Head of R&D (Medical equipment Manufacturing sector - Relocation to Mauritius required)

The Head of Research & Development (R&D) will lead the R&D department, overseeing product innovation, design development, validation and commercialisation . This role requires managing all R&D activities, including machine engineering and tooling functions, to ensure the company’s production and development needs are met. The Head of R&D will supervise the R&D Managers and the Toolshop Manager, ensuring effective NPI and machine operations and modifications aligned with production requirements.

Daily tasks

• Develop and drive the R&D strategy and NPI to align with business goals and foster innovation.
• Oversee product development activities, from concept to commercialisation, ensuring compliance with timelines, budgets, and specifications.
• Actively interact with clients and client’s technical/sourcing team on behalf of natec Medical
• Ensure machines are properly maintained, modified, and adapted to evolving new product development and production requirements.
• Mentor and develop staff across the R&D and Toolshop teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment.
• Actively management international teams abroad.
• Oversee design, development, testing, and validation of new product developments according to timeline/budget and product specs.
• Lead transfer to manufacturing of NPI
• Lead efforts to adapt machinery to meet new product development needs, collaborating closely with the production team on troubleshooting in production and yield/cycle time optimization.
• Manage machine modifications and tooling changes necessary for new product development.
• Lead and coordinate R&D projects, ensuring timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met.
• Actively Interfacing with oversee clients and client’s technical teams
• Oversee the transition of products from development to production, ensuring manufacturability and scalability.
• Continuously report to Top management on the progress of R&D projects and machine engineering projects.
• Oversee R&D and Toolshop budgets, ensuring financial targets are achieved.
• Optimise machine operations to minimise costs while maintaining high production standards.
• Ensure that all projects meet specified financial objectives, including CAPEX and OPEX targets.
• Ensure all R&D and machine engineering processes adhere to relevant regulatory standards (FDA, CE, ISO).
• Collaborate with regulatory and quality teams to ensure proper documentation and compliance in all product development , new product submission, technical file, etc.

Requirements

Qualifications & Experience > Master’s or PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field > Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in R&D, including leadership roles in medical device development. > Proven experience in managing machine engineering and tooling functions. > Strong understanding of regulatory requirements and machine operations.

> Experience with budget management and cost optimization in an engineering environment.

Skills & Attributes > Strong leadership and strategic decision-making abilities. > Technical expertise in both R&D and machine engineering. > Collaborative mindset with the ability to lead cross-functional teams. > Problem-solving, innovation, and communication skills. Effective capability of resolving conflicts. > Ability to cultivate a positive team environment on engagement.

Must have: AutoCAD, ERP, MS Project, SolidWorks, minitab, PhD, Outlook