R&D Director, Global Product Development at Abbott

St Paul, Minnesota, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Healthcare, Medical DevicesIndustries

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field; advanced degree strongly preferred
Minimum of 12 years of relevant experience
Proven track record of leading teams toward divisional and company goals, managing budgets, and monitoring industry trends
Strong understanding of quality systems and compliance requirements
Ability to develop and implement scalable work processes and contribute to organizational strategy
Strategic & Visionary Leadership: Ability to define, communicate, and execute a compelling R&D strategy aligned with business priorities and long-term innovation goals (preferred)
End-to-End Product Development Expertise: Proven experience leading cross-functional teams through the full product lifecycle—from concept to global commercialization—especially for Class III medical devices (preferred)
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Skilled in partnering across Clinical, Regulatory, Quality, Operations, Marketing, and Legal to drive integrated development and market success (preferred)
Technical & Regulatory Acumen: Deep understanding of medical device standards and regulatory frameworks (e.g., IEC 60601, IEC 62304, FDA guidance) (preferred)
Hardware/Software Product Experience: Hands-on experience developing hardware-based medical devices and/or software-driven technologies, including embedded systems or digital health solutions (preferred)
Talent Development & Team Leadership: Builds high-performing, diverse teams through mentorship, succession planning, and inclusive leadership (preferred)
Customer & Market Orientation: Engages with physicians, KOLs, and end-users to ensure clinical relevance and market differentiation (preferred)
Operational Excellence: Drives disciplined execution (preferred)

Responsibilities

Lead the Global Product Development (GPD) function, managing a multidisciplinary team of engineers and scientists focused on Class II and III vascular devices
Drive strategic planning and execution of product development programs aligned with global business objectives
Collaborate with internal stakeholders (Regulatory, Clinical, Quality, Operations, Marketing) and external partners (Key Opinion Leaders, suppliers) to ensure successful product development and lifecycle management
Champion a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement
Develop and mentor high-potential talent, ensuring robust succession planning and leadership development
Ensure compliance with corporate policies, procedures, and global regulatory requirements
Drive innovation across existing and emerging vessel preparation technologies in the coronary and peripheral vascular space
Lead Centers of Excellence in Hartzler Research training services, Human Factors, and Clinical Engineering
Collaborate cross-functionally to define and implement a multi-year pipeline for technologies including orbital atherectomy and intravascular lithotripsy (IVL)

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

R&D LeadershipProduct DevelopmentVascular DevicesOrbital AtherectomyIntravascular LithotripsyHuman FactorsClinical EngineeringStrategic PlanningCross-Functional CollaborationRegulatory AffairsQuality ManagementMedical Devices

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What are the required qualifications for the R&D Director role?

A Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required, with an advanced degree strongly preferred, along with a minimum of 12 years of relevant experience and a proven track record of leading teams toward divisional and company goals.

Where is this position located?

The role is based at Abbott's established St. Paul site.

What does the role entail in terms of team leadership?

You will lead the GPD function, managing a multidisciplinary team of engineers and scientists focused on Class II and III vascular devices, while developing and mentoring high-potential talent.

What kind of company culture does Abbott promote for this role?

The role involves championing a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement, while building a high-performance, collaborative culture.

What makes a strong candidate for this R&D Director position?

Candidates with strategic and visionary leadership, end-to-end product development expertise, a strong understanding of quality systems and compliance, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams stand out.

Abbott

Healthcare solutions in diagnostics and devices

About Abbott

Abbott Laboratories focuses on improving health through various medical technologies and health solutions. The company operates in areas such as cardiovascular health, diabetes management, diagnostic testing, nutrition, and neuromodulation for chronic pain and movement disorders. Abbott's products include advanced medical devices and diagnostic tests that help healthcare professionals and patients manage health conditions effectively. For example, their cardiovascular technologies assist in heart health management, while diabetes care products enable accurate glucose monitoring without painful fingersticks. Unlike many competitors, Abbott emphasizes accessibility and affordability in its offerings, aiming to make life-changing technologies available to a broader audience. The company's goal is to positively impact global health and well-being, supported by a commitment to sustainability and a 2030 Sustainability Plan.

Lake Bluff, IllinoisHeadquarters

1888Year Founded

IPOCompany Stage

HealthcareIndustries

10,001+Employees