Sr Director Early Innovation Special Projects

Life Unlimited. At Smith+Nephew we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living. The Head of Special Projects, Robotics, Sensors & Navigation leads the identification, incubation, and acceleration of breakthrough technologies that will shape the next generation of digital-enabled healthcare solutions. This leader drives strategic innovation programs across robotics, sensing, navigation, autonomy, and intelligent systems, converting emerging technologies into future product platforms and growth opportunities.

What will you be doing?

Early Innovation Portfolio Leadership (90%)

Drive a portfolio of high-impact innovation projects across robotics, sensors, navigation, and enabling technologies.

Define technology roadmaps and investment priorities aligned with long-term business strategy.

Lead feasibility studies, proof-of-concepts, prototyping, and technology maturation.

Develop foundational capabilities in robotics, perception, sensing, navigation, simulation, and intelligent systems.

Build and manage collaborations with universities, startups, research institutions, and strategic partners.

Lead technology scouting, technical due diligence, and evaluation of emerging technologies.

Drive transition of promising concepts from early innovation into product development.

Enterprise Technology Leadership (10%)

Serve as a technical thought leader for future robotics, navigation, sensors and platform technologies.

Align innovation investments with strategic business priorities.

Measure success through technology milestones, IP creation, strategic partnerships, and product pipeline impact.

Location: Pittsburgh/Andover

Education: Master’s/Ph.D. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.

What will you need to be successful?

10+ years of product leadership experience, preferably in R&D‑intensive, platform‑driven, or technology‑first organizations.

Demonstrated success delivering AI‑powered products and platforms from concept through scale.

Strong background working with R&D, or applied research teams, with the ability to translate technical capabilities into product value.

Proven ability to influence without direct authority in complex, matrixed organizations.

Experience driving AI transformation of internal workflows, not just customer features.

Familiarity with developer tooling, and AI assisted software development.

Experience operating in regulated or IP sensitive environments.

Travel Requirements:  25%

• Inclusion + Belonging: Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving. Learn more about our Employee Inclusion Groups on our website https://www.smith-nephew.com/

• Your Future: 401k Matching Program, 401k Plus Program, Discounted Stock Options, Tuition Reimbursement  

• Work/Life Balance: Flexible Personal/Vacation Time Off, Paid Holidays, Flex Holidays, Paid Community Service Day  

• Your Wellbeing: Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account (Employer Contribution of $500+ annually), Employee Assistance Program, Parental Leave, Fertility and Adoption Assistance Program 

• Flexibility: Hybrid Work Model (For most professional roles)  

• Training: Hands-On, Team-Customized, Mentorship  

• Extra Perks: Discounts on fitness clubs, travel and more!  

Smith+Nephew provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.

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