Vice President, Research & Development

Company: Avanos Medical
Location: Alpharetta
Posted on: December 2, 2025

Job Description:

Requisition ID: 6741 Job Title: Vice President, Research & Development Job Country: United States (US) Here at Avanos Medical, we passionately believe in three things: Making a difference in our products, services and offers, never ceasing to fight for groundbreaking solutions in everything we do; Making a difference in how we work and collaborate, constantly nurturing our nimble culture of innovation; Having an impact on the healthcare challenges we all face, and the lives of people and communities around the world. At Avanos you will find an environment that strives to be independent and different, one that supports and inspires you to excel and to help change what medical devices can deliver, now and in the future. Avanos is a medical device company focused on delivering clinically superior breakthrough solutions that will help patients get back to the things that matter. We are committed to creating the next generation of innovative healthcare solutions which will address our most important healthcare needs, such as reducing the use of opioids while helping patients move from surgery to recovery. Headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia, we develop, manufacture and market recognized brands in more than 90 countries. Avanos Medical is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol AVNS. For more information, visit www.avanos.com . Essential Duties and Responsibilities: We are seeking an experienced VP of Research and Development. The VP of Research and Development (R&D) is responsible for defining and executing the company’s innovation and product development strategy, ensuring a pipeline of differentiated compliant, and commercially successful medical devices. This leader shapes the organization’s technology vision and oversees the full continuum of innovation – from technology exploration, concept generation, product development, and commercialization. They partner cross-functionally to deliver solutions that advance patient outcomes, strengthen the company’s competitive position and drive business growth. The VP of Research and Development provides both strategic direction and hands-on leadership to multi-disciplinary teams and drives the development of technical capabilities, adherence to design controls, and effective design transfers that enable high-quality product launches This role will be an on-site role based in Alpharetta, GA. Key Responsibilities: Defines the innovation roadmap, prioritizing opportunities based on unmet clinical needs, market potential, and technical feasibility Establishes and maintains a strong R&D governance model (Product Development Process stage gates) ensuring disciplined portfolio management and timely decision-making Oversees all phases of new product development, including concept, feasibility, design and development, verification and validation, design transfer, and post-market stability. Drives excellence in design controls, risk management, human factors, and process validations Ensure alignment between R&D, Commercial, Operations, Quality, Clinical and Regulatory to facilitate launch readiness Promotes the development of relationships with external designers and manufacturers that bring capabilities and capacity that support our strategy Partners with universities, external research groups, suppliers, contract designers and manufacturers, and others to expand the company’s innovation network Fosters a culture of innovation that balances speed, quality and compliance Builds and develops a high-performing R&D organization with a clear succession, career development plans, and goals and objectives Ensures that R&D activities comply with global regulatory and quality system requirements (FDA 21 CFR 820, ISO 13485, MDR, and MDSAP). Supports preparation of regulatory submissions A minimum of 25% travel will be required. Your qualifications Required: Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering or Life Sciences field; advanced degree preferred. Minimum of 15 years of experience in Engineering within the medical device industry, with at least 7 years in a leadership or managerial role. Strong knowledge of medical device development processes, including design controls, risk management, and regulatory standards (FDA, ISO 13485, IEC 60601, etc.). Proven track record of successfully managing cross-functional teams in the development of complex medical devices and bringing Class II or III medical devices from concept to launch. Strong understanding of regulatory, quality, and clinical interface in a global medical device environment Proven track record of successfully managing relationships with contract designers and manufacturers in the development of complex medical devices. Expertise in systems engineering methodologies, including requirements management, system architecture design, integration, and testing. Experience developing business cases and facilitating project updates to leadership team Financial and strategic acumen, being able to evaluate trade-offs between innovation, cost, and time to market. Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with a keen attention to detail. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, capable of working effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment. Experience with project management tools and methodologies Builds a culture of accountability, innovation and collaboration Preferred: Experience in the development of Class II and Class III medical devices. Knowledge of disposable products and electro-mechanical systems. The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification. Statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required for this position. Salary Range: The anticipated average base pay range for this position is $220,000.00 - $265,000.00. In addition, this role is eligible for an attractive incentive compensation program and benefits. Avanos Medical is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law. If you are a current employee of Avanos, please apply here Join us at Avanos Join us and you can make a difference in our products, solutions and our culture. Most of all, you can make a difference in the lives, people, and communities around the world. Make your career count Our commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of others begins with our employees – through a comprehensive and competitive range of benefits. We provide more than just a salary – our Total Rewards package encompasses everything you receive as an employee; your pay, health care benefits, retirement plans and work/life benefits. Avanos offers a generous 401(k) employer match of 100% of each pretax dollar you contribute on the first 4% and 50% of the next 2% of pay contributed with immediate vesting. Avanos also offers the following: benefits on day 1 free onsite gym onsite cafeteria HQ region voted 'best place to live' by USA Today uncapped sales commissions

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