R&D Director, Global Product Development

Abbott • Saint Paul, MN

11d • $168,000 - $336,000

About The Position

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 114,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries. JOB DESCRIPTION: THE OPPORTUNITY: Abbott Vascular provides innovative, minimally invasive and cost-effective products for treatment of vascular disease. Our extensive portfolio includes drug-eluting stents, bare metal stents, guide wires, balloon dilatation catheters, imaging catheters and software, vessel closure devices and peripheral stents. We are seeking a dynamic and strategic R&D leader to head our Global Product Development (GPD) function at our established St. Paul site. This business-critical role is responsible for driving innovation across our existing and emerging vessel preparation technologies in the coronary and peripheral vascular space, while also leading our Centers of Excellence in Hartzler Research training services, Human Factors, and Clinical Engineering. You will collaborate cross-functionally to define and implement a multi-year pipeline for technologies including orbital atherectomy and intravascular lithotripsy (IVL)—currently under clinical investigation. This is a high-impact opportunity to shape the future of life-changing medical devices and build a high-performance, collaborative culture. What You’ll Work On Lead the GPD function, managing a multidisciplinary team of engineers and scientists focused on Class II and III vascular devices. Drive strategic planning and execution of product development programs aligned with global business objectives. Collaborate with internal stakeholders (Regulatory, Clinical, Quality, Operations, Marketing) and external partners (Key Opinion Leaders, suppliers) to ensure successful product development and lifecycle management. Champion a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement. Develop and mentor high-potential talent, ensuring robust succession planning and leadership development. Ensure compliance with corporate policies, procedures, and global regulatory requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field; advanced degree strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 12 years of relevant experience.
• Proven track record of leading teams toward divisional and company goals, managing budgets, and monitoring industry trends.
• Strong understanding of quality systems and compliance requirements.
• Ability to develop and implement scalable work processes and contribute to organizational strategy.

Nice To Haves

• Strategic & Visionary Leadership : Ability to define, communicate, and execute a compelling R&D strategy aligned with business priorities and long-term innovation goals.
• End-to-End Product Development Expertise : Proven experience leading cross-functional teams through the full product lifecycle—from concept to global commercialization—especially for Class III medical devices.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration : Skilled in partnering across Clinical, Regulatory, Quality, Operations, Marketing, and Legal to drive integrated development and market success.
• Technical & Regulatory Acumen : Deep understanding of medical device standards and regulatory frameworks (e.g., IEC 60601, IEC 62304, FDA guidance).
• Hardware/Software Product Experience : Preference for candidates with hands-on experience developing hardware-based medical devices and/or software-driven technologies, including embedded systems or digital health solutions.
• Talent Development & Team Leadership : Builds high-performing, diverse teams through mentorship, succession planning, and inclusive leadership.
• Customer & Market Orientation : Engages with physicians, KOLs, and end-users to ensure clinical relevance and market differentiation.
• Operational Excellence : Drives disciplined execution, resource optimization, and continuous improvement across programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead the GPD function, managing a multidisciplinary team of engineers and scientists focused on Class II and III vascular devices.
• Drive strategic planning and execution of product development programs aligned with global business objectives.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders (Regulatory, Clinical, Quality, Operations, Marketing) and external partners (Key Opinion Leaders, suppliers) to ensure successful product development and lifecycle management.
• Champion a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Develop and mentor high-potential talent, ensuring robust succession planning and leadership development.
• Ensure compliance with corporate policies, procedures, and global regulatory requirements.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees