Senior Director, Advanced Optics Technologies

Senior Director, Advanced Optics Technologies

Position Purpose

This role has responsibility to lead and direct all innovation activities in the domain of optics and metrology, supporting Alcon's new product pipeline of intra- and extra- ocular devices, including intraocular lenses (IOL's) and contact lenses. The position makes a significant leadership contribution to achievement of R&D performance metrics (pipeline milestones, budget, etc.) and to the setting of R&D strategic direction. The position builds, sustains, evolves, and effectively leads a best-in-class medical device R&D capability for optics-driven innovation in ophthalmic lenses, including enabling/supporting innovations in metrology.

The role links closely with leadership and project teams from multiple R&D sites and Technology Platforms. Scope of responsibility includes: technology roadmap for optics-based innovation on IOL and contact lens platforms; continuous strengthening of all relevant capabilities for optical design iteration and evaluation; all optics/metrology focused design control deliverables to support new product development and launch; and driving Alcon access to external technologies and capabilities where relevant.

Major Accountabilities

• Lead all operational, organizational, and product and process development activities of the Advanced Optics Technologies function
• Align optics and metrology capabilities and technical activities to support current and emerging needs of a dynamic and optics-intensive new products portfolio, driving the creation of new capabilities when needed
• Drive achievement of product development, scale-up, and New Product Introduction goals for intra- and extra- ocular device projects; supporting timely achievement of R&D pipeline milestones and achievement of organizational strategies
• Set operational objectives and drive medium-term planning for Advanced Optics Technologies
• Manage allocation of Advanced Optics Technologies resources across approved projects in R&D
• Drive and execute organizational strategy for Advanced Optics Technologies
• Inspire and foster collaboration across R&D sites; driving needed improvements and enhancements in ways of working where relevant
• Interface with Clinical, Global Franchise, and Manufacturing and Technology Transfer teams, with responsibility to assure effective two-way communication and cross-functional alignment
• Communicate business critical information at senior levels and reconcile multiple stakeholder views

Key Performance Indicators

• Timely and effective achievement of organizational goals, in alignment with agreed organizational strategy
• Project milestones achieved on time and in full, supporting overall achievement of R&D pipeline milestones
• Consistent and accurate forecasting or resource needs, and adherence to budget
• Effective performance management and talent development, including robust career development planning and action for associates across all levels of the team
• MOI's and patents covering innovation
• Compliance to all regulatory, quality and safety requirements

Number of Associates

Direct Reports (up to 10); FTE ~60

Language

The ability to fluently read, write, understand and communicate in English

Impact on Organization

Significant impact on and directly responsible for the success of a major global project(s) as well as for the effective use of resources across multiple sites. Mentor in area of expertise & for personal development of mentee. Stewardship of projects and project teams. Matrix leadership/global responsibility. Likely to represent the function at a senior levels.

Competency Profile

Personal Effectiveness Competencies:

Project Excellence - Advanced

Continuous Learning - Advanced

Digital and Technology Savvy - Advanced

Operational Excellence - Advanced

Breakthrough Analysis - Thought Leadership

Organizational Savvy - Advanced

Skills and Knowledge:

Technical Development Methodology for Medical Devices

STEAM - Applied Science, Technologhy, Engineering, Arts and Math

Medical Science and Disease Area Knowledge

Regulations and Guidelines

Technical Scientific Writing

Experiences:

Cross-Unit Collaboration - Primary

New Product Innovation - Primary

Accountability - Primary

Influencing without Authority - Primary

People and/or Project Leadership - Primary

Managing Crisis - Secondary

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or equivalent discipline. Graduate degree (MSc or PhD) highly desirable.

Experience

12 Years of Relevant Experience

8 Years of Demonstrated Leadership

• Uses deep technical knowledge to advise and implement strategic decisions. Recognized as an expert internally and may be recognized externally.
• Seasoned project management skills; multiple projects of complexity and/or large scale nature.
• Innovative leadership skills on critical business projects.
• Proven motivational and results-oriented techniques.
• Work experience contributing to the formation of new principles and concepts for new product research and/or development.
• Interactions with senior personnel on complex or significant technical matters, often requiring coordination across organizational lines.
• Typically, an advanced degree within an appropriate scientific/techncal discipline is required. Experience factors typically are related to prior ophthalmic medical device/science/technology achievements, increasignly responsible background in organization building of a scientific/technical function, and accomplishments in positions of leadership.
• Project management expertise with proven results in multiple areas.
• Possess significant leadership skills to effect change.
• Has proven ability to develop/implement advanced processes, techniques related to product development and/or critical systems.
• Proven leadership track record of results.
• Capability to motivate complex teams cross-functionally; directs strategic and business goals.
• Organizational management of multiple disciplines.
• Work experience contributing to the formation of new principles and concepts for new product research and/or development.
• Proven ability to develop solutions for unusually complex problems that is highly original, innovative, and leading edge.
• Interactions with senior personnel on complex or significant technical matters, often requiring coordination across organizational lines.
• Expert knowledge of ISO, FDA, MDD and regulations applicable to the design and development of medical device/science/technology.
• Able to develop solutions to complex problems that require the regular use of creativity, and originality.
• Robust process management, problem solving skills and superior presentation capabilities.

Alcon is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify. Alcon takes pride in maintaining a diverse environment and our policies are not to discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. Alcon is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an email to [email protected] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.