Innovation Manager (f/m/d)

Job Purpose

The Innovation Manager is responsible for exploring, prototyping, and testing novel applications of laser-based techniques for surface texturing and machining of dental implant materials. This role works closely with customers, actively identifying their needs and delivering innovative solutions that fuel the innovation pipeline in close collaboration with internal and external partners. Deliver impactful innovation in core and new growth areas in line with corporate strategy with focus on technical readiness and business potential matching customer needs to drive Straumann’s longterm success.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

• Managing innovation projects and successful relationships with customers, internal stakeholders, academic and industrial partners
• Overseeing innovation activities comprising business model, technical, regulatory, legal, and intellectual properties aspects (sourcing, scalability)
• Identification and in-depth understanding of customer needs
• Continuous scouting and assessment of technology readiness in-line with customer needs
• Designing and leading experimental studies based on defined innovation goals
• Strong practical and theoretical background in applied laser technologies for surface texturing and machining, material sciences and relevant dental implant materials
• Create and maintain technology network with internal and external partners
• Experience in medical device or related industry

Profile

• The ideal candidate is strong in facilitating information sharing within both R&D and non-R&D functions to foster collaboration and decision-making and has the ability to engage or lead diverse in-house multi-site teams, technology tribes, and/or collaborations with external partners (start-ups, contract research and engineering services, established industry, or academia)..Building on insights from technology scouting and exploration, the candidate is expected to generate novel ideas, the refinement of existing technologies, and the early assessment, de-risking and validation of value propositions that meet customer needs, and early elaboration of innovative and viable business models.
• The ideal candidate has a strong relevant technical background, analytical skills and a distinct entrepreneurial mindset connected with a customer centric approach, ideally with a track record in the medical device industry and is familiar with the basic regulatory requirements. In-depth knowledge and experience in applied laser technologies for surface texturing, micro machining, and laser-material interaction is required.
• The person should be a self-motivated individual to succeed in an ambiguous and constantly changing environment with a curious and open mindset.
• As a skilled project manager, the person solves challenges with a people focused mindset and strong team player abilities driving successful collaboration combined with a structured working style and the ability to achieve results in a pragmatic way.
• High commitment and excellent written and spoken communication skills in English are required, French and German would be an additional asset.

Education

• University degree in engineering or life sciences (MSc or PhD level)
• Project and/or innovation management training

Experience

• Experienced in start-up environment or R&D / innovation in industry (>5 years)
• Innovation project management, customer relationship management
• Initiation, management, and responsibility for collaboration with external partners, e.g., Universities, idea / tech owners, start-ups to large multinational corporations
• Track record in innovation / applied research, ideally in the context of applied laser technologies for surface texturing

Personal Attributes

• Strong interpersonal skills and actively cultivates a network of productive relationships in an international environment
• Strong team player
• Dynamic and self-motivated person, comfortable working in a not strictly organized, matrix environment
• Curious, open minded, learner mindset
• Energetic, straight-forward and performance-driven professional with strong execution abilities
• Innovative and entrepreneurial personality capable of appropriate risk taking
• Distinct customer orientation both internally and externally
• Strong analytical skills and result orientation
• High self-awareness and social awareness
• Highly energetic and pacesetting
• Displaying personal and professional ethics and ability to embrace Straumann’s Mission and Culture
• Strong communication skills in a multi-lingual environment, professional proficiency in English required

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.

Employment Type: Full Time

Alternative Locations: Switzerland : Basel

Travel Percentage: 0 - 10%

Requisition ID: 13002