R&D Director – Head of Strategic Innovation

About the role

LabWater is seeking a senior leader to head its Innovation Team and shape the adjacent franchise strategy. Based in Guyancourt, France, you will work closely with the Global Head of Innovation, R&D and Product Marketing to turn high‑potential ideas into viable portfolio concepts that complement the core business.

Key responsibilities

• Define and communicate a clear vision for the adjacent portfolio, aligning it with customer workflows and long‑term growth goals.
• Scout, screen, and select innovative ideas, assessing technical feasibility and early commercial potential.
• Conduct market sizing, pricing analysis, and go‑to‑market assessments for shortlisted concepts.
• Build and manage a disciplined portfolio funnel, ensuring rigorous transition criteria before moving to product development.
• Represent LabWater in business development, M&A, and partnership discussions, aligning opportunities with the franchise strategy.
• Collaborate with R&D, market insights, strategy, and finance teams to maintain consistent evaluation standards.
• Establish governance, milestones, metrics, and risk‑management processes for the portfolio.
• Report portfolio status and strategic rationale to senior leadership.

Required profile

• 10+ years of experience in corporate R&D, innovation, business development or strategy within life sciences, scientific equipment, healthcare or related high‑tech sectors.
• Proven track record of generating, evaluating and commercialising new concepts.
• Strong ability to link technical opportunities to real‑world customer workflows.
• Experience leading cross‑functional teams and influencing senior leadership.
• Capability to develop compelling business cases and high‑level economic models.
• MBA or equivalent business qualification; PhD in a scientific or engineering discipline is a plus.
• Global mindset with willingness to travel occasionally.

Required skills

• Market sizing and business modelling
• Preliminary commercial assessment
• Strategic portfolio management

What we offer

• Opportunity to lead innovation at a global scientific‑technology company.
• Collaborative, purpose‑driven environment focused on improving health and life‑science outcomes.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.