Director, BD Excellence Innovation

Job description

We are the people who give possibilities purpose BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world. Advancing the world of health™ is our Purpose, and it’s no small feat. It takes the imagination and passion of all of us—from design and engineering to the manufacturing and marketing of our billions of MedTech products per year—to look at the impossible and find transformative solutions that turn dreams into possibilities. 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. Education University 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 Competencies BD 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 Pe