Step into a transformative role at Blatchford as the Head of Digital Simulation & Analysis, where you'll lead their innovative journey in prosthetic and orthotic technology development. This is a unique opportunity to harness the power of digital simulation to drive groundbreaking advancements and set new industry standards. Department: Research and Development Location: Hybrid – average of 2 days p/week in Basingstoke Develop a high-performing and talented team of mechanical analysis and hard/software simulation engineers. Providing world-class computational analysis and simulation applications to provide meaningful insights & enabling technologies to advance the design/development of innovative prosthetic/orthotic technologies. Actively reducing reliance on physical prototyping and move towards decisions based on digital data and scientific evidence, strengthening validation methodologies. This senior role, reporting into the executive R&D leadership, will be expected to collaborate with all key R&D Leaders in the business, including some external strategic partners and be able to confidently accelerate our products to market with uncompromised quality. Working alongside other leadership roles in systems, hardware (electronics and mechanical) and software engineering teams, you'll drive forward brand new strategies which will allow Blatchford to advance it's NPD digital transformation to help bring to life time compression technology for it's hugely successful product portfolio. Key Responsibilities: Develop and implement digital simulation and analysis strategies for the R&D team (active in both Software and Hardware), ensuring alignment with overall business objectives and adherence to budgeted and forecasted projections. Provide leadership for the System Engineering journey, delivering insightful data and understanding of device performance to consistently achieve positive clinical outcomes for patients. Coordinate the R&D digital platform to manage product-related data and documents, automate workflows throughout the product lifecycle, and publish data across the infrastructure. Develop software, procedures, and processes to enhance innovation efficiency, reduce errors, and accelerate time-to-market for new products. Build and manage a diverse team of talented analysis and simulation engineers, fostering a collaborative, high-performing, and problem-solving environment. Recruit, onboard, and develop team members, providing mentorship and career development opportunities. Create and implement performance management plans, regularly evaluating team performance and providing constructive feedback. Foster a culture of open communication, knowledge sharing, and innovative thinking. Identify and prioritize strategic projects requiring simulation expertise, contributing to the R&D roadmap and identifying opportunities to improve efficiency in product launches. Manage and oversee the execution of complex simulation projects, ensuring timely delivery, adherence to budget constraints, and preparation of business cases to secure future strategic investments. Performance Standards and Expectations: A strong people leader with proven experience in develop high performing teams, able to research and learn new strategies, able to develop innovate development models to bring exceptional results with positive commercial impacts. Experience in mechanical/systems/software engineering application, ideally class I and II medical devices. Understanding risk management documentation, (ISO 14971) collaborating at design and project review meetings, comfortable presenting technical data, with recommended actions. Experience of operating in a safety critical or highly regulated industry, developing Technical files, Change management documentation and V&V activities. (ISO 13485 and FDA disciplines) Comprehensive experience in bringing (Electro-mechanical) medical devices products to market. Medical electrical equipment to ISO 60601. Including experience in mechanical, systems & software engineering. Reporting Structure: Reports to: Head of Product Development Direct Reports: 4 (Expected to grow to 7 in 2025-6) Internal and External Relationships: Systems Electronics Software Mechanical PLM Qualifications, Education, and Training: A degree in Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related science-based discipline. Strong understanding of MDR (Medical Device Regulation) and medical device engineering principles. Proficiency with tools such as Ansys FEA/CFD, MATLAB, OpenSim, and Simulink. Experience in managing Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions, such as Teamcenter, Windchill, or Enovia. Experience and Knowledge: 7–10 years of experience in R&D, process development, or technology development within FMCG or medical device industries, or in a similar field. A self-starter with the ability to manage time effectively and work proactively without close supervision. Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with experience working in fast-paced, matrix organizations. Ability to pitch ideas and business cases to executive leadership. Behaviors, Skills, and Competencies: Expertise in PLM/PDM (Product Lifecycle Management/Product Data Management). Strong foundation in Product Lifecycle processes and Data Analysis. Proficiency in Data Engineering, Deep Learning, Statistical Modelling, and Data Modelling. Experience with gait lab data and analysis tools. Knowledge of business process improvement methodologies, including Six Sigma, Lean Six Sigma, and DMAIC. Advanced skills in predictive modeling, MathWorks applications, and machine learning algorithms. Blatchford is committed to fostering a culture of open communication, knowledge sharing, and innovative thinking. We offer a flexible working environment that balances office and home-based locations to support our employees’ work-life balance. Blatchford is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.