Vice President, Ostomy Care R&D and Applied Research

Convatec•Lexington, MA

15h

About The Position

This is an exceptional opportunity for a bold, purpose-led R&D executive to shape the future of Ostomy Care innovation while leading Applied Research as a strategic engine for next-generation technology platforms across Convatec. We are looking for a leader who combines deep science and engineering judgement with the pace, courage and accountability to turn ideas into meaningful outcomes. Someone who can think deeply, move quickly, build shared ownership across the enterprise, value different voices, and inspire talented teams to deliver products and technologies that help people live with greater confidence, mobility and freedom. As Vice President, Ostomy Care R&D and Applied Research, you will lead the end-to-end product development and lifecycle management portfolio for our Ostomy Care business and set the direction for Applied Research across Convatec. You will sit at the intersection of science, engineering, customer insight, clinical relevance and commercial growth, ensuring our innovation pipeline delivers high-quality, user-centred solutions that are manufacturable at scale, evidence-based, and capable of making a lasting difference for patients, clinicians and caregivers. This is a visible enterprise leadership role for someone who will set direction, bring the right people together and make things happen. You will lead with humility and curiosity, challenge the status quo with confidence, and create the conditions for high-performing teams to grow, collaborate and deliver with discipline.

Requirements

Significant executive-level experience leading complex medical device R&D portfolios from concept through launch, lifecycle management, scale-up and design for manufacture.
Proven ability to build, transform and lead high-performing R&D, research, innovation or advanced technology organisations.
Track record translating scientific discovery and technical insight into commercially viable product platforms and differentiated customer value.
Deep understanding of design controls, development governance, risk management, validation and quality expectations within regulated medical device environments.
Strong scientific and engineering judgement, with the ability to balance rigor, pace, patient needs, manufacturability and commercial realities.
Demonstrated success influencing senior stakeholders, integrating cross-functional perspectives and aligning complex organisations behind shared priorities.
Strong financial and operational acumen, including budget ownership, investment prioritisation and resource allocation.
Clear, concise and compelling communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex challenges and mobilise teams around decisions.

Nice To Haves

Masters or Ph.D. in Engineering, Science or a related discipline preferred; Bachelor’s degree with substantial relevant experience will also be considered.

Responsibilities

Shaping the future of Ostomy Care innovation: Defining and delivering a focused product development and lifecycle management portfolio aligned to business growth priorities, customer needs and differentiated product performance.
Building Applied Research as an innovation engine: Translating advances in materials science, biomedical science, human factors and mechanism-driven performance into future technology platforms for Convatec.
Delivering execution excellence: Establishing disciplined, repeatable development practices across design, validation, scale-up and transfer to manufacturing, with a relentless focus on right-first-time, on-time and on-budget delivery.
Leading through enterprise collaboration: Partnering deeply with Medical, Clinical, Quality, Regulatory, Operations, Supply Chain, Commercial and external partners to align priorities and unlock bigger outcomes.
Creating science-led differentiation: Ensuring product and technology decisions are grounded in rigorous science, clinical relevance, customer insight and evidence-based value.
Grow a high-performing organisation: Inspire, coach and develop a global R&D and Applied Research organisation of approximately 55–85 employees, building capability, confidence and shared accountability.
Steward resources with impact: Own portfolio, budget and resource allocation decisions, using strong financial and operational judgement to focus investment where it matters most.