At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative R&D projects in advanced wound care and inspire scientific teams.
- Company: Smith+Nephew, a leader in medical technology with a focus on meaningful impact.
- Benefits: Generous bonuses, flexible vacation, health plans, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Join a community committed to inclusion, growth, and work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patient care while driving innovation in medical devices.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in medical device development and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Life. Unlimited. At Smith+Nephew we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living. As a Senior R&D Manager, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of advanced wound care. Based at our Hull site, this is a highly influential leadership position where your expertise will drive innovation, guide talented scientific teams and help bring complex medical devices from concept through to manufacture. If you are motivated by meaningful work, scientific excellence and real world patient impact, this is a role where your experience will truly matter.
What will you be doing?
- You will be a recognised development leader, providing strategic direction across multiple wound dressing and drug device combination programmes.
- Working at the heart of New Product Development, you will lead and inspire a team of scientists, guiding them through the full development lifecycle from early design and materials selection, through prototyping, testing and design for manufacture.
- Your days will balance hands on technical leadership with people development, cross functional collaboration and external engagement.
- You will ensure robust design control, risk management and regulatory compliance, contributing to Design History Files and supporting successful design transfer into manufacturing.
- Alongside this, you will work closely with system engineering, operations, regulatory and quality partners to unlock technical challenges and keep programmes moving forward.
What will you need to be successful?
- Success in this role comes from combining deep technical expertise with strong leadership and strategic thinking.
- You will bring extensive experience in medical device development, with a strong understanding of the full product development lifecycle, ideally within wound dressings and drug device combinations.
- Proven capability to lead, coach and develop scientific teams, creating an environment where high performance and innovation can thrive.
- Strong knowledge of risk management, design control, change control and quality systems within regulated environments such as ISO 13485, EU MDR and FDA regulations.
- The confidence to provide strategic technical direction, engage with senior stakeholders and work effectively with external partners and suppliers.
We believe in creating the greatest good for society. Our strongest investments are in our people and patients we serve.
Inclusion and Belonging: Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving on Inclusion and Belonging.
Your Future: Generous annual bonus and pension schemes, Save As You Earn share options.
Work/Life Balance: Flexible vacation and time off, paid holidays and paid volunteering hours, so we can give back to our communities!
Your Wellbeing: Private health and dental plans, healthcare cash plans, income protection, life assurance and much more.
Flexibility: Hybrid working model (for most professional roles).
Training: Hands on, team customised, mentorship.
Extra Perks: Discounts on gyms and fitness clubs, salary sacrifice bicycle and car schemes and many other employee discounts.
Senior R&D Manager employer: Smith & Nephew
At Smith+Nephew, we are dedicated to fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, making us an exceptional employer for those passionate about advancing medical technology. Located in Hull, our team enjoys a supportive work environment that prioritises employee wellbeing, offering flexible working arrangements, generous benefits, and opportunities for professional growth. Join us to make a meaningful impact on patient care while being part of a community that values inclusion and excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior R&D Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the medical device industry, especially those who might know someone at Smith+Nephew. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into Smith+Nephew's products and values. Show us you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for advanced wound care and how your experience aligns with our mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! We want to hear about times you've inspired teams or tackled challenges head-on. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to keep your answers clear and impactful.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows us you’re genuinely interested in the role. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’d be a perfect fit!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior R&D Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior R&D Manager role. Highlight your experience in medical device development and leadership skills, as these are key for us at Smith+Nephew. Use specific examples that showcase your achievements in similar positions.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for advanced wound care and how your expertise aligns with our mission. Don’t forget to mention why you want to join our team and how you can contribute to our innovative projects.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:We’re looking for someone with deep technical expertise, so make sure to highlight your knowledge of design control, risk management, and regulatory compliance. Use industry-specific language to demonstrate your familiarity with standards like ISO 13485 and EU MDR.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find more information about our culture and values there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Smith & Nephew
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of medical device development, especially in wound care. Familiarise yourself with the full product development lifecycle and be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your expertise.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience leading scientific teams. Think of examples where you've successfully coached or developed team members, and how you fostered an environment of innovation and high performance.
✨Understand Regulatory Requirements
Get a solid grasp of the relevant regulations like ISO 13485, EU MDR, and FDA guidelines. Be prepared to discuss how you've navigated these in previous roles and how you ensure compliance in your projects.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you've effectively engaged with senior stakeholders and external partners in the past. Be ready to share strategies you've used to communicate technical direction and keep programmes on track.
