Terumo Aortic is seeking a Vice President of R&D – Surgical and Hybrid to join our leadership team. This critical role will provide strategic direction and leadership for the Surgical and Hybrid R&D function, shaping the future of innovation within the business.

As a key member of the team, the successful candidate will champion our core values and cultivate a high-performance culture grounded in capability, engagement, and continuous improvement. They will lead the innovation, design, and development of our Surgical and Hybrid product portfolio and associated processes, while setting a clear R&D vision aligned with business goals.

This role is also accountable for driving product development strategies, ensuring regulatory compliance, and fostering scientific excellence through strong cross-functional collaboration.

The main responsibilities of the  role include;

• Define and execute the long-term R&D strategy aligned with corporate objectives.
• Lead product pipeline development, from concept validation to market launch.
• Partner with cross-functional leaders in Marketing, Regulatory Affairs, Clinical, Manufacturing, and Quality.
• Oversee development of new medical technologies, including hardware, software, and combination devices.
• Gather customer and market inputs to improve current products.
• Work with physicians to develop new products that meet the customer needs.
• Champion intellectual property strategy and patent filings.
• Build and mentor a high-performing multidisciplinary R&D team (e.g., mechanical, electrical, software, biomedical engineers, scientists).
• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Assemble teams of cross-functional resources to support and lead new product development efforts.
• Develop intellectual property portfolio for products in development and or new product ideas for new business opportunities.
• Ensure proper intellectual property clearance/evaluation for new products/features being developed for market.
• Introduce new product/business ideas for market analysis.
• Works with Marketing, Sales, and Business Development to evaluate new business opportunities.
• Determine product priorities based on market potential and return on investment.
• Identify external resources to support design activities.
• Support product release with field training/support.
• Support domestic and international congresses.
• Ensure product development processes comply with FDA (21 CFR Part 820), ISO 13485, and other applicable standards.
• Assist the effort in complying with the regulatory requirements and design dossier preparation for new product and design changes.
• Develop and manage R&D budgets and timelines.
• Allocate resources effectively to meet business priorities and project milestones.
• Assist in supervising R&D support staff and implement adequate training programs for the technical growth of the staff.
• Ensure product teams are meeting goals through clear written objectives, follow-up and timely one on one reviews.

The successful candidate will possess;

• A bachelor's degree in an Engineering or Biomedical sciences related field and at least 7years’ experience in the surgical and hybrid medical device industry, OR any appropriate combination of education and experience.
• Experience of working with Terumo Aortic and our R&D Teams.
• Proven track record in bringing Class I medical devices to market.
• Thorough understanding of the human anatomy and related Company products, solutions, and services in terms of impact on the customer’s value chain (Clinical, Economical & Organizational).
• Deep knowledge of design control, risk management, and regulatory pathways (FDA, EU MDR, etc.).
• Thorough understanding of competitor dynamics.
• Excellent grasp of profitability concepts and P&L influencers.
• Project management experience in the medical device industry.
• Understanding of quality system (ISO13485) and Regulatory requirements.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Strategic thinker but can also focus on tactical and operational issues when required.
• An outstanding track record of building strong, effective teams of people.
• Ability to communicate and influence effectively at all levels with the President and leadership team as well as employees.
• Demonstrable change management execution experience.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent collaborative problem solving skills.