R&D Director – Medical Devices

Our client, a growing international medical device organisation, is seeking an experienced R&D Director to join its senior leadership team in Galway.

This is a strategic leadership opportunity for an accomplished MedTech professional who is passionate about innovation, product development, and building high-performing engineering teams. The successful candidate will lead international R&D initiatives, drive the development of next-generation medical technologies, and play a key role in shaping the organisation's long-term innovation strategy.

Working closely with executive leadership, engineering, quality, operations, and commercial teams, the R&D Director will ensure the successful delivery of complex medical device development programmes while fostering a culture of technical excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to

Strategic Leadership

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Develop and execute the organisation's R&D strategy in alignment with business objectives.

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Provide leadership and direction across product development and innovation initiatives.

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Translate strategic goals into executable R&D programmes and measurable outcomes.

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Support the development of long-term technology roadmaps and innovation pipelines.

Research & Product Development

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Lead multidisciplinary R&D teams through all phases of medical device development.

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Drive the successful delivery of complex product development projects, ensuring alignment with timelines, budgets, and business objectives.

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Foster a culture of innovation, scientific excellence, and first-principles engineering.

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Support invention disclosures, technical problem solving, and technology evaluation activities.

Team Leadership & Development

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Build, mentor, and develop high-performing R&D teams.

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Promote a collaborative, accountable, and results-driven working environment.

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Ensure appropriate resourcing and capability development to support future growth.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

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Partner closely with Quality, Manufacturing, Regulatory Affairs, Clinical, Commercial, and Executive teams.

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Collaborate with marketing and commercial stakeholders to define customer, clinician, and patient needs.

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Act as a key technical stakeholder across internal and external development programmes.

Technical & Operational Excellence

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Drive structured problem-solving and risk management activities.

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Support complaint investigations and technical reviews where required.

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Ensure compliance with ISO 13485 and applicable regulatory requirements.

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Maintain audit readiness and support quality system effectiveness.