Director, R&D Strategy

Director, R&D Strategy The Alcon’s R&D mission is to lead the world in innovative eye care products and solutions to help people see brilliantly. The role supports this vision by bringing an independent critical, strategic, and analytical view to progressively evolve our operating model to meet the needs of the business today and in the future. This position is responsible for setting the strategic direction for R&D, identifying emerging trends, conducting periodic assessment of organizational effectiveness, including operating models, talent and capabilities, footprint, and resource allocation. This is aimed at creating competitive advantage, rapidly adapting our operating model to the needs of the business, and ultimately accelerate innovation. Key responsibilities: Lead the development and operationalization of the annual R&D strategic plan (periodic reassessment of our operating model, talent strategy, capabilities, site footprint (including offshoring strategy), technology roadmaps), prioritization, and progress tracking towards the desired outcomes, with partnership with R&D Finance and RDSR Safeguard integrity of the plan by challenging and influencing key decisions that could disrupt delivery Update long-term strategy roadmaps as well as 3-year operational plans for each technology platform and COE to be fit for the future Establish a best-in-class lifecycle management governance model for Alcon R&D, including ROI, revisions to processes and operating model, resource allocation optimization, and product rationalization Ensures effective allocation of resources (i.e., infrastructure, leadership, footprint, resources, budgets, etc.) across the most critical innovation projects Enhance organizational efficiency and reduce costs by identifying and rectifying inefficient business processes Monitor external factors potentially affecting future of product development, assess potential impacts, and develop response plan (i.e., ESG, green deal, SaMD) Collaborate with internal stakeholders (Franchises, Strategy, Finance), R&D Technology Platform and COE Leaders to ensure effective communication and efficient decision-making Lead 2-3 project assignments (i.e., opportunity assessment, diagnostics, strategic evaluations) per year Support and advise on preparation of Board and ELT materials (as necessary) Qualifications The successful applicant will have a minimum of 15 years of experience, 5-10 years in management consulting, corporate strategy, or a related function within a Fortune 500 company, prior relevant professional experience in the life sciences industry, and advanced degree (MBA and/or a MD or PhD) is highly preferred; R&D strategy experience is a plus. S/he must have exceptional analytical, hypothesis-driven problem-solving, and project management skills with passion for functional excellence, with the ability to prioritize key objectives and tactics necessary to achieve organizational goals and demonstrated experience in initiating and managing complex projects. S/he must be of a collaborative mindset and a strong team player to develop and present strategic and business rationale to key internal constituencies. S/he must be curious to think about, develop and present innovative ways for “out-of-the-box” ideas, and willing to take on additional responsibilities to develop and strengthen Alcon’s R&D competitive position. S/he must possess exceptional written and verbal communication skills with a persuasive and passionate communicator. S/he must have relationship-building orientation, be a self-starter, forward-looking, action-oriented, flexible, and bring an innovative approach to operational management with positive attitude. S/he must have a proven track record of leading strategic initiatives and cross-functional teams conducting market research, developing business cases, and delivering results. S/he must be comfortable in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with competing priorities, and assimilate new knowledge quickly. This position is based in Fort Worth and requires willingness to travel (both domestically & internationally) up to 10-15% of the time. 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 alcon.recruitment@alcon.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. At Alcon, we are committed to helping people see better. We believe patients should have access to quality eye care regardless of their economic circumstances; however, barriers to good eye health exist for patients in both developed and emerging markets. Alcon develops and manufactures innovative devices to serve the full life cycle of eye care needs. Its surgical group is one of the largest makers of equipment used for cataract removal and laser vision correction. Its consumer products include the well-known Opti-Free line of contact lens solutions and related products. Alcon, which was founded in 1945, sells its products in 180 countries worldwide.