Program Director, Infection Prevention & Control Strategy

Job Description

The Program Director Infection Prevention & Control Strategy reports to the Global Lead Infection Prevention & Control and manages strategic projects in the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) organization at OCA. This key function contributes to the development and execution the global IPC key initiatives that support Olympus’ corporate strategic priorities.

The individual leads in the identification, evaluation and application of IPC relevant standards and technologies to shape Olympus strategy for device reprocessing and infection control. Furthermore, the candidate is a key member of the global Infection Prevention organization and collaborates with cross-functional teams including internal/external business stakeholders within R&D, Quality and Regulatory, Olympus business units, and the broader Olympus organization as appropriate.

Job Duties

• Develops and executes on global IPC key initiatives, together with the Global IPC team and cross-functional partners.
• Aligned with global corporate strategies and IPC key initiatives develops and implements effective strategies, policies and practices in compliance with local, regional as well as global regulations to maximize infection prevention and control measures for the entire Olympus portfolio of products and services. 
• Incorporates infection prevention related standards, regulatory guidelines and technologies to shape Olympus approach to validation of medical devices for reprocessing, test method development, and response to relevant regulatory or other stakeholder requests
• Using direct product and practice knowledge, guides continuous improvement in Olympus’s approach to “Design-for-Reprocessing”, including product improvements, human factor awareness, process controls and education.
• Leads and coordinates global activities and special projects and ensures collaboration and implementation across regions and divisions. 
• Assesses and regularly reports progress, challenges and achievements to the Global Lead Infection Prevention & Control as well as Global Executive IP committees
• Takes an active role in the planning and monitoring of the project related global IPC budget.
• As part of the Global IP organization, establishes new processes to evaluate infection risk of Olympus products to patients and collaborates on potential field actions (HHAs).
• Plays a key role in post-market surveillance and risk management projects in the field of infection prevention while collaborating to incorporate relevant observations into design of product and practice.
• Collaborates with other IP Directors across Olympus to share and enhance current knowledge, best practices, and ensure consistent implementation of global infection prevention and control standards.
• Identifies, establishes and maintains relationships with global, regional and national professional societies and associations related to infection prevention and control.  
• Identifies, establishes and maintains relationships with regional and global industry key thought leaders and external subject matter experts.
• Acts as key IPC representative for Olympus at regional and global annual meetings, panels and summits as a contributor as well as observer, depending upon Olympus’ required role.
• Serves as global Olympus representative with other industry participants in related areas and manage intercompany communication, provision of equipment for testing, and the dissemination of information, as requested.
• Performs other duties as required.

Job Qualifications

Required:

• Master’s degree (e.g. MS,Master of Science) in microbiology, epidemiology, biomedical sciences, medical device engineering, hospital hygiene / infection prevention or related field, PhD preferred 
• CFER and CIC certification.
• Minimum of 10 years of healthcare device experience, preferably in the area of R&D, quality and regulatory, marketing, or business strategy.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in infection prevention or diseases surveillance in a public health setting preferred.
• In-depth knowledge of applicable endoscope reprocessing standards (e.g., AAMI, AORN, APIC).
• Comprehensive understanding of clinical research, data analysis, clinical landscape, publications, and well-developed commercial acumen for cross functional collaboration. 
• Extensive experience in communicating with external stakeholders including clinicians, allied health professionals, and regulators. 
• Strong consulting, facilitation, and communication skills bridging between scientific and business priorities.
• Experience working in a global cross-functional team (functional/matrix) environment and experience working with groups with varied cultural backgrounds and learning styles is required.
• Other Considerations (travel/hours availability, etc.): Ability to travel 10-20% (domestic and international)

Preferred:

• Proactive, resourceful and self-motivated. 
• Ability to exemplify a high level of business acumen. 
• Comfortable in delivering presentations to audiences in the medical and healthcare industry as well as providing training to internal and external personnel (e.g.: Olympus sales and marketing, physicians, nurses, C-suite, etc.).
• Knowledge of applicable regulatory/quality regulations.
• Solution-oriented way of thinking and strong communication skills.
• Familiarity with MS Office and other ancillary software is essential.