Director, Research and Development

Stryker; Tempe (AZ); On-site; USD 156,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Stryker Corporation is seeking a Director, Research & Development to lead Sustainability Solutions innovation, regulatory strategy, and product development. The role oversees R&D, Regulatory Affairs, Quality, and Program Management to deliver sustainable growth and compliant products.

You will drive global programs from concept through commercialization, ensure manufacturing transitions, manage budgets, and mentor a high-performing team across multiple functions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or applicable technical field; master’s degree preferred.
• 12+ years in medical device, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology or similarly regulated industry.
• 6+ years direct people management experience preferred.
• Excellent cross-functional leadership capabilities.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills.
• Experience with FDA (GMP/QSR) and ISO requirements.
• Business development experience preferred.
• 510K and premarket submission experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead global research and development programs from concept to commercialization.
• Drive product development strategy, processes, and execution.
• Ensure successful product transitions into manufacturing through cross-functional collaboration.
• Oversee project planning, resource allocation, schedules, milestones, and portfolio performance.
• Foster Lean and continuous improvement to drive innovation.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Negotiation

Problem solving

Communication

Business development

FDA GMP/QSR knowledge

ISO knowledge

Leadership coaching

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or applicable technical field

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Work Flexibility:

Onsite The Director, Research & Development is responsible for leading Stryker Sustainability Solutions (SSS) innovation, product development, and regulatory strategy to deliver sustainable business growth. This leader oversees the development and commercialization of new and expanded product offerings, ensures compliance with global regulatory requirements, and drives execution across R&D, Regulatory Affairs, Quality, and Program Management functions.

• Remote – Role allows you to work the majority to 100% of time from an alternate workplace. These ...
• Field-based – You can expect to regularly work a majority to 100% of time at customer facilities and has a set territory or expectation to travel within a set boundary. Almost all sales roles would likely be qualified as field-based.
• Onsite – Role is 100% located at a Stryker facility. Some ad hoc flexibility may be available depending on role, level, and job requirements. Manufacturing roles and any role that requires physical presence at the office would qualify under this category.
• Hybrid – You can expect to regularly work in both an alternate workplace and a Stryker facility. Roles that are partially remote or co-located would qualify as hybrid, and the expectation to be onsite would be defined and agreed upon by your manager/supervisor.

What You Will Do:

Strategic & Enterprise Leadership

• Serve as a key member of the Business Unit Leadership Team (BULT), helping shape business strategy and enterprise priorities.
• Establish and execute functional and departmental strategies aligned to business goals.
• Drive organizational alignment, decision-making, and resolution of complex business challenges.
• Identify and advance growth opportunities across product portfolios and business units.

Product Development & Innovation

• Lead global research and development programs from concept through commercialization.
• Drive product development strategy, processes, and execution across the organization.
• Ensure successful product transitions into manufacturing through strong cross-functional collaboration.
• Oversee project planning, resource allocation, schedules, milestones, and portfolio performance.
• Foster innovation and continuous improvement through Lean and problem-solving methodologies.

Regulatory Affairs, Quality & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with FDA, EU, and other applicable regulatory requirements.
• Provide leadership for design controls, product development documentation, and quality system processes.
• Support and strengthen Quality Management System initiatives and performance metrics.
• Review and approve technical and regulatory deliverables to ensure compliance and product quality.

Customer & Market Engagement

• Lead customer-focused innovation and research activities, partnering with key opinion leaders (KOLs) and external stakeholders to inform product strategy.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and market opportunities to support long-term growth.
• Ensure customer needs remain central to product and portfolio decisions.

Cross-Functional Leadership & Collaboration

• Partner across R&D, Quality, Regulatory, Operations, Marketing, Finance, Manufacturing, and other functions to achieve business objectives.
• Drive alignment across teams, divisions, customers, and key stakeholders.
• Lead complex, cross-functional initiatives that advance innovation and business performance.

Financial & Operational Leadership

• Own departmental budgets, resource planning, and financial performance.
• Drive financial accountability across programs, projects, and cost centers.
• Monitor portfolio performance through effective reporting, metrics, and governance.
• Ensure efficient use of resources while balancing strategic priorities and business objectives.

Talent Leadership & Team Development

• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing, diverse, and engaged R&D organization.
• Attract, retain, and develop top talent through coaching, mentoring, and performance management.
• Create a culture of accountability, inclusion, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Develop future leaders and maintain a strong talent pipeline.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or applicable technical field; master’s degree preferred
• 12+ years applicable experience in medical device, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology or a similarly regulated industry
• 6+ years direct people management experience preferred

Preferred Qualifications:

• Excellent cross-functional team leadership capabilities
• Strong negotiation, problem solving, organization and communication skills
• Business development experience preferred
• 510K and premarket submission experience preferred
• Working knowledge of FDA (GMP/QSR) and ISO requirements
• Broad and comprehensive understanding of, experience in, and ability to mentor in one or more technical / functional disciplines.
• Talented performance coach who is skilled at providing actionable feedback to team members, setting clear performance objectives and managing team member performance.
• Advanced understanding that contributes to the overall business strategy relative to the healthcare market and competitors, conversant in clinical issues of relevance to Stryker.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex plans and technical information to team members and executive leaders across divisions.
• Proven ability to deliver programs or other business goals on time, on quality and within budget.

United States of America Pay Ranges:

USN: $155,900 - $259,700 USD Annual View the U.S. work location and transparency guide to find the pay range for your location.

Travel Percentage: None

Stryker Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Stryker is an EO employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability.

Stryker Corporation will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Stryker is one of the world’s leading medical technology companies and, together with its customers, is driven to make healthcare better. We offer innovative products and services in Orthopaedics, Medical and Surgical, and Neurotechnology and Spine that help improve patient and hospital outcomes. We are proud to be named one of the World’s Best Workplaces!

For more information, visit: www.stryker.com