Job DescriptionThe Director, BD Excellence Innovation partners with Specimen Management (SM) R&D leaders, PMO, and engineering teams to improve new product development (NPD) execution. The role deploys BD Excellence practices to accelerate New Products development Launch, shorten development schedules, reduce costs, and strengthen product quality. Through Obeya, Visual Project Management, structured problem solving, and Kaizen, this leader strengthens project visibility, cross-functional issue resolution, and R&D continuous improvement capability, supporting development through the transition to commercial execution.
This role reports to the Vice President, SM BD Excellence and is based in Franklin Lakes, NJ.
The primary responsibilities will include:
- Partner with the Sr. Director, BD Excellence Innovation, Vice President, SM BD Excellence, and SM R&D leaders to deploy and sustain the BD Excellence Innovation Operating Model, tools, and processes across global SM R&D teams, aligned with innovation and NPD priorities.
- Build SM R&D self-sufficiency through coaching, training, and Certified Practitioner networks in Obeya, Visual Project Management, Problem Solving, and Launch Excellence.
- Implement and sustain digital tools and information-sharing practices that strengthen NPD project visibility, data-driven decisions, and reuse of best practices across SM R&D teams.
- Deploy and optimize Obeya with SM R&D and PMO teams, providing hands-on support to embed visual project management and adapt practices to evolving development needs.
- Facilitate structured problem-solving and Kaizen sessions with SM R&D and cross-functional partners to resolve critical development barriers, compress schedules, reduce costs, and improve product quality.
- Track tool adoption and NPD outcomes using bowlers, KPIs, and action plans; work with SM R&D leaders to address performance gaps and sustain improvements.
- Achieve and maintain Certified Practitioner status to teach Visual Management/Daily Management (VM/DM), Problem Solving Process (PSP), and Kaizen within SM R&D.
EducationUniversity bachelor's degree in Sciences, Engineering or a related field is required.
Experience- Ten (10)+ years of MedTech industry experience within the field of R&D, Innovation or Engineering with a proven track record of driving processes to achieve results.
- Eight (8)+ years of proven experience in a continuous improvement culture, applying Lean tools, visual management, structured problem solving, and Kaizen to improve execution.
- Strong analytical skills, including the ability to interpret complex R&D project data and translate findings into actionable improvements.
- Proven ability to resolve cross-functional NPD challenges in a complex, matrixed organization within accelerated time frames.
- Experience using Microsoft Azure DevOps, Project, Planner, and Power BI to support R&D project execution and performance visibility.
- Strong communication, facilitation, training, and coaching skills, both in person and virtually; able to influence R&D and cross-functional stakeholders, build engagement, and drive accountability for outcomes.
- Demonstrated strategic agility, a growth mindset, and the ability to adapt quickly to changing R&D priorities.
- Excellent project management skills and ability to handle multiple responsibilities and deadlines.
- Demonstrated success delivering measurable improvements in R&D or NPD execution through continuous improvement and Kaizen initiatives.
Preferred Knowledge and Experience- 2+ years of experience supporting digital ecosystems for R&D project management and collaboration, including deployment, training, and end-user technical support; experience with tools such as OnePlan or Jira.
- Proven experience in Power BI development, including DAX, Power Query, and data modeling.
- Strong proficiency in integrating Power BI with SQL databases, and ERP systems.
- Experience supporting R&D in an FDA-regulated medical technology environment is preferred.
- Experience applying change management to sustain adoption of new tools and working practices within R&D teams.
- Experience serving as a subject matter expert in continuous improvement practices for R&D or NPD teams.
- Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required, ~25%.
Required Leadership Capabilities And CompetenciesBD Leadership Commitments:
Deliver Results That Matter
- Takes internal and external customer needs and transforms them into a solution that creates value for customers, stakeholders, and shareholders.
- Continually demonstrates the ability to utilize both control and influence to drive results.
Win As One BD
- Proactively seeks opportunities to collaborate with colleagues to share and learn.
- Always thinks globally and acts locally with cultural sensitivity and organizational savvy.
- Continually works and leverages the power of the matrix.
Remove Obstacles & Empower Others
- Engages personally in difficult executional challenges and ensures collaboration between departments to remove roadblocks and deliver results.
- Challenges are anticipated and addressed with a connection to the future vision, keeping a strong focus on cooperation and transparency.
Courage to iterate, try new things and embrace change
- Looks beyond the "way we've always done it" and proactively seeks out innovation and best-in-class approaches whilst maintaining agility and speed.
At BD, we are committed to supporting our associates' well-being, development, and success through a performance-based culture. For this position, BD offers a competitive compensation package along with the following benefits specific to this role:
Annual Bonus
Potential Discretionary LTI Bonus
Potential reimbursement of vehicle use/mileage
Potential reimbursement of phone use
Health and Well-being Benefits
Medical coverage
Health Savings Accounts
Flexible Spending Accounts
Dental coverage
Vision coverage
Hospital Care Insurance
Critical Illness Insurance
Accidental Injury Insurance
Life and AD&D insurance
Short-term disability coverage
Long-term disability insurance
Long-term care with life insurance
Other Well-being Resources
Anxiety management program
Wellness incentives
Sleep improvement program
Diabetes management program
Virtual physical therapy
Emotional/mental health support programs
Weight management programs
Gastrointestinal health program
Substance use management program
Musculoskeletal surgery, cancer treatment, and bariatric surgery benefit
Retirement and Financial Well-being
BD 401(k) Plan
BD Deferred Compensation and Restoration Plan
529 College Savings Plan
Financial counseling
Baxter Credit Union (BCU)
Daily Pay
College financial aid and application guidance
Life Balance Programs
Paid time off (PTO), including all required State leaves
Educational assistance/tuition reimbursement
MetLife Legal Plan
Group auto and home insurance
Pet insurance
Commuter benefits
Discounts on products and services
Academic Achievement Scholarship
Service Recognition Awards
Employer matching donation
Workplace accommodations
Other Life Balance Programs
Adoption assistance
Backup day care and eldercare
Support for neurodivergent adults, children, and caregivers
Caregiving assistance for elderly and special needs individuals
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Paid Parental Leave
Support for fertility, birthing, postpartum, and age-related hormonal changes
Leave Programs
Bereavement leaves
Military leave
Personal leave
Family and Medical Leave (FML)
Jury and Witness Duty Leave
Primary Work LocationUSA NJ - Franklin Lakes
Salary Range Information$211,900.00 - $339,000.00 USD Annual
