Senior Director, Research & Development

Position Summary

The Senior Director, Scientific is a Customer-focused leader who will work collaboratively with marketing and other cross-functional teams to design and deliver R&D roadmap, create a culture of innovation, manage activities for all phases of development, provide technical leadership, grow and lead innovative research programs, and lead and mentor a group of scientific professionals in the effective commercialization of new product development. You will have the opportunity to influence the company’s strategic direction through research and defining new opportunities. You and your team will deliver creative product design through a unique blend of scientific chemistry formulation, analytics, and packaging technologies using ideation and innovation techniques to deliver a pipeline of creative new products to address Customer challenges, sustainability goals, global regulatory requirements and to create a sustained portfolio that supports market growth. You will also maintain a pulse on innovation through technology scouting, industry research, participation in thought leadership organizations, and competitive analyses to frame and support innovative R&D strategy. 

* This position is located onsite at STERIS in St. Louis, MO

What you will do as a Senior Director, Scientific

• Collaborate with marketing and other cross-functional team members identify, define, and manage multi-year R&D strategies, develop R&D roadmap/strategic plan targeted at innovation and growth in meeting Customers’ needs.
• Lead multi-disciplinary new product development teams through the product development process to facilitate new product introductions and a smooth transition to operations. 
• Develop a culture of innovation to deliver product and packaging solutions to Customers. Seek out emerging opportunities, develop new initiatives, and be a champion for growth and change. Implement new processes and technology aligned the company’s strategic objectives.
• Drive continuous improvement by leveraging consumer insights, market trends, and industry research to optimize innovation concepts and priorities to drive process improvement and gain market share.  Establich a continuous improvement mindset and cascade through the organization.
• Pro-actively identify scientific or technology challenges, optimize key process improvements, development tools, techniques and capabilities, metrics and drive accountability to drive quality, speed to market, and to meet Customer needs.
• Effectively manage and communicate project milestones, timelines, budgets/financials, and critical path issues to team members and to senior management, as appropriate. 
• Communicate and provide an on-going scorecard of performance against business objectives.
• Author, review, and/or approve reports, protocol, regulatory documents,  adjustments, changes, and other necessary documentation, as appropriate. Ensure that Quality Systems, Safety, and other standards, procedures and regulatory requirements are met. 
• Responsible for seamless progression from discovery through 510(k), EPA or other regulatory submission and including preparation and of study reports and sections for submissions.
• Identify regulatory or obsolescence risk to existing technology assets and determine mitigations.
• Participate in technology assessments and due diligence for Business Development opportunities; drive partnerships and collaboration to create new capabilities across the organization.
• Implement training programs to promote rapid product development and effective project management.
• Provide leadership, mentoring and coaching for direct reports, project teams, and project team leaders.  Cultivate a culture of innovation, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Recruit, develop, coach, mentor, engage, and retain diverse and high-performing teams across multiple sites. 
• Collaborate with R&D groups across the IPT business unit
• Build a knowledgeable, effective and trusted R&D organization with effective business competency and a focus on the Customer.
• Build strong relationships and partnerships with key stakeholders across business units.

The Experience, Skills and Abilities Needed

• A minimum of a Master's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related scientific technical field is required
• PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related scientific technical field strongly preferred
• 20 years scientific R&D / NPD experience with increased responsibility.
• 10 years scientific R&D leadership experience, including demonstrated experience in all phases of leading new product development programs up to and including product launch. 
• 10 years experience with and demonstrated competencies working with formulated chemistries including experience with antimicrobial and cleaning chemistries. 
• 5 years experience in industry with FDA regulations and/or EPA regulations, cGMP, and/or pharmaceutical or medical device requirements. 
• Demonstrated experience with creating sustainable solutions to meet emerging carbon reduction goals.
• Experience developing products marketed Internationally is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated innovation skills and developing a culture of creativity with a focus on Voice of Customer, meeting Customer needs, and providing solutions for challenges faced by the Customer. 
• Proven excellent people leader with ability to foster innovation and high employee engagement.
• Extensive experience in creating innovative strategies and execution for rapid and meaningful growth
• Excellent problem solving, project management, organization, analytic skills.
• Proven success in developing effective holistic innovation strategy, the implementation of that strategy, and the subsequent contributions to the organization. 
• Strong Scientific foundation with the ability to make appropriate assessments and guide the team to optimal solutions. 
• Strong business acumen and ability to demonstrate a track record of successful new product development/ launches to meet business requirements. 
• Deep technical expertise 
• Sound knowledge and application of FDA requirements, Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), and other applicable standards or regulations. 
• Excellent interpersonal, as well as verbal and written communication skills for collaboration and to maintain effective internal and external relationships to support business success. 
• The ability to deliver results under pressure, as well as the willingness to address and shift priorities in rapidly changing markets.

What STERIS Offers

We value our employees and are committed to providing a comprehensive benefits package that supports your health, well-being and financial future.

Here is a brief overview of what we offer: 
•    Market Competitive Pay
•    Extensive Paid Time Off and (9) added Holidays
•    Excellent Healthcare, Dental and Vision Benefits
•    Long/Short Term Disability Coverage
•    401(k) with a company match
•    Maternity and Paternity Leave
•    Additional add-on benefits/discounts for programs such as Pet Insurance
•    Tuition Reimbursement and continued education programs
•    Excellent opportunities for advancement in a stable long-term career

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