Head of Program Surgical Instruments MCS

ZEISS•Chesterfield, MO

About The Position

How many companies can say they have been in business for over 177 years?! Here at ZEISS, we certainly can! As the pioneers of science, ZEISS handles the ever-changing environments in a fast-paced world, meeting it with cutting edge technologies and continuous advancements. ZEISS believes that innovation and technology are the key to a sustainable future and solutions for global change. We have a diverse range of portfolios throughout the ZEISS family in segments like Industrial Quality & Research, Medical Technology, Consumer Markets and Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology. We are a global company with over 42,000 employees and have over 4,000 in the US and Canada alone! Make a difference, come join the team! The Head of Program Surgical Instruments Microsurgery will lead and manage a global program focused on the development and market introduction of one or more medical product families, including related components and accessories. Ensure achievement of objectives related to product performance, manufacturing and development costs, time-to-market, and customer segment requirements. Oversee multidisciplinary teams and external partners, drive innovation, and ensure alignment with corporate strategy and regulatory standards.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, natural sciences or STEM related.
Ten (10) years of experience in operational project management
Five (5) years of experience in a people management & and functional leadership role to include leading global R&D teams
LANGUAGE SKILLS Fluent in German and English
COMPUTER SKILLS: Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel) and SAP MRP systems; experience with Visual Basic and Access is a plus.

Nice To Haves

In-depth knowledge of mechatronic systems/components and medical technology product development.
Broad technical expertise in mechanics, optics, electronics, software, and system architecture.
Strong entrepreneurial mindset, design-to-cost competence, and high performance orientation
Excellent social, intercultural, cooperation, and communication skills.
Assertiveness, confident demeanor, and high flexibility

Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Strategy Lead and manage project teams and team leaders, setting long-term project and functional goals in alignment with corporate strategy and customer needs. Integrate and align global, cross-functional teams to achieve common objectives. Define team structure, roles, responsibilities, and reporting lines; ensure high performance and effective collaboration across locations and disciplines.
Project & Resource Management Oversee the planning, execution, and monitoring of all program phases from concept to market release. Plan and manage the program budget, monitor costs, and initiate corrective actions as needed. Ensure achievement of project milestones, manufacturing cost targets, and time-to-market objectives. Coordinate with external development partners, assess suitability, and ensure effective collaboration.
Technical & Process Excellence Guide the evaluation and integration of new technologies, methodologies, materials, and processes. Ensure robust documentation, process control, and compliance with regulatory and quality standards. Drive continuous improvement in organization, processes, workflows, and working methods.
Team Development & Leadership Lead, motivate, assess, and develop direct and indirect reports according to company leadership principles. Ensure required employee qualifications and propose personnel measures in coordination with HR. Foster a culture of innovation, encourage inventions, and support patent activities.
Stakeholder Communication & Reporting Regularly report project progress, costs, and milestones to senior management and key stakeholders. Prepare, coordinate, and document gate reviews and project status updates. Negotiate and resolve conflicts between locations, functions, and project requirements.
Customer & Market Focus Ensure product development aligns with customer segment requirements and competitive environment. Monitor and ensure product quality, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. Support decisions on pre-development, technology projects, and product maintenance.
Other duties as assigned by Global Management