumer-Centric Design Excellence: Embed consumer product packaging principles to elevate usability, clarity, and shelf/point-of-use impact
• Operational Efficiency & Process Transformation: Drive standardization, automation, and continuous improvement (e.g., AI-enabled workflows, labeling throughput optimization)
• Regulatory Compliance & Quality: Ensure adherence to global medical device labeling, packaging, and design control requirements
• Execution & Delivery: Ensure on-time, high-quality delivery of labeling and packaging across NPD and SE portfolios
• Talent & Organization Development: Build a high-performing, scalable organization with strong technical and operational capabilities

Primary Responsibilities

Strategy & Leadership

• Define and execute the long-term strategy for labeling and packaging aligned with UCC growth objectives
• Serve as the functional leader across labeling and packaging, providing direction across platforms and projects
• Act as a key contributor to functional and business strategy development

Consumer-Centric Packaging & Labeling

• Apply consumer product design principles to improve product differentiation, usability, and customer experience
• Partner with Marketing and Design teams to ensure packaging and labeling meet evolving customer needs and expectations
• Drive innovation in packaging formats, materials, and labeling presentation

Process Excellence & Continuous Improvement

• Lead transformation initiatives to improve labeling and packaging efficiency, throughput, and predictability
• Standardize workflows (e.g., artwork creation, review cycles, release processes) and eliminate waste
• Implement digital and AI-enabled solutions to accelerate labeling and packaging processes
• Develop and track key performance metrics (cycle time, quality, cost, delivery)

Program Execution

• Oversee labeling and packaging deliverables across the full product lifecycle (concept through commercialization and sustaining)
• Ensure alignment with BD’s Global Product Development System (GPDS) and design control practices
• Provide governance, risk management, and escalation support for critical programs

Regulatory & Quality Compliance

• Ensure all labeling and packaging meet global regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA, EU MDR, ISO standards)
• Partner with Quality and Regulatory Affairs to ensure compliance within BD’s Quality Management System
• Maintain inspection readiness and support audits

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with R&D, Quality, Regulatory, Operations, Marketing, and Supply Chain
• Ensure seamless integration of labeling and packaging into product development and commercialization plans
• Serve as a key stakeholder in platform and portfolio decision‑making

Talent Development & Organization Leadership

• Build and lead a high-performing team of labeling and packaging professionals
• Develop technical depth and leadership capability across the organization
• Drive a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and BD Excellence mindset

Candidate Profile

BD is seeking a transformational and execution-focused leader who combines consumer product insight with strong operational discipline and regulatory awareness.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Packaging Science, Industrial Design, or related field (advanced degree preferred)
• 12+ years of experience in packaging, labeling, or product development, including leadership roles
• Proven experience in consumer products packaging and/or industrial design
• Demonstrated success driving process improvements and operational efficiency in a complex organization
• Experience working within regulated industries (medical device preferred)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience integrating consumer design principles into healthcare or regulated environments
• Knowledge of global labeling and packaging regulations (e.g., FDA, EU MDR, ISO 13485)
• Experience with digital/AI tools for labeling workflows and artwork management
• Background in high-volume consumables or disposable product categories