Regional Research Director Europe (f/m/d)

Job description

Job Description SummaryThe Regional Research Director Europe (f/m/d) is responsible for leading a team of Regional Research Managers across multiple countries and driving the organization's research, innovation, and academic collaboration strategy. This role combines strategic leadership, external partnership development, research funding acquisition and operational execution to advance scientific innovation and business growth. The Director will establish and manage a high-impact portfolio of collaborations with leading academic institutions, healthcare providers, government agencies, and research organizations while ensuring alignment with company priorities. In addition to leading and developing a team, the Director will personally engage with executive stakeholders, key opinion leaders, funding bodies, and strategic partners to accelerate innovation, research output, and long-term value creation. This position can be based in any European country where GE HealthCare has a legal entity. We welcome applications from candidates across Europe. At GE HealthCare, our machines, our software, our solutions, our services, and our people make a genuine difference to medical professionals and patients all over the world. That’s because we never lose sight of what healthcare really needs—the human touch. Job DescriptionJob Description Summary: The Regional Research Director Europe (f/m/d) is responsible for leading a team of Regional Research Managers across multiple countries and driving the organization's research, innovation, and academic collaboration strategy. This role combines strategic leadership, external partnership development, research funding acquisition and operational execution to advance scientific innovation and business growth. The Director will establish and manage a high-impact portfolio of collaborations with leading academic institutions, healthcare providers, government agencies, and research organizations while ensuring alignment with company priorities. In addition to leading and developing a team, the Director will personally engage with executive stakeholders, key opinion leaders, funding bodies, and strategic partners to accelerate innovation, research output, and long-term value creation. This position can be based in any European country where GE HealthCare has a legal entity. We welcome applications from candidates across Europe. Roles and Responsibilities: Strategic Research & Collaboration Leadership Define and execute the regional research and collaboration strategy aligned with business and innovation priorities. Identify, prioritize, and personally lead strategic partnerships with leading academic institutions, healthcare systems, research organizations, and government agencies. Develop long-term collaboration frameworks that create scientific, clinical, and commercial value. Serve as the senior representative for research and collaboration activities with external partners and key stakeholders. Advise senior leadership on emerging scientific opportunities, innovation trends, and strategic investments. Team Leadership & Capability Development Lead, coach, and develop a team of Regional Research Managers across multiple geographies. Establish performance objectives, development plans, and operational priorities for the team. Build organizational capabilities in collaboration management, grant funding, research operations, and stakeholder engagement. Foster a high-performance culture focused on innovation, customer impact, scientific excellence, and execution. Ensure effective resource allocation and prioritization across the collaboration portfolio. Research Portfolio & Partnership Management Oversee the regional portfolio of research collaborations, grants, consortiums, and innovation programs. Personally lead high-priority strategic accounts, executive relationships, and flagship academic partnerships. Ensure collaboration objectives, deliverables, milestones, and outcomes are achieved. Chair governance reviews and executive steering committees for major collaboration programs. Measure and communicate the scientific, clinical, operational, and business impact of collaboration activities. Funding Strategy & Grant Leadership Define the regional strategy for external funding opportunities, including government, academic and industry. In alignment with the organization's Grant Office, identify, evaluate, and prioritize funding opportunities that support strategic research and innovation objectives. Guide and support the development of competitive grant applications, funding proposals, and consortium submissions in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. Build and maintain relationships with funding agencies, research councils, academic institutions, and innovation networks. Oversee funding pipelines, submissions, award management, compliance requirements, and reporting obligations. Drive sustainable growth in externally funded research programs and maximize the organization's success in securing external research investments. Executive Stakeholder Engagement Build and maintain relationships with senior executives, healthcare leaders, academic researchers, government agencies, and industry partners. Act as the primary escalation point for strategic partnership opportunities and challenges. Represent the organization at scientific conferences, innovation forums, industry events, and research consortium meetings. Facilitate executive-level discussions that advance strategic collaborations and long-term partnerships. Cross-Functional Leadership Partner closely with Research, Clinical, Regulatory, Legal, Product Development, Commercial, and Government Affairs teams. Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory, legal, privacy, ethical, and intellectual property requirements. Drive alignment between research initiatives and broader organizational objectives. Support translation of research outcomes into innovation, product development, customer solutions, and market impact. Operational Excellence & Governance Establish governance frameworks, KPIs, and performance metrics for collaboration programs. Monitor project execution, risks, budgets, timelines, and resource utilization. Ensure accurate documentation of collaboration agreements, funding activities, and research outcomes. Provide regular executive updates and strategic recommendations to senior leadership. Required Qualifications: PhD, MD, or advanced degree in Life Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Healthcare, Medical Imaging, or related scientific field. Significant experience leading research, scientific affairs, innovation, academic partnerships, or collaboration programs within healthcare, med-tech, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or related industries. Demonstrated experience managing teams and developing high-performing talent. Proven success developing and managing strategic partnerships with academic institutions, hospitals, research organizations, and government agencies. Strong experience in research grant acquisition, funding programs, and multi-stakeholder project leadership. Experience influencing executive stakeholders and leading complex cross-functional initiatives. Strong understanding of research governance, compliance, regulatory, contracting, and intellectual property considerations. Desired Characteristics: Strategic and visionary leader with a passion for healthcare innovation and translational science. Ability to operate effectively across scientific, clinical, commercial, and governmental environments. Proven ability to influence without authority and lead through collaboration. Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building capabilities. Results-oriented leader with strong project governance and operational execution skills. Global mindset with experience working across cultures and geographic regions. Benefits: Benefits and compensation packages are aligned with local market practices and regulations