Vice President of Research & Development, WATCHMAN

Boston Scientific • Maple Grove, MN

4d • Onsite

About The Position

This is an exciting opportunity to join Boston Scientific as the Vice President of Research & Development responsible for the global WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC) business within our Cardiology group. In our WATCHMAN business, we’re committed to advancing stroke prevention therapy through a one-time, minimally invasive procedure that permanently reduces stroke risk for people with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. The candidate selected for this position will oversee long-term strategic planning and direction to build our product pipeline, accelerate innovation and drive execution. This leadership role is integral as we build a differentiated portfolio to strengthen WATCHMAN’s leadership position in the LAAC space, drive further adoption in this area and help more patients throughout the world with this therapy. Reporting into the Global General Manager WATCHMAN, this role is a critical component of the WATCHMAN Business Management Board and will be based in Maple Grove, MN. This individual will lead an R&D organization of ~ 100 people, with responsibility across the full spectrum of R&D including exploratory research, new product development and sustaining engineering. The role collaborates closely with other functions involved in the portfolio and development process, namely Marketing, PMO, Quality, Clinical, Regulatory, Process Development, Design Assurance and Operations. We are seeking a leader who can drive a transformative, collaborative, and cross-functional approach to maintain a strong culture, accelerate innovation and create a collaborative and equitable work environment.

Requirements

• BS degree in Engineering or applicable technical field.
• 12+ years technical experience involved with any aspect of the product development and manufacturing process.
• 12+ years of technical experience in Medtech.
• 5+ years’ experience directly managing senior level leaders.
• Significant customer experience, collaboration and interface, support of clinical trials, advisory boards, customer field visits, innovation visits, etc.
• Previous experience in product portfolio management; evaluating customer needs, investment decisions & trade-offs, evaluating performance and course-correcting.
• Proven ability to drive change successfully across org/job design, processes, and human capital capabilities.
• Demonstrate global mindset by previous experience and responsibility in global markets.
• Ability to connect authentically with all levels and types of employees.
• Drive high levels of engagement and build a culture of high performance and inclusion.
• Culture builder who is passionate about creating an environment that fosters curiosity, continuous improvement, learning, accountability, knowledge sharing, problem solving, speaking candidly, and creates a safe environment for people to challenge.
• A forward thinker who connects with an external network and actively tracks and implements applicable trends in research and technologies.
• Strong track record of working globally and cross-functionally across an organizational matrix.
• Builds strong stakeholder relationships.
• Proven ability to attracting & develop diverse talent, especially in developing new capabilities in a team needed to meet constantly evolving business strategies.
• Experience managing vendor and partner relationships involved in any aspect of the product development process.
• Leader adept at analysis and utilization of disciplined, product development principles and ensuring a strong culture of adherence.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree
• Strong preference for someone who has worked in multiple functions and brings a holistic set of experiences to the role.
• Experience preferably in the field of Cardiology.
• Preference for previous experience managing large teams through subordinate People Leaders.

Responsibilities

• Overall Functional Leader for WATCHMAN R&D in the achievement of organizational goals.
• Owner of developing the division’s long-term business and product portfolio strategy.
• Develop and lead strategies and projects for the investigation, design, and implementation of new or improved products and/or applications.
• Drive the Product Life Cycle Process for all LAAC projects, with a strong focus on agile development.
• Proactively manage R&D performance goals and portfolio investments (exploratory, technology development, and product development).
• Collaboratively determine short and long-term product strategies and technologies.
• Drive business development strategy to identify external products, technologies and intellectual property to accelerate growth as well target recommendations, financial case and integration planning.
• Provide vision, direction and prioritization in managing a funnel of exploratory projects, with an agile and robust approach.
• Create an entrepreneurial, action-based culture with a passion for winning.
• Support global growth by identifying different needs across the world and reflect them into product and clinical portfolio.
• Act as a leader across the matrix of Cardiology business functions.
• Find and create future leaders by constantly recruiting & developing talent.
• Encourage problem-solving efficiently leading to solutions.
• Ensure sharing of initiatives/ideas and accomplishments across the divisions.
• Empower teams and foster a diverse and inclusive workplace that enables all participants to contribute to their full potential in pursuit of organizational objectives.
• Set performance expectations and ensure a culture of high-performance, collaboration and winning spirit.
• Be a champion of diversity, equity inclusion, and belonging.
• Develop and ensure budgets and schedules meet business needs/objectives.
• Lead Strategic Planning process to include prioritization and trade-off decisions.
• Champion new programs or refocus existing initiatives.
• Lead all efforts with external partnerships.
• Partner with physicians, industry specialists and hospitals to drive innovation to meet unmet customer and patient needs.
• Develop effective and persuasive presentations for Executive Leadership engagements.
• Support and reinforces divisional and corporate quality system.
• Align closely with the WATCHMAN leadership team, to drive efficiencies, high performance, and impactful talent strategies across the entire WATCHMAN division.

Benefits

• Access to the latest tools, information and training
• Opportunity to advance your skills and career
• Support in progressing ambitions
• Core and optional employee benefits offered by Boston Scientific (BSC) – see www.bscbenefitsconnect.com

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive