Research & Development Leader

We have a fantastic opportunity to join an international leader in imaging systems in a senior R&D Leadership role.

Since its creation our client have experienced sustained growth and high profitability, expanding their portfolio of activities and services with a strong growth ambition. With sites in both the UK and France, we are looking for a high calibre Research & Development Leader to drive imaging software and electronic projects for the group, across both the UK and France. The role is required to lead full implementation of the NPD process for future product, contributing to strategic portfolio development whilst also supporting current products to ensure continuous improvement and supply; leading a team of specialist electronics, firmware and software engineers and data scientists. You will be rewarded with a brilliant remuneration package plus many other benefits.

• Partners with the project leads on all project planification, documentation (project brief), test plans (verification / validation), requirements definition, high-level risks and assumptions.
• Identifies and communicates barriers to the successful completion of projects milestones to the VP Imaging Innovation and NPD on a regular basis
• Lead the development of budget, master timelines, plans and secure asset needs for innovation projects.
• Tracks performance of the New Product Development efforts
• Partners with the marketing teams to develop clear creative project briefs
• Works with marketing and business partners to develop creative briefs which bring strategies and concepts to life
• Design the development strategy for each of the incremental innovation project
• Keeps a close contact with the customers and field users so that all developments stick with the market requirements.
• Negotiates and manages contracts in different fields of science and technology for a rapid development of the products and to solve critical issues when expertise cannot be found within
• Responsible for the office daily operations and communication with outsourced service suppliers (accounting, juridical department)
• Mentors, empowers and develop the new product development teams. Together with the Vice-President Innovation, Science and Development and in collaboration with HR, designs a strategic workforce plan in anticipation of future skill requirements and drives its implementation through continuous training and development.

• Multi-disciplinary physics engineer with a solid technical skill in acoustics (optics), signal processing, electronics and software.
• A track record in complex project management
• Expertise in imaging technologies and/or Electronics
• Proven leadership and management skills. Strong people development capabilities
• Customer centric (i.e. ability to build long term customer/supplier relationships)
• Good communication skills for all key stakeholders (incl. global headquarters, ExCom, affiliates, customers, suppliers, third party experts/consultants, direct reports, shareholders)
• Engaging and action orientated. Showing both empathy and firmness
• Enthusiastic, dynamic, proactive, can-do attitude