Executive Director of Engineering, Surfaces Platform

Job Profile: Provide overall summary leadership for the development of new surface (mattress) products to deliver world class surface solutions. Develop and implement effective methods (external partnerships, technology, engineering tools, analysis, etc.). Drive the overall execution of NPD projects to ensure cost, schedule, quality and validation to performance metrics are achieved. Effectively integrate development with bed frame platform engineering to drive interoperability. Ensure staffing and development of talent to meet business needs.

Key Challenges – next 12-24 months
1. Drive the application of scientific surface development to improve cycle time, quality, alignment of product features with customer needs, and reduced project and variable cost.
2. Transition the current complex product line to a platform structure with significant commonality.
3. Balance the development and application of new technology with performance, risk and quality.
4. Ensure products are released on time and perform to business case metrics.
5. Align the organization globally to support diverse target markets and effective sourcing.
6. Define key competencies and strategies to meet business objectives.
7. Upgrade/replacement of the surface rental fleet needed.

Responsibilities:
1. Define an overall plan for development of surface technologies – understand the market needs, business trends, technology application, core competencies, etc.
2. Provide leadership & management for key NPD activities – manage the development of plans for definition, execution, funding, and commercialization to ensure products are released on time at target cost with excellent quality and validated to customer needs.
3. Provide overall leadership and management ensuring key competencies are identified, developed, and maintained through internal talent or use of external resources.
4. Drive scientific surface development – use of analytical tools, biometrics, etc. to drive cycle time and alignment of products with customer needs.
5. Define and implement effective strategies for external discovery, development and validation partnerships.
6. Define opportunities for surface applications that will drive product differentiation.
7. Ensure talent is developed to meet business needs.
8. Work with Hill-Rom engineering and manufacturing organization on a global basis.
9. Drive sustaining engineering activities to support product upgrades, quality improvement and cost reductions.
REQUIREMENTS
Must Have The Following Skills/Qualifications:
1. Extensive background in the development of medical or related products – preferable for noninvasive therapeutic applications.
2. Strong strategic planning skills – demonstrated experience developing effective organizations and strategies for product development and release.
3. Change agent – experience driving continual progress in methods for product development to improve cycle time, cost and quality.
4. Strong managerial skills – demonstrated ability to define initiatives, drive execution, manage budgets and develop talent.
5. “Market orientation” in the identification of key needs, understanding the right technology needed to meet customer requirements and the development and release of products.
6. Engineering degree, preferable in biomedical engineering.
7. MBA preferred.

The Following Skills/Qualifications Are Preferred:
1. Cross functional experience in marketing or related customer function.
2. Experience with the development of surfaces.
3. Experience with product development on a global basis.