Head of Innovation Strategy

Role & Responsibilities

This role leads the development and execution of China Surgery’s innovation strategy to accelerate long-term business growth. The Director will define portfolio priorities & local unmet needs, shape future growth platforms, establish an external innovation ecosystem, and ensure China becomes both a strategic growth market and a source of innovation for the global J&J MedTech.

A successful candidate will ultimately build the next generation of growth platforms for China Surgery.

The role will oversee upstream innovation strategy, local innovation governance, technology scouting, cross-functional incubation of new solutions – both internal & external, across Surgery platforms.

The main responsibilities include but not limited to the following:

Define & Narrate China Innovation Strategy: Identify attractive market adjacencies & growth opportunities, Translate customer, market, and technology trends into strategic priorities, Align China innovation priorities with Global Surgery strategy

Own Innovation governance: Led & shape local governance to align to global innovation cadence (R&D stage gates, BD processes, Launch excellence), Drive internal cross-functional alignment & execution accountability, Ensure excellence in upstream deliverables including but not limited to development project plan, strategic assessment, opportunity assessment, market model, TPP, financial model and resources needed

Build external innovation ecosystem: Explore and establish innovation partnership programs to incubate Surgery innovation across but not limited to customers, academies, industry, and internal capabilities; Proactively work closely and built trust-worth collaborations with multiple functions including China commercial marketing, market access, R&D, BD, Clinical, Regulatory Affairs, Medical Affairs, Supply Chain, Finance and GSM

Build organizational capability by building process excellence, creating innovation culture, and developing strategic assessment capabilities – through direct team leadership and indirect cross-functional leadership

Engage with customer and industry conferences / advisories to develop insights for strategy

Qualifications & Experience

Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree (MBA, Engineering, Life Sciences, Healthcare, or related discipline) preferred.

15+ years of experience in MedTech, healthcare, innovation strategy, product strategy, business development, management consulting, or related fields.

Demonstrated experience in innovation strategy, portfolio management, upstream marketing, or new business incubation.

Strong understanding of healthcare and MedTech market dynamics, preferably within the China market.

Proven track record of leading complex cross-functional initiatives in a matrix organization.

Experience building strategic partnerships and innovation ecosystems.

Strong business acumen with experience in strategic assessments, financial modeling, and investment decision-making.

Experience influencing senior leaders and leading teams in multinational organizations.

Core Competencies

Strategic Thinking & Innovation Leadership

Growth Strategy & Portfolio Management

Business and Financial Acumen

External Partnership & Ecosystem Development

Cross-functional Leadership & Stakeholder Management

Innovation Governance & Execution Excellence

Analytical Problem Solving & Decision Making

Organizational Capability Building

Executive Communication & Influence

Language Requirements: Fluent in Mandarin and English.