Strategic R&D Manager - Wound Management

Strategic R&D Manager - Wound Management

B.Braun

Mirandola, Italy

Position Summary

The Strategic R&D Manager will define and drive the medium‑ to long‑term R&D strategy for the wound management business, with clear accountability for portfolio management and prioritization. This role sits at the intersection of innovation, clinical needs, and business strategy, translating market and clinical insights into differentiated product platforms and sustainable technology and product roadmaps. The position includes steering internal development activities as well as managing and coordinating third‑party development partners to accelerate innovation and optimize resource allocation. The ideal candidate is a visionary yet hands‑on leader with deep wound care expertise and strong cross‑functional influence across global stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Portfolio Development

• Define, own and implement the R&D strategy and technology roadmap for wound management with the internal R&D departments and in close collaboration with Global Marketing (GM), ensuring alignment with portfolio, brand positioning, and customer value propositions
• Lead and align R&D activities across Sempach and Mirandola, in close collaboration with Project Managers and Strategic Procurement, to secure efficient development, cost competitiveness, supplier integration, and smooth industrialization of innovative wound management solutions.
• Drive portfolio prioritization and investment decisions together with GM, aligning innovation initiatives with business objectives, market attractiveness, and lifecycle management
• Identify unmet users and patients’ needs as well as market trends through structured cooperation with GM, clinical experts, and key opinion leaders
• Build competitive technology positioning and clear differentiation by translating marketing and customer insights into robust product platforms

Cross‑Functional Leadership

• Act as key R&D partner to Marketing, Clinical, Regulatory, Quality, and Operations
• Support M&A, licensing, or external innovation scouting activities
• Communicate strategy and progress to senior leadership and stakeholders

Team & Capability Leadership

• Lead and mentor R&D scientists and engineers
• Foster a high‑performance, innovation‑driven culture
• Build core competencies in wound management technologies, materials, and systems
• Actively promote “Sharing Expertise” by collaborating with and transferring knowledge to other business divisions across the B. Braun Group, leveraging synergies and best practices to accelerate innovation and portfolio value

Required Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science, Life Sciences, Natural Sciences or related field
• 5+ years of R&D experience in medical devices
• Strong background in wound management/wound healing products
• Proven experience in R&D strategy, portfolio management, or innovation leadership
• Solid understanding of ISO 13485, MDR/FDA requirements
• Fluency in English; German language is a plus

Ideal Candidate Profile (“Winning Profile”)

• Strategic thinker with strong execution capability
• Deep scientific and technical credibility in wound care
• Business‑oriented mindset with customer and patient focus
• Comfortable influencing at executive level
• Resilient, curious, and passionate about innovation