Head of Research & Development

We’re partnering with a market-leader in the Ophthalmology sector, who are looking to recruit an experienced Head of R&D (Research & Development)!

The successful candidate will lead R&D strategy, manage a multidisciplinary team, and work closely with key internal functions to ensure successful development and launch of safe, effective, and regulatory-compliant products across the UK, Ireland and US.

This is a full-time, permanent opportunity, working remotely with some travel when required.

What’s on offer?

• Excellent Salary & Benefits – A highly negotiable, market-competitive starting salary plus benefits!
• Job Stability– Thrive in one of the industry’s most resilient and future-proof markets.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit– Enjoy the agility and visibility of an ambitious organisation where you can make a real difference.

Ideal Requirements for the Head of Research and Development

• Extensive experienced in R&D leadership, with ideally 10 years’ working within a regulated healthcare setting.
• An advanced degree in either life sciences, engineering or a related field (ideally, PhD qualified)
• Strong knowledge of global regulatory requirements across multiple product categories.
• Various backgrounds will be considered, including Pharmaceutical, Healthcare, Medical Devices or OTC.

Role Responsibilities

• Drive the company’s innovation strategy and shape the future product pipeline – Define the vision for new eyecare, device, cosmetic, and supplement offerings, guiding what the business introduces to the market.
• Own the full product development lifecycle through a modern Stage & Gate framework – Lead projects from concept to commercial launch, managing formulation, design, testing, and validation.
• Develop and inspire a high-performing, cross-functional R&D team – Lead scientists, engineers, and project managers, fostering a collaborative, motivated, and forward-thinking environment.
• Collaborate with senior leadership and global experts – Partner with Quality, Regulatory, Medical, Marketing, and Commercial teams, and engage academic and industry partners to drive innovation at pace.

Recruitment Process

• 2 – 3 stage interview process (interviews ASAP!)

Excited to learn more? Click apply or reach out to the MedTech recruitment team for full details!

Application Process

Evolve Selection acts as a recruitment partner on behalf of our clients. All applications are reviewed by our specialist consultants and assessed against the specific requirements of the role. Suitable candidates will be contacted for an initial discussion before being introduced to the hiring client.

We appreciate every application; however, due to application volumes, we may not be able to respond to all candidates individually. If you have not heard from us within 3 working days, please consider your application unsuccessful for this particular role, however we may contact you regarding future opportunities that match your experience in line with our privacy policy.

Evolve is a leading recruitment and outsourcing organisation, operating within the Pharmaceutical, Healthcare, Medical Device and Life Science sectors.

Equal opportunities are important to us. We believe that diversity and inclusion are critical to our success as a company, We encourage applications from everyone, regardless of background, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, ethnicity, belief, age, family or parental status, and any other characteristic.