Head of Research and Development (R&D)

We are Hiring!

We have an exciting new opportunity at Scope for a Head of Research and Development (R&D) to join our team!

We are looking for people who can connect their own personal vision and values into some of what we do at Scope. 

Our vision as a company is to constantly exceed the expectations of our healthcare partners, our patients and our people by bringing together the extraordinary.

Please read below the full job description for the role and if this is something that you would be interested in, please click apply and a member of the Scope team will be in touch regarding your application.

Head of Research and Development (R&D)

The Head of R&D is responsible for leading the strategic direction, innovation pipeline of product development across a diverse portfolio, including medical devices, pharmaceuticals, OTC drug products, cosmetics, and food supplements, with a particular emphasis on eyecare products across multiple regulatory landscapes and geographies. This role combines scientific leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and development expertise to ensure the successful development and lifecycle management of eyecare products in our markets.

Reporting directly to the CEO the Head of R&D will oversee a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, project managers and will work closely with internal and external stakeholders across Quality, Ideation & Discovery, Regulatory Affairs, Medical, Marketing and Commercial functions.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Define and execute the R&D strategy across all product categories, aligning innovation with market trends, regulatory landscapes, and business growth objectives.
• Shape the structure of the R&D function, recruiting and developing a high-performing team with expertise in eyecare, formulation science, device engineering, nutrition, and cosmetics.
• Provide regular updates and strategic recommendations to the executive team and board of directors on R&D progress, challenges, and opportunities.
• Work closely with Ideation & Discover to transfer projects into R&D and the Stage and Gate process at the optimum time for the business
• Work closely with Marketing and Commercial to align our development programmes with the key brand strategy for the company.

Innovation & Product Development

• Lead research and development programmes of new products in eye care (all regulatory classes), periocular cosmetics, devices and nutritional supplements.
• Using Stage and Gate process , manage the innovation pipeline from concept through to prototype, clinical validation, and commercial launch.
• Oversee formulation and design activities for eyecare products, ensuring efficacy, safety, and user acceptability.
• Monitor emerging technologies and market trends to identify new opportunities for innovation.
• Manage the Scope laboratory and the development programmes in situ.

Regulatory & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with global regulatory frameworks including EU MDR, FDA QSR, ISO 13485, ISO 14971, and applicable regulations for cosmetics, supplements, and OTC medicines.
• Collaborate with Regulatory Affairs to prepare and submit dossiers, manage change notifications, and respond to authority queries.
• Monitor regulatory trends and provide strategic guidance on emerging regulations affecting ophthalmic and consumer health products.

Operational Excellence

• Lead internal and external audits, ensuring readiness for inspections and third-party assessments.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across R&D processes and systems.
• Oversee the R&D budget, ensuring optimal allocation of resources and cost-effective project execution.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Quality, Medical, Marketing, Commercial and Supply Chain teams to ensure strong collaboration and alignment through the development process.
• Support clinical studies and post-market surveillance activities where required.

External Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with academic institutions, industry collaborators, and external research organizations to enhance innovation and accelerate product development.
• Represent the company at scientific conferences, industry forums, and with external stakeholders as required.

Intellectual Property (IP) Management

• Support our legal team with the development and execution of intellectual property strategies, including patent filings and management of proprietary technologies.
• Conduct with our legal team freedom-to-operate assessments and ensure protection of company innovations.

Talent Development & DEI

• Mentor and develop R&D staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning and ensuring robust succession planning.
• Champion employee wellbeing, diversity, equity and inclusion within the R&D function, promoting a collaborative and innovative team environment.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in life sciences, engineering, or a related field (PhD preferred).
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in R&D leadership roles within regulated healthcare sectors across multiple regulatory geographic landscapes.
• Executive management training or managerial certification is desirable

Specific Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Proven track record in developing ophthalmic products and navigating complex regulatory environments.
• Huge experience in driving and executing a functioning Stage & gate process for a company that is well understood and connected across the strategic functions
• Strong understanding of global regulatory requirements across multiple product categories.
• Candidate will have experience across at least 3 of the regulatory classes we deal with
• Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills.
• Inspirational leadership and team-building capabilities. Someone who can really form and gel a team and unite them in a department mission that drives them forward.
• Looking for someone who commands credibility within their team and the wider organisation
• Looking for someone who can bring Scope forward in the area of R&D and develop the company overall.
• Strategic thinker with hands-on execution skills.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and project leadership.
• Passion for innovation and improving patient lives.
• Excellent ability to use initiative, prioritise, multi-task, and work well under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Calm dealing with a fast-paced, large workload environment.
• Very clear and systematic thinking that demonstrates strong judgment and problem-solving competencies.
• Experienced leader of global multicultural teams that have delivered optimum performance.
• Ability to manage organisation-wide programmes within budgetary and other constraints.
• Strong ability to exercise high degree of independence to ensure programme delivery and explore new areas of activities.

Scope provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.